Trends and Impacts: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
It’s obvious. Consumer adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and government mandates for increased manufacture of EVs has put a noticeable number of EVs on the road in a relatively short timeframe. And the number of EVs is projected to grow at an accelerated rate. So, what are the latest trends and impacts we’re seeing related to EV Charging Stations (EVCSs)? A conversation with Aleksandar Rankovic, PE, LEED Green Assoc., and Principal at Envision proves very insightful.
Background on the Rise of EVs and the Latest NREL Report
In August 2021, President Biden’s Executive Order 14037 set an ambitious new goal to make half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 zero-emissions vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles. This executive order is a main driver behind the increase in EVs and the demand for EVCS ports. A recent report prepared by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) identified the number of current public EVCS ports as of Q1 2023 and revealed some interesting facts, trends, and projections. For example, during Q1, there was nearly a 4% increase in public EVCS ports across the US, with approximately 100,000 public EVCS ports nationwide (led by the state of California). Another interesting NREL data point for perspective: the demand for EVCS ports to comply with Executive Order 14037 would require a total of 1.2 million EVCS ports by 2030—an additional over 1 million+ EVCS ports in seven short years.
How Much Power Does It Take? Assessing Electrical Capacity for EVCSs
“We’re always tracking and staying knowledgeable of the latest trends and technology to best serve our clients. The impact of the exponential growth of EVs and the correlating demand for EVCSs is best described within the context of our project experience,” said Rankovic, a recognized expert who has led the way in EVCS design for public agencies on numerous projects throughout Utah.
To assess the power it takes to support EVCSs, Rankovic points to two main scenarios: projects with enough existing electrical capacity in place to meet EVCS demands; and projects that require new power service to meet EVCS demands. Depending on the EVCS levels required/desired, Envision evaluates the electrical capacity necessary and available. For public and larger-scale private projects, Level 2 EVCSs (240V, 6-20kw, 4-10 hr. charge time) and DCFC EVCSs (sometimes referred to as Level 3 EVCSs, 50-350kw, 20-60 min. charge time) are most typical.
For projects with enough existing power capacity, Envision provides engineering expertise to maximize capacity with the use of load sharing “smart chargers” and other design innovations to level loads and reduce and/or control energy costs. For projects with EVCS demands that exceed existing power capacity, Envision provides coordination and approvals with local power companies to design and extend the necessary new power service to the project site or location. Depending on the amount of projected power requirements (sometimes megawatts), a study may be required to assess the impact on the power company’s grid and supply to meet future power needs. Envision also assists owners with considerations to prepare for power outages which could significantly impact EVs, particularly for vital public and private fleet operations. Evaluating options for back-up energy sources may include solar, battery storage, or generators, for instance.
Embracing the Future: EVCS Planning at the Salt Lake City International Airport
When it comes to Envision EVCS services, Rankovic points to the Salt Lake City International Airport as a progressive client actively implementing clean and efficient energy by installing and pursuing future planning for EVCSs. Continuously since 2017, the Airport Authority has trusted Envision to design EVCSs at the economy and employee parking lots, the new parking structure, and for fleet operations (construction ongoing). In addition to EVCS design, in 2022, Envision was commissioned to provide a planning study to determine the number of future charging stations needed for the airport in multiple phases from 2023 through 2034.
Envision also regularly provides design and studies for EVCS infrastructure for school districts, cities, counties, developers, and architects. “With the growth in EVs, as electrical engineers, we routinely encounter the need and goal of owners in both public and private sectors to provide EVCS infrastructure as part of nearly every project we undertake,” said Rankovic. He continued, “Whether EVCSs are built during construction or future EVCS capacity is planned for—servicing the demands of EV charging is increasingly top of mind.”
For more information on effective EVCS planning and design, reach out to Aleksandar Rankovic at info@envisioneng.com.