EV Charging: How To Future-Proof Build A DC Fast-Charger Project

It’s been a while since I wrote a full article on LinkedIn. This time I’d like to share our learning experience as LeadingAhead Energy has commissioned its first fast-charging project two weeks ago in Squamish, BC. Managing such a project teaches you that the way it’s “been done” isn’t always the way it “has to be done.” Using DC Fast Charging (DCFC) sites on a regular basis, I had a great idea of '“dos and don’ts”. From the beginning, we put a lot of thought into details such as location, site aesthetics, custom features, future update compatibility, and accessibility. We’ve listened to what the community and our client wanted and implemented it into the project instead of rushing to the next one. We were aware that BC Hydro was conducting a survey to know if their DCFC sites were accessible to wheelchairs. Evaluating all current DCFC in the province, we assessed that around 90% of the DCFC project installed in British Columbia do not accommodate wheelchair accessibility. Although there are very few electric vehicles adapted for wheelchairs presently, these charging sites will be around for many years.

As the popularity of Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) is rapidly increasing, it is important to carefully evaluate key points:

Stakeholders

• Planning a project always starts by evaluating who will need to work on the project. Listing all stakeholders, whether it’s the suppliers, installers, lenders, or government officials, it is imperative to draw up that list in order to map out a project. 

In the EV charging infrastructure industry, here are the most important stakeholders on a DC Fast Charging station project: (Note: It also included the government grant application with NRCan).

-      The client (when applicable)

-      Project management (Internally or external help)

-      Land surveyor (when applicable)

-      Electrical engineer

-      Utility provider

-      Electrical contractor

-      EVSE Supplier/manufacturer

-      EV Network supplier

-      Government funding body

-      Lawyer (when applicable)

-      The municipality (permits)

-      Landscaping

Location

• Location is everything when it comes to fast charging scenarios as some areas would be prone to level 2 charging stations instead of level 3. A mix of both could be ideal when possible. The best location for a fast-charging unit is by a highway that is still close to a municipality. That way, you get visibility from the heavily trafficked roads but also the close-by neighbourhoods. The gas stations industry has understood this concept a long-time ago. High-density neighbourhoods where street parking is most common is also an excellent location.

Budget

• Budgeting is a vital phase in the planning. Before beginning any EV charging infrastructure project on a DCFC, it’s required to know how much each of the stakeholder fees will be. Costs can fluctuate as a typical DCFC project will take anywhere between 6 to 18 months depending on grant applications, utility provider responsiveness, permit hurdles, and seasons in some areas. If planning to apply for government funding, providing proof of 50% of project funding will be required. (In Canada)

Government Funding

• Many jurisdictions around the world have government programs to help increase the infrastructure of DCFC. Paying attention to all levels of governments locally can reduce the project costs significantly to the project owner. Once the project has the green light to move forward, it is now time to apply to the available government grants. This may sound backward but most government grants will require all of the above information to assure the applicant has made sufficient effort in the project prior to applying to the government funding. This way, governments are eliminating less serious applications, saving time and resources.

Available Power (Utility Provider)

• In most cases, the local utility company will be involved in the project as DCFCs draw a lot of power. A new electrical service might be needed if there is not enough power on-site. It is important to contact the utility to assure that it can deliver the required amount of power at the desired DCFC location. It is also time to decided what type of DCFC will be installed HPC or 50kW. (see below in supplier)

Land Ownership (or Lease)

• If the owner of the DCFC project owns the land, the process will be much easier. If the proponent of the DCFC project leases the land, a legal agreement will need to be made between the landowner and the DCFC project owner in order to move the project ahead. This typically needs to be sorted out prior to the grant application.

Suppliers (Hardware and Software)

• At LeadingAhead Energy, we provide a turn-key solution to match our clients’ needs with the appropriate supplier.

Hardware: Since there is a vast variety of charging stations and networks to choose from, it is important to evaluate which one will best serve your project from 50kW (first gen DCFC) to 350kW (High Power Charging). Other differences include the size of the unit (footprint), accessibility, reliability, design, customization, compatible networks, interoperability (OCPP), etc.

Software: There are many different network providers to choose from, all of which serve differing needs. Some networks are proprietary which means they will only work with the same brand of hardware.

Open Charge Point Protocol VS Proprietary Solution

• OCPP integrates all hardware with OCPP operating software. When a client purchases OCPP compatible hardware, the host has the freedom to choose which network provider they wish to monitor the charging station with. If a client isn’t satisfied with its software (mobile app) provider, he can move to another supplier. It’s easier than doing the same with a cell phone, as there is no need to replace the SIM card or do an on-site visit. As the best hardware manufacturer is rarely the same for level 2 and DCFC, it’s important to be able to bring all hardware under one operating platform. OCPP is regulated by the Open Charge Alliance.
• Proprietary: Within a proprietary network solution, the station owner will be locked into the same app and management software vendor for the lifetime of the station, as no other back end can be integrated into that EV charging unit. The client is subject to future fee increases, network issues, future expansion, and whatever level of customer service the vendor provides. It is similar to having a phone that can only connect to one provider. Although a proprietary network can be a good option for some, be aware as some brands running on a proprietary network will claim to be OCPP to win business. Shiny marketing isn’t always true.

Future-Proofing

• This a key point considered the capital involvement of such a project. Sales and popularity of EVs are rapidly rising so is the number of vehicles offering from car manufacturers. Installing or at minimum planning for more than one DC fast charging station is crucial as the need for EV charging is increasing monthly. Planning for the electrical infrastructure, conduits, stalls, and such will save a lot of money in the long run when it’s time for additional stations to avoid starting from square one. Using an OCPP approach is also another clever way of future-proofing the investment to avoid vendor lock-in and have access to a broader range of manufacturers especially when mixing level 2 and level 3 (DCFC) chargers under one portfolio.

For the full article visit our website: www.leadingaheadenergy.com/ev-news/2020/6/4/dcfc-project

Comments

We are proud to provide well needed fast-charging stations in Squamish accelerating the EV adoption in BC and the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. It was a pleasure to work with LeadingAhead Energy on this project. LeadingAhead Energy was overseeing the entire project, which includes BC Hydro, electrical engineers, contractors, surveyors, municipalities, suppliers, shipping, and installation. We will work with them again. NRCan funding has been a key contributor to this project allowing such projects to move ahead and reduce Canada’s environmental impact.

Fred Hamel

Squamish Liquor Store

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LeadingAhead Energy’s main goal is to accelerate the adoption of EVs by providing key industry expertise to our clients. It was a joy to work with the Squamish Liquor Store. Through the whole project, we focused on the community representing the Chief and the Howe Sounds with custom graphics as well as including wheelchair access in the design layout. The two fast-charging stations are operated by a Canadian open network (OCPP) company future-proofing our client’s and NRCan’s investment.

Maxime Charron

President, LeadingAhead Energy Inc