How to Optimize EV Charging Locations in Parking Facilities

Is your parking facility EV-ready for the vehicles of the future? Whether you manage parking for a hotel, retail area, medical facility, apartment building, restaurant, or another type of business, EV infrastructure planning will become increasingly important. Customer convenience is the key. As more people switch from conventional cars to electric vehicles (EVs), either to save on fuel costs or to help fight climate change, they’ll need somewhere to charge them away from home. Offering EV charging in your parking facility can be the edge you need for greater customer satisfaction and increased profits. 

Keep reading to learn how to plan for electric vehicle parking. We explain how to optimize EV charging locations while ensuring a seamless parking experience for your customers, with minimal congestion.

The Importance of Providing EV Charging for Your Parking Customers

There are currently 2.4 million EVs on the road in the U.S. The J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study^SM reports that among current EV owners, satisfaction with public EV charging infrastructure has declined. According to Ernst & Young, almost half of U.S. consumers are considering an electric vehicle in the next two years—but they’re worried about finding places to charge them. Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) are seen as the best way to help meet U.S. climate goals of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and automakers plan to offer only zero-emission vehicles by 2030 and 2040. EV is the future. The greatest challenge, however, is EV charging and parking lot infrastructure. 

Of all the amenities you provide for your parking customers, easy access to EV charging stations will soon be an important part of parking facility management. Put your facility ahead of the competition by being future-ready.

What You Need to Know About EV Charging Stations in a Parking Facility

When thinking about adding EV charging stations to your parking lot or garage, there are some important considerations.

EV Infrastructure Planning

In the early planning stage, check with federal and local government agencies to see if there are tax incentives or grants that your organization can take advantage of. Think about the traffic flow of your facility, the best location(s), the types of charging stations you want to have, and how many you’ll need.

Efficient Customer Traffic Flow

Map out the current traffic flow of your parking facility. Install EV charging stations at a location away from an entrance or exit, so as not to disrupt the flow of vehicles and pedestrians. Your EV users and other customers will appreciate your EV location planning, which will streamline your operation.

Location of EV Stations Within the Facility

Where should electric vehicle charging stations be placed? Consider your business and customers’ needs. Ensure there are convenient parking spaces next to the charger so that customers can start the charger, go about their business, and come back to a fully charged vehicle! You may wish to offer prime parking spots for EVs as part of your parking structure plans, to encourage EV usage.

You may be asking, “How do I make my EV charge more accessible?”. For customers with disabilities, make sure that your charging stations have easy-to-reach plugs and plenty of space to get in and out of the vehicle and use the charger.

EV Charging Duration, Charger Types, and Connectors

There are three types of EV chargers:

• Level 1 Charging – 5 miles of range for one hour of charging
• Level 2 Charging – 25 miles of range for 1 hour of charging
• DC Fast Charging – 100-200+ miles of range for 30 minutes of charging

Most EVs include a portable Level 1 cord, which uses a universal connector (plug). For level 2 and DC fast chargers, connectors can vary. Providing charging stations with multiple connectors to accommodate diverse EV owners is an essential part of EV infrastructure planning.     

Ideal Number of EV Charging Stations

For now, you don’t need a charging station for every parking space. The ideal number of EV charging stations will depend on the demand and your facility’s proximity to other charging stations in the area. Consider that Kelley Blue Book estimates that EVs will reach 10% of the U.S. market in 2024. This would mean 10 EVs in every 100 vehicles.

Other considerations for EV charging stations include lighting, height, and placement of plugs, clear signage, a covered waiting area, and pricing and safety information. 

FC Valet Provides Solutions for Top-Quality Parking Lot Management

FC Valet provides cost-effective solutions to enhance your parking facility and streamline its management. Offering EV charging can attract new customers, keep existing customers, maximize usage, and create an additional revenue source for your organization. It also gives you another marketing tool with which to advertise, highlighting your company’s commitment to sustainability.
Ready to elevate your parking facility to perfection? Reach out to FC Valet for expert parking management solutions, EV infrastructure planning, and beyond. We are eager to connect with you!