These days, sales of automobiles are dominated by electric vehicles, or EVs. In 2023, the United States sold a record 1.2 million electric vehicles (EVs), with Illinois ranking among the top 10 states in the country for EV registrations. And that is going to increase dramatically since, historically, our state has not had a lot of access to DC fast charging stations and level 2 charging stations.
A rising number of people are calling for charging stations in public and workplace settings, even though most people install their cars at home. Furthermore, Comed recently unveiled a substantial discount program for level 2 chargers intended for both public and commercial use. The purchase of EV cars and the kind support from the Utility to install such chargers in public areas will likely cause public access to chargers to nearly double over the next several years.
The installation of EV car charging stations in public parking lots is beneficial for a variety of public locations, including fast food outlets, fire departments, police departments, and public libraries. The demand for these systems as well as the proportion of renters driving these cars will rise in multifamily parking lots for apartment complexes and condominiums.
You might be asking yourself, “Why would anyone want to drive an EV?” Since they are so responsive and a lot of fun to drive, it’s unlikely that you’ve done so. Additionally, running an electric car is significantly less expensive than driving a conventional car.
Put another way, there are a lot of advantages to public car charging stations. In addition to monetary value, the public and employees will view the public organization or business as having a higher value. In addition to being a profitable investment, it has the potential to draw in and hold onto customers.
You may use an EV charging station to draw in paying clients. These could be passersby who are prepared to spend money while their car charges, or they could just be customers who are choosing more and more businesses that offer EV charging.
Although the majority of EV charging stations at work have been reserved for the owners, more and more workers will value this and it will aid in staff retention. Furthermore, the trend of more commercial fleets switching to EVs or PHEVs will increase demand for charging stations.
A growing number of people drive electric vehicles (EVs) yet do not have a designated spot at home or at work to charge them. It can be significant to offer up a charger in order to generate income, or at the very least, to influence the decision to purchase a charger to a net positive value.
By installing chargers that activate the EV Match software system, we enable both free and charged charging, giving the owner an advantage over the energy used by other users to charge their car. We also support the creative EV XYZ system and local software from EV Energy Group in Park Ridge, IL.
For nearly ten years, WallBox, an innovative Spanish startup, has been leading the way in the global EV vehicle charger market. These high-end Pulsar PRO chargers for use in the workplace are incredibly simple in design, sleek, and lightweight.
These goods are available as 48- and 40-amp chargers, which are ideal for commercial Level 2 chargers. This system’s ability to share a single breaker in situations where panel space is limited is one of our favorite features. It follows that a single 50 amp breaker can accommodate up to three 40 amp chargers. One charger receives all of the power, another uses 20 amps, and so on. When a panel or building’s capacity is unavailable, this enables dynamic charging.
Lastly, the ISO 15118 standard for utility rebates, which is a prerequisite for EV charging in the future, is satisfied by this device. This permits people to charge and pay for this service without having a credit card or app on hand, in addition to allowing the grid to safely regulate energy usage.
Although it may mount straight to the wall, we normally recommend this EV charger to buildings that have stands with two charges on each stand. Apart from the basic stand, there is an enhanced stand available that comes with retractable cables and offers excellent value for the additional expense.
The WallBox software that comes with this business EV car charger has the ability to charge customers for charging. Furthermore, to fulfill any requirement for public space, we can install EV Match or EV XYZ software for an enhanced system with reservations and more.
A three-year warranty is standard on the WallBox Pulsar PRO, but an extended five-year warranty is also available, which covers vandalism and mishaps like a snow plow running over the apparatus.
There are various options from Autel, another manufacturer that complies with ISO 15118, to choose from when installing business EV car charging systems. EV car charging is a new market for Autel, a Chinese business with a long history of high quality products.
The Autel MaxiCharger may be adjusted to charge at a maximum speed of 50 amps on a single unit. There are many installations of this tried-and-true charger worldwide, including one that Verde electricians put in directly across the street from us. This charger offers our clients all the same advantages, plus it comes with a pedestal that can accommodate two 50 amp chargers if necessary.
This commercial charger can give up to kW of power on level 2 charging for electric vehicles, and it can do so up to 9 times faster than a residential charger.
The improved EVMatch reservation system and other features are currently available with this Autel MaxiCharger in addition to their standard software.
The default app functions nicely, providing a clear summary of charging sessions along with the ability to pause and resume charging. Although more of a home feature, it also lets Siri and Alexa to start and stop charging, which would appeal to business owners.
There is a three-year warranty on this commercial EV car charger.
The sturdy stand, retractable cables, and sleek appearance of this high-end EV car charger are all included. This charger, which has two ports and is more expensive than the Autel base charger but is frequently subsidized by nearby utilities, is still worth the extra money.
Being ISO 15118 compliant, the MaxiCharger AC Ultra supports grids and allows credit card purchases and app-free charging. This is one of the more expensive chargers, but we think it works well in a lot of public and business settings.
In addition to being more stylish than others, this powerful charger has extra built-in functionality. Fast charging (19.2 kw) (75 miles per hour) is possible with this charger at 240V and up to 80 amp. Smart charging and fleet management are also supported, and it has an 8-inch touch screen.
We provide a three-year warranty with this product.
The JuiceBox Pro EV Car Charger is among our top recommendations. 32 amp, 40 amp, or 48 amp business level 2 charger options are available for this device, which is specifically made for commercial use. Currently, the most popular model is the JuiceBox Pro 40, however faster charging and higher amperage are the future trends. Though it should be noted that this 40 amp version is not to be mistaken with level 3 rapid charging for highways and rest areas, since it can charge 25 miles in an hour, making it an ideal option for public access.
We have installed these for multifamily applications and libraries in Chicago, Oak Park, and the Vernon Area because we like the product’s straightforward design.
Both wall mounting and stand mounting options are available for these units (or charging ports). Furthermore, they provide a more costly optional pedestal that has a retractable wire management system.
The range of choices is advantageous since every use has a distinct purpose for a building and a society. In Chicagoland, we see and install a lot of JuiceBox Pro devices. They come with a 3-year warranty and a very reasonable 5-year extended warranty.
For hardware management, we now advise installing EVMatch software. This hardware will start selling soon and be qualified for incentives and rebates. It is anticipated to achieve ISO 15118 by mid-2024.
The EVBox Iqon is an additional fantastic choice; it has two retractable 30 amp charger connections as standard and a more stylish stand.
This product truly stands up for a few instances as the optimal product, even though it has less level 2 charging possibilities than JuiceBox. The Iqon is more affordable when compared to the Pedestal with retractable cords. Our favorite feature, though, is that a single 32 amp supply can provide two charging connections. Up to 25 miles per hour of full power charging is applied to the first automobile as soon as it plugs in. Half the electricity is supplied to each cars when they plug in to the other port. This configuration, while not ideal, permits two ports to be provided by a building with a limited power supply.
This product can be powered by two 32 amp circuits, which means it can charge two ports more quickly if power is available.
We enjoy that this device is confidently backed up with a standard 5-year warranty. They also have a local presence and commitment because they are kept in Libertyville, Illinois.
Comed just announced their subsidies for level 2 chargers for public and private spaces. These are listed in the order below.
Buildings that are public or commercial in Comed territory are eligible to earn a $5,333 reimbursement for installing level 2 chargers. Since the reward is per port, each JuiceBox and Iqon will receive $5,333 and $10,666, respectively.
For every port, public and commercial buildings in financially troubled areas are reimbursed $8,000 in total. Accordingly, each Iqon gets $16,000 and each JuiceBox gets $8,000.
Various incentives are available to encourage the use of EV fleet vehicles, DC fast charging, and residential use. All of the programs will probably run out of financing, so we advise our clients to move quickly because these new initiatives can be erratic at first.
Illinois and the federal government provide enticing incentives for putting in electric vehicle charging stations. These incentives are a component of an encouraging network to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles and their charging. In addition to public transportation, our government is attempting to promote a mode of transportation with less carbon emissions by taking this action.
In July 2022, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) introduced the Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate, which provides up to 80% in reimbursements for building DC Fast Charging and Level 2 stations.
The IEPA also oversees the Transportation Electrification Infrastructure Projects, which allocates $70 million in funding for infrastructure that supports electric car charging, with a focus on fleets, school buses, public transportation, and medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
A complex program called the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Program (REV Illinois Program) aims to accelerate the state’s transition to electric vehicles and promote a strong clean energy economy.
All materials and tools needed to construct and outfit electric vehicles (EVs) are included in this program. With the program’s expansion in 2023, businesses that manufacture renewable energy equipment, such as wind turbines and solar panels, will now receive tax credits.
These tax credits are designed to incentivize both major enterprises and smaller entrepreneurs venturing into the renewable energy industry. They are tier-based and contingent on investment and job development.
In especially in underprivileged areas, the program provides funding for public-private partnerships to create creative and easily accessible EV charging infrastructure.
Businesses and communities managing the switch to electric vehicles and sustainable energy can receive technical support from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). To provide a trained workforce for the expanding clean energy industry, the program works with training providers and academic institutions.
With the help of infrastructure development, workforce training, and financial incentives, REV Illinois hopes to establish a comprehensive ecosystem that will help the clean energy sector flourish and establish Illinois as a pioneer in the state’s shift to electric vehicles.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 created the IRS Home Charging Equipment Credit, which provides a 30% tax credit for the purchase and installation of approved home charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs), up to a maximum of $1,000. This credit is a compelling choice for households wishing to increase the affordability and convenience of charging their electric vehicle (EV) because it is applicable to both Level 2 AC chargers and DC Fast Chargers.
The charging station needs to be built at your primary residence and fulfill certain efficiency and safety requirements in order to be eligible for the credit. You also have to be the owner of the EV and utilize it mostly within the United States. You can utilize Form 8911 to claim the credit on your federal income tax return, which will offset your tax burden dollar for dollar. It’s crucial to remember that this credit, which is presently scheduled to expire at the end of 2032, only applies to charging stations installed after December 31st, 2022.
Federal EV Tax Credit: This credit, which varies from $2,500 to $7,500 based on the model and battery capacity, is available for the purchase of new electric vehicles. a tax relief for buying new, qualified electric vehicles, as introduced by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Depending on the EV’s type and battery capacity, the credit amount can vary from $2,500 to $7,500.
By claiming the credit on your federal income tax return, you can dollar for dollar lower your tax obligation. The car must meet certain battery size and manufacture standards, and it must have been bought brand-new after December 31, 2022, in order to be eligible.
Your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) must also fall below a certain criteria. Even though few companies or owners are affected by this, it is an essential step in the advancement of EVs.
States can use the $5 billion provided by the NEVI initiative to expand their networks of EV charging stations.
A formula based on population and EV adoption determines how the $5 billion initiative, which was established by the bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021, is distributed to states over a period of five years. A base grant and a bonus based on performance are given to each state.
The money can be used for a number of things, such as constructing charging stations in underserved communities, rural areas, and multi-unit buildings, installing DC fast chargers (150kW or higher) along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs), and supporting interoperable data sharing networks for EV charging infrastructure. Lastly, this program can also incorporate the implementation of staff development initiatives for the installation and maintenance of EV charging stations.
Thousands of new jobs and the installation of thousands of charging stations across the nation are anticipated to be sparked by the NEVI program.
Access to more charging stations will lessen range anxiety, a significant deterrent to the adoption of electric vehicles, and help cut down on air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Because of the program’s flexibility and adaptability, states can customize their programs to fit their unique requirements and goals.
Even if the NEVI program is a big step in the right direction, more funding and creativity will be required to build a reliable and just national network of EV charging stations.
We’ve got you covered if you’re bewildered by all of these overlapping incentives. By scheduling an EV car charging assessment with us, we may provide you with access to a variety of fantastic incentives. It actually boils down to two things, despite the fact that it can feel overwhelming. Does your company want an electric vehicle charger installed in your area, and do the incentives support your decision?
In Illinois, there are more and more incentives available for electric vehicles. Businesses may choose to expense or depreciate this capital improvement. Furthermore, a 30% credit is available from the federal government to help with the cost of a new EV car charging station.
Apart from grants, this expanding business is supported by federal, state, and local government incentives. Currently, Illinois offers a tax credit equal to 50% of the installation costs, with the maximum amount dependent on complexity being $10,000.
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