One of the most challenging issues facing owners considering installing EV charging technology is infrastructure. EV technology isn’t self-contained. It requires power supplied by a local utility, wiring to convey that power, a conduit to house the wires, and charging stations. Retrofitting existing parking facilities to accommodate this infrastructure can be challenging and including it in new development requires careful planning.
The first consideration when installing electrical vehicle charging is what is available from the utility or your existing electrical service. In existing installations, it is important to engage with an electrical engineer or contractor to help you understand what is available to you to use for the installation of EV chargers. Tasks such as site investigations, demand metering, and electric load analysis are key to understanding what your existing equipment can handle.
When dealing with new construction, it is important to discuss your needs with your electrical engineer. Electrical engineers can perform preliminary load analysis to understand what impacts your EV needs will have on your system size and voltage. In addition, once these impacts are understood, it is important to reach out to your local utility to ensure they can provide the power you require and determine what equipment may be needed for your site.
It’s essential to consider not just immediate EV infrastructure needs, but anticipated needs over the next decade or so. Integrating EV technology is simplest in new construction as your considerations merely consist of running wires and conduits to charging stations as part of your initial construction process. In existing installations, the construction is more complicated. In addition to the study required to understand your existing electrical service, you will also need to consider your structure. The type of structure (wood frame, block, and plank, cast in place, or post-tension) will have an effect on the ease of installation and cost.
It is important when dealing with existing installations to engage a designer and/or construction consultant who is familiar with your building type to provide you with an accurate analysis and report for what will be required. Due to economies of scale, you will want to consider panel and conduit installations that are appropriate to serve both the current and future needs of your site.
Make sure you enlist a firm familiar with EV charging infrastructure and construction requirements for your next project.
WGI is a national design and professional services firm leading in technology-based solutions for the construction of public infrastructure and real estate development. At WGI, we’re providing Tomorrow’s Infrastructure Solutions Today.
Uncover the future of data center cooling with cutting-edge technologies that promise enhanced efficiency and smarter upgrades with Part 2 of our 3 Part series. Dive into the transformative power of advanced liquid and immersive solutions, and see how they can revolutionize your data center’s performance.
Welcome back to Turn It Up! A podcast dedicated to showcasing our fabulous interns and how they are shaping the future at WGI. Don’t miss out on this inspiring conversation—listen now on your favorite podcast platform!
WGI has opened a new office in the heart of downtown Denver, positioning us at the forefront of the city’s dynamic revitalization efforts. Discover how we plan to collaborate with local stakeholders, offer innovative solutions, and contribute to Denver’s promising future.
On the latest episode of the WGI Unleashed podcast, we sit down with Coriann Salas, WGI’s Corporate Program Manager based out of our Fort Lauderdale, FL office!
With autonomous vehicles for public transit becoming a reality close to home, Clay County leaders look at possibilities for their communities
Discover how WGI is revolutionizing public safety with our recap of the Tampa Bay Safety Summit. Explore cutting-edge VR, AI, and digital twin models, and join us as we set new standards for safer and smarter communities.
You’ve been searching for a place like WGI. We look forward to meeting you soon.
Sign up to receive emails to hear our latest news and achievements in our monthly newsletter.
Enter your zip code, and we’ll personalize your experience with local projects, office locations, team members, and more.
WGI supports its associates with meaningful opportunities for growth, strong benefits and perks, while we work collaboratively with clients and co-consultants to shape and improve communities.
WGI is a dynamic organization with opportunities nationwide for engineers, land surveyors, landscape architects, environmental scientists, and architects.
