Electric vehicles (EVs) are revolutionizing the transportation industry, and understanding their charging infrastructure is crucial for facility managers and business owners. While the concept of EV chargers might seem straightforward, there's a lot more beneath the surface. This blog post explores ten lesser-known facts about EV chargers that can help you make informed decisions about integrating this technology into your operations.
There are three main types of EV chargers to be aware of, each serving different needs and speeds:
These use a standard 120-volt home outlet and are the most basic type of EV chargers. They're usually included with the purchase of an electric vehicle and are ideal for overnight charging at home.
Level 2 chargers use a 208–240-volt outlet, similar to what you might use for a large appliance like a dryer. These chargers are faster than Level 1 and are commonly found in both residential and commercial settings.
These chargers use a dedicated 480-volt or higher outlet and are the fastest option available. They are typically found at commercial charging stations and can provide a significant charge in a short amount of time.
The types of connectors used in EV charging can vary, but a few are most common:
Most EVs use the CCS, which has two types of plugs—one for DC fast-charging and another for Level 2 charging. This versatility makes it a popular choice among manufacturers.
This connector is standard for many Japanese model EVs. It supports quick charging and is often found at public charging stations.
Tesla vehicles have proprietary connectors that accommodate Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging. Tesla also provides adapters to use non-Tesla charging stations, ensuring flexibility for Tesla owners.
The time it takes to charge an EV depends on several factors, including the battery size and the type of charger used:
A Level 2 charger can fully charge a battery in 3–4 hours. However, depending on the battery's size, it could take up to 12 hours.
Charging past 80% capacity can slow down the process and potentially damage the battery cells over time. It's often recommended to stop charging at this point for optimal battery health.
The cost to charge an EV varies based on electricity prices, typically measured in cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh):
If you're on a time-of-use tariff, avoid charging during peak hours when electricity costs are higher. Many EVs have scheduling settings that allow you to charge during off-peak hours without needing a smart charger.
On average, the cost per mile to operate an EV is about a third that of a gasoline-powered vehicle, making electric vehicles a cost-effective option over time.
One of the primary benefits of EV technology is its operational efficiency:
EVs have fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engines, which translates to lower maintenance costs and increased reliability.
The average per-mile cost of operating an EV is significantly lower than that of a comparable gas-powered vehicle. This efficiency can lead to substantial savings over the vehicle's lifetime.
EV charging isn't limited to home setups; there are various options available:
You can charge your EV at home using a standard outlet, which is convenient and cost-effective for daily use.
Many businesses install EV charging stations to attract customers. Apps like the one offered by LGE/KU can help you locate available public charging stations.
Electric vehicles come with financial incentives that can make them even more appealing:
EVs are eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500, which can significantly reduce the initial purchase price.
Many states offer additional incentives such as rebates, tax credits, and discounted fees, further lowering the cost of owning an EV.
One of the standout features of EVs is their compatibility with renewable energy sources:
Electric vehicles can be charged using solar, wind power, geothermal, and biogas. This capability allows you to minimize your carbon footprint and utilize sustainable energy.
Charging your EV with renewable resources contributes to a cleaner environment and aligns with broader sustainability goals.
The shift from conventional vehicles to EVs has a positive impact on the environment:
High adoption of shared micromobility can save billions of gasoline-equivalent gallons per year nationwide, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Transitioning to EVs helps mitigate climate change and supports national emission reduction goals, contributing to a healthier planet.
The EV industry is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the economy:
The manufacturing and supply chains for EVs and their components are creating new job opportunities. For example, the electric vehicle sector added 6,000 jobs, showing significant growth potential.
Recent announcements from major automotive companies include plans for new plants dedicated to EVs and batteries. These projects involve substantial investments and promise thousands of new jobs, boosting local economies.
By helping you understand the intricacies of EV chargers and their benefits, our team at Henderson Services can help facility managers and business owners make informed decisions. By integrating EV charging infrastructure, you not only support a sustainable future but also enhance the value and appeal of your facilities.
Ready to take the next step? Explore more about EV chargers and how they can benefit your business.
Step into the world of Henderson Electrical Services, where tradition meets expertise! For over a century, we've been at the forefront of Kentucky's electrical industry, earning a reputation for reliability and innovation. Our core services span three key areas: Electrical Services, boasting advanced technology infrastructure and precise electrical construction work; EV charging station installation, driving us towards tomorrow; and comprehensive Preventive Maintenance, encompassing both energized and de-energized upkeep alongside Arc Flash Hazard Analysis. But we're not just about service – safety and education are paramount. From NFPA-70 certification to other essential training, we're dedicated to empowering our community. Let’s take a deeper dive into what Henderson is really all about and take a look at 10 things you may not have known about us!
Henderson's spirit is founded on the core values of Integrity, Attitude, and Service. This means that every interaction is guided by honesty, a positive approach, and a strong desire to serve our customers the best way we can.
For Henderson, establishing enduring relationships with all our customers has been a passion that we cultivate every day. Our focus has always been to go beyond a mere transactional relationship, forging bonds that last a lifetime.
A proud icon in the industry, Henderson has been in continuous operation since 1919. This year, we are celebrating our 105th birthday, marking over a century of premium service.
Our commitment to safety and quality is validated by our national industry leading EMR rating of .62. This distinction is a testament to our tireless pursuit for excellence and adherence to best practices in the field. The industry average rating is 1.0.
We take pride in our in-house training and education department. This unique division fuels the conversation and knowledge of our electricians and customers on electrical safety, CPR, First Aid, and injury prevention, ensuring everyone's safety.
Our dedicated 24/7 service and preventive maintenance teams in both Louisville and Lexington ensure that we are always available for our customers in the greater Jefferson County area and all of Central Kentucky.
Henderson Services is a leading EV charger installer for commercial, institutional, civil, and industrial customers in Kentucky. We continually strive for innovative solutions and sustainable options.
Our commitment to our customers is exemplified by our enduring partnerships. We've been with Churchill Downs since the 1940's and have proudly been at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown since its inception.
We've had the honor to host generations of families as employees. Grandfathers, fathers, sons, siblings, and even married couples have chosen to make Henderson their work home, adding to our rich legacy and familial culture.
Being a corporate citizen is a responsibility that Henderson takes very seriously. We make annual donations to several local charities in both Lexington and Louisville, believing that a successful business gives back to its community.
Join us in our journey as we continue to power industries, homes, and lives with the same dedication and passion that we have had since 1919.
It’s the 2020s, and the capabilities of electric vehicles are becoming more and more impressive. While there are certainly people who may not be on board with the shift, the adoption of EVs is continuing to gain momentum, and with it comes the demand for reliable and efficient electric vehicle charging infrastructure. For businesses and organizations in Kentucky that have done their research and chosen to embrace this new EV landscape, choosing the right electrical services provider is crucial. If you’re going to invest in the future of EV at your company, it’s important to bring in a team that can collaborate with you on what will work best for your business.
Enter Henderson Services – a leading electrical services company that stands out as the go-to choice for EV charging station installations in the state. At Henderson, we’ve watched the EV landscape carefully. Not simply as a fascinating topic, but as a service we increasingly received requests to complete. Since the early 2000s, when hybrids started to become more popular, and in the 2010s, when full EVs began to be marketed more aggressively, we realized that we had a new service to master.
Henderson Services has established itself as a trailblazer in the realm of EV charging solutions. With a proven track record of installing well over 300 chargers (and counting) in Kentucky alone, we’ve been at the forefront of empowering businesses to transition to a place that offers expanded options to their employees and customers who drive EVs. Their extensive experience sets them apart as the premier electric vehicle charging station contractor in Kentucky.
One of the key indicators of a reliable service provider is the caliber of clients they attract. Henderson Services has proudly partnered with industry giants such as Walmart and Kroger, showcasing the trust these large companies place in our expertise. This speaks not only to the quality of our services but also attests to our ability to handle diverse and complex projects.
We don’t just stop at installing electric vehicle charging stations. We offer a comprehensive suite of services to meet the evolving needs of businesses. From preventive maintenance to ensuring the seamless operation of charging infrastructure to safety and education training for staff and users, Henderson Services is committed to delivering holistic solutions. This comprehensive knowledge base allows us to better serve our clients as we bring a wealth of expertise to the table from a wide range of perspectives and industries.
Understanding the concerns of businesses regarding the EV charging station cost, Henderson Services takes a proactive approach to providing cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. We will clearly communicate the cost of our services with clients so that we can work together with a clear understanding of the investment that’s required. This helps them make informed decisions that align with their budgetary constraints.
So, what sets us apart from the competition? It's our unwavering commitment to excellence, a stellar track record of successful installations, a client roster that includes major industry players, and a comprehensive approach to EV charging solutions. We’re not just a service provider; we’re a partner in shaping a better future for your business.
For businesses in Kentucky looking to take the plunge into the world of EV charging, Henderson Services emerges as the clear choice. Our experience, expertise, and commitment to learning make us the go-to electrical services company for all your charging electric vehicles needs. Embrace the future with Henderson Services, where innovation meets reliability.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can work with you!
Since 2019, the sale of Electric Vehicles has more than tripled. In 2022, 6% of new vehicles purchased were EVs. This could be due to many factors: people’s increased efforts to be environmentally conscious, a rise in fuel prices, or simply a desire to try something new. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that more people than ever are driving EVs. So naturally, they’ll need a place to charge their vehicle.
This is where your business can enter the picture.
In a previous article, we discussed the difference between certain EV chargers. People who purchase an EV also receive a free, level 1 at-home charger. However, they may not realize that the included chargers can take up to 48 hours to fully charge their vehicles. Level 2 chargers were designed to speed up the charging process by restoring your vehicle to full power at three times the speed.
These level 2 chargers have presented a valuable opportunity for businesses seeking to bring customers onto their property. The idea that someone could come to your business and not only shop your incredible products but also charge their vehicle while doing it is a growing concept with many upsides.
Did you know that 43% of customers are likely to return weekly to retail locations with EV chargers? With the high cost of installing a level two charger in your home, many people are looking for places they can do it without the buy-in. Having an EV charging station in your business’s parking lot adds significant value to what you offer customers.
In addition to your customers frequenting your business, having charging stations in your parking lot also serves as an incentive for any employees you have that drive EVs. Allowing them to charge their vehicle while they work is a valuable benefit that would present an excellent opportunity to show them that you care about their well-being.
If you’re looking for an EV Charging Station installer, you’ll want to look for someone with experience, expertise, and knowledge of the process. With those factors, there’s a clear choice to be made.
Energy matters to us at Henderson Services. As faithful stewards of our electrical services, we believe that we should always be improving and expanding as our nation’s leading industries do the same. We have installed over 300 EV chargers across the state of Kentucky thus far, working with companies like Walmart and Kroger. This experience has allowed us to perfect our process to safely and efficiently service your business.
So if you’re reading this and are intrigued by the EV trend but never considered how to reap the benefits for your business, contact us today to talk about next steps.
With Electric Vehicles (EVs) continuing to grow in popularity, Henderson Services has quickly become the leading EV charging station contractor in Kentucky. Whether at airports or grocery stores, the locations that offer these charging stations are steadily multiplying, used by businesses to bring in traffic and care for employees. However, these charging stations are only one of the ways to charge EVs. When purchasing a vehicle, you will also receive a level one charger, which you can use with a standard wall outlet at your home.
So let’s look at why charging stations are superior to charging at home and how your business can increase your traffic by implementing stations in your parking lot.
When using a Level 1 charger that comes with your vehicle for at-home use, you could be waiting for around two days for a full recharge! If you plan to try a quick charge overnight, you may be out of luck.
There is an additional option to purchase a Level 2 charger. We will typically install these same chargers for various businesses and manufacturers. This charger works with higher voltage and therefore requires extra energy usage from your home or business. Though you will face a higher cost compared to your free level 1 charger, you will quickly see the difference between this installed charging station and the low-powered free option. With the level 2 charger, you can charge your vehicle fully in 4 to 10 hours.
At-home chargers tend to come with higher accident risk. Due to the voltage running through the chargers and into your vehicles, EV chargers pose a fire hazard risk. This can often happen because of faulty or outdated wiring, which is more likely to occur at your home. There is also a potential hazard where the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) fails due to unforeseen circumstances such as old wiring, lightning, or general wear.
The charging stations we install will always be evaluated and properly wired to avoid any potential hazards. If the necessary energy source has faulty wiring, we have experts who can quickly fix the problem and get the charger installed safely. While you can get a Level 2 charger installed at your home, a station in the parking lot of a business or manufacturer will typically be safer.
Perhaps the most obvious advantage of a public charging station is that you don’t have to pay the initial costs of purchasing a station for your home. In this case, a business has already covered the cost of installation. With the purchase of your vehicle, it's possible that you didn’t budget for an at-home charging upgrade. Public chargers serve as a great alternative.
In addition, some charging stations are more advanced than a level 2 charger and can rapidly charge your vehicle in around an hour. While these are only sometimes readily available, they can be a great way to quickly get back on the road for those with access. However, even a level 2 charger will get you back on the road much more quickly than your free level 1 charger that you use at home.
As a business owner, having these charging stations increases traffic and encourages your team. For example, imagine a grocery store that installs charging stations. If someone who needs groceries also needs to charge their vehicle, they’re more prone to shop at a place that offers the chance to kill two birds with one stone.
This is just a brief look at some differences you’ll experience between at-home chargers and public charging stations. As the leading installer of charging stations in Kentucky, we have the ability to install them in any location and offer additional services for any wiring that needs to be updated. So contact us today to learn more about how EV charging stations can boost your business!
Electric vehicles (EVs) have slowly been on the rise over the past few years. Cars like the Tesla have skyrocketed in popularity, while e-bikes like Rad Power Bikes have found an entirely new audience. With a recent spike in gas prices and a much greater awareness of our planet’s environmental health, more than ever, people are trying to do their part to make meaningful changes.
So we began to ask ourselves, “What are the benefits of EVs and what can Henderson do to help?”
You might have heard of EVs but aren’t sure what benefit they provide. Your only connection may be the line of Priuses at your local farmer’s market. Regardless, it’s worth considering the effect EVs bring to the environment and your wallet.
The United States serves as both a major importer and exporter of petroleum. However, with so much of the transportation industry reliant upon that resource, our petroleum exports' current rise has caused an imbalance.
Leaning into the use of EVs in the transportation industry allows for greater diversification of necessary resources. This diversification provides much-needed energy security as the pressing need for petroleum lessens, and we can use our wealth of electricity effectively.
This results in fuel savings for the average person. Rather than a vehicle wholly dependent on fuel, you have a vehicle that is completely charged by electricity and a hybrid that uses less fuel than conventional vehicles. The upfront price is higher than a conventional one, but the lifetime savings in fuel make up for that difference. It’s also worth considering that EVs have become more commonplace over time, causing the prices to equalize.
So EVs not only lessen our reliance on petroleum but also put dollars back into your pocket.
It seems common knowledge that EVs are better for the environment, but not clear how. One of the significant benefits has to do with emissions. Fully electric vehicles release zero tailpipe emissions, while hybrid vehicle emissions vary. Emissions are harmful to the climate and your health.
While the amount of charging stations has yet to reach the number of gas stations, the number is rising each year. Various industries are working tirelessly to create a network of charging stations nationwide. In 2021, more than 41,000 public charging stations were made available, creating over 100,000 places to charge. Those numbers will only continue to rise as the popularity of EVs increases.
Energy matters a lot to us here at Henderson Services. As faithful stewards of the electrical services we provide, we believe that we should always be improving and expanding as our nation’s leading industries do the same.
We have kept a close eye on the rise of EVs over the years. In fact we have installed nearly 200 EV chargers across the state thus far. We see an excellent opportunity to serve our clients by coming alongside other industries to grow the amount of charging stations available. For example, you may have several employees who drive electric vehicles. You can show great care for your team by bringing in Henderson to install a charging station in your business’s parking lot. Or perhaps your company wants to build a public station for anyone to access. The opportunities are endless.
With EVs changing how we view the transportation industry, it’s important to us at Henderson that we offer our services to encourage these positive advancements. So if you’re hoping to join the growing landscape of EV charging stations, give us a call. We’d love to work with you.
