With over 2 million EVs already on US roads, the face of automobile transportation is about to radically change! In fact, as of the latest growth data for 2021, EVs accounted for 3.8% of car sales in Q2, and EVs are projected to hit 16% of all sales by 2026. The technology for EVs is changing fast and battery costs are coming down – these are the key factors in driving accessibility for the general public (rather than EVs as a premium purchase for the wealthy) and overall availability as manufacturing production lines ramp up to meaningful and scalable levels.
ClayDean Electric has tremendous expertise in helping our clients and General Contractors develop their EV charging station strategies and installation and ongoing support plans. ClayDean is a preferred installation partner for ChargePoint and SemaConnect- but has direct experience with all of the top 10 manufacturers in the market today. ClayDean Electric is one of the largest Electrical Contractors in Denver and clearly one of the premier EV charging station installers in Denver and the state of Colorado.
Growth in EVs is not only being driven by changes in technology and cost improvements- but it’s also being driven by overall consumer demand and particular interest among Millennials and Gen Xers (78% and 70% of drivers are interested in getting an EV at some point, respectively).
The value proposition for EVs is compelling, and more than just estimated cost savings between the average 8 cents/mile for an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) car compared to the average 3 cents/mile for an EV. It’s about a) Performance, b) Sustainability and c) Battery Technology.
Many experts consider the performance of an EV to be superior to an ICE vehicle because of how the EV accelerates with instant torque. Experts also contend that because EVs have so fewer moving parts, the maintenance costs are expected to be significantly less than an ICE vehicle and are designed to reach 1,000,000 miles. We’re looking forward to the next big annual Consumer Reports ratings!
Sustainability is another reason why some consumers have chosen to purchase an EV, or who are planning to buy one in the near future. Given consumer demand for sustainable solutions, many people purchase EVs because they cause less pollution and reduce dependencies on fossil fuels (if we drive EVs in mass).
As we’ve also talked about, battery technology is going through a major generational change. The next-gen in battery tech helps solve the greatest consumer fear – “charging anxiety”! Battery life varies by manufacturer and continues to improve, but it’s not uncommon anymore to have EVs with 220+ miles of drive capacity…and this is a drastic improvement from earlier generation EVs.
The other thing that I find interesting about charging is that unlike our typical “fill’em up” mentality that we realize at the gas pump; car charging is more about a “top’em off” mentality as you drive and stop somewhere. Charging station availability continues to grow and improve, along with a host of convenient apps that help to locate and reserve charging time, but it’s quite typical as an EV driver to routinely “top off” your battery wherever possible, when possible.
Again, being one of the largest EV charging station electrical contractors in Denver, specializing in multi-family, commercial, custom home design & build electrical services, ClayDean Electric has both the scope and expertise to meet any technical requirements in the ever-changing electrical landscape of the 21st century. ClayDean Electric has worked with and has installed virtually every major manufacturer of EV charging stations in the market and helps consult any business or consumer inquiry.
EV standards are evolving quickly in the US and is another reason why the market is beginning to heat up so quickly. There are 2 major standards in EVs: 1) Standard Power Level II, 2) Standard Charging Plug J1772.
Additionally, there are 3 Charging Levels used throughout the industry: Level 1 or “L1”, Level 2 or “L2” and finally DC Fast Charging or “DCFC”. These levels dictate the power requirements and estimated Time-to-Charge for a variety of charging applications. The chart below will be helpful to better understand the differences in each level, particularly the general differences in residential, commercial and fast charging applications and requirements.
ClayDean Electric provides a full range of services to meet your EV charging needs throughout the Denver metro and Colorado market, including:
- ClayDean Electric provides Consulting & Recommendations for an EV system that meets your business and users’ application requirements.
- ClayDean Electric delivers Quoting & Pricing for all major EV manufacturers, as well as installation requirements including trenching, conduit, layout, and design.
- ClayDean Electric fully installs the EV services including charging units, wiring, and layout.
- ClayDean Electric also provides ongoing service & support & repair of the EV platform and units.
Most EV Charging Station manufacturers offer a range of unit types to meet a variety of charging needs, such as:
- Single Family Home
- Multi-Family Apartments
- Commercial Applications
- Retail Applications
- Fleet Applications
ClayDean Electric is extremely versed in EV Charging applications and identifying the key requirements necessary for a successful implementation and charging experience for you and your customers.
No surprise, but the charging units are typically mounted on walls, pedestals, and poles depending on the exact application and placement.
I think what is also interesting about the world of EV Charging is how incredibly user-friendly the manufacturers have made not only the units, but the software and mobile applications used to manage pricing, time-of-day charger offerings, landlord reporting, and the overall user experience. For example, all manufacturers’ mobile apps support:
- Mapping tools and locators to find the closest charger
- Multiple pay options
- Real-time charging status
- Waitlist and sharing alerts
- Personalized reporting
Clay Dean Electric electricians are Denver’s experts in all things electrical. Clay Dean has incredible expertise in commercial, industrial, multifamily electricals needs, including Electric Vehicle charging stations, new energy technologies, as well as the fundaments. Clay Dean prides itself on its flawless safety record and pride in its workmanship.
Charging-as-a-Service is a strategy that many landlords are deploying with the public availability of charging stations. Most manufacturers are offering easy hardware upgrades for the many different types of units that they each provide, revenue opportunities for the landlord and everything routinely comes with lifetime service and support options available. Service and support also include help with any possible vandalism and damage to a station from a vehicle, along with general maintenance.
Again, Clay Dean Electric provides expert consulting for all of your Electrical needs. Clay Dean Electric is happy to offer a full range of support and service for your electric vehicle charging station requirements. Clay Dean Electric are the Electrical experts in Denver, Colorado.
Clay Dean Electric is a specialized Electrical Contractor with expertise in commercial, luxury home builds, multi-family, and industrial electrical needs. Denver’s premier electrical contractor, Clay Dean Electric can provide a full range of design, build, and installation support for all electrical requirements.