PLUGGING INTO THE FUTURE: COUNCILS SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES TO INSTALL EV CHARGERS

PLUGGING INTO THE FUTURE:

COUNCILS SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES TO INSTALL EV CHARGERS

Once plagued by ‘charging anxiety’ Australians are finally embracing electric vehicles (EV), with sales tripling in 2021 and the growth rate predicted to accelerate. As EVs slowly take over the roads, local governments will need to support and encourage body corporates and businesses to install the chargers of the future.

EVs are only gaining in popularity, especially as more models are becoming available to the Australian market, fuel prices are continuing to increase and Federal and State governments are actively working together to electrify the nation.

Local businesses and body corporates will soon need to learn the differences in charging technologies and the benefits of installing them at their premises; to ensure that charging infrastructure is readily available to support this incoming growth.

There are many benefits to installing a charger at a premise including, but not limited to: ∞ Having a point of difference: people with EVs are more likely to choose that place to live, stay for a holiday or visit if there is somewhere with a charger ∞ Have an extra source of income: having a charger located on premise can provide an extra source of income

So how can councils encourage and help local businesses and body corporates educate themselves to take the step to install an EV charger? ∞ Host seminars: there is confusion around the complexity and expense of installing an EV charger – hosting seminars for businesses or body corporates with experts will help educate and break down preconceived barriers ∞ Hold community days: provide the opportunity for the community to view EVs, talk to owners of EVs, and see charging technologies for the home, apartment complexes or business in-person

EDUCATION KEY TO THE ELECTRIC FUTURE

In June, FIMER attended the Noosa EV Expo that brought vehicle and charging manufacturers, EV owners, e-bike and scooter sellers together.

Hundreds of people came through, curious and excited to learn more and be a part of the transition to EVs.

One of the key lessons of this transition is that not all chargers need to be the fastest or the most expensive – especially at businesses like restaurants or overnight locations such as motels or apartment complexes.

Most of the time, 7.4kW or 22kW AC destination chargers are all that are needed to provide either a top-up charge or an overnight charge.

A PLETHORA OF SOLUTIONS FOR VARIOUS NEEDS

The market offers a range of AC chargers that can be used in various situations and come in a range of power ratings and features, to suit the needs of the location.

Wall mounted or standalone, with payment options available via mobile app or the ability to provide users with an RFID card for charging access, there are a variety of options to suit different EV needs.

The chargers can also be managed locally or remotely with a subscription to a charger management network provider.

FIMER is the fourth largest solar manufacturer globally and still manufactures its string inverters and EV chargers in its two manufacturing facilities in Italy.

Since 2017, FIMER have been manufacturing EV chargers and, to date, have over 55,000 units installed worldwide.

FIMER has two AC charging solutions that can be used in various situations for these applications.

MOUNTED CHARGING SOLUTION

The FIMER FLEXA AC Wallbox is a charging station suited to residential or small business use, that can be mounted on a wall or stand. It comes as a single or three-phase solution with power ratings up to 22kW, which means it can fully charge a single car in as little as two hours, depending on battery capacity.

STANDALONE CHARGING SOLUTION

The FIMER FLEXA AC Station is the perfect solution for motels, shopping centres or private car parks. These stations can charge two vehicles simultaneously, up to 22kW per vehicle, ideal for locations which offer charging to multiple vehicles.