Seeing that more retailers, fleets, municipalities as well as employers are now exploring the installation of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). Many questions about the price of the equipment and anticipated maintenance are now eminent. In contemporary society, EVSE units when seen in private and public spaces are viewed as novel technologies. For this reason, limited information about the lifespan and basic maintenance costs of EVSE is available.
Thanks to research from the US Department of Energy Clean Cities Coalition, there exists a guide on maintaining EVSE, which will share in this article.
Level 1 and 2 (non-networked) charging stations demand little maintenance
If you need to replace an electrical commercial grade occasionally for Level 1 EVSE units, you won’t need to pay more than $100 for buying equipment and for hiring an electrician.
Level 2 EVSE charging stations usually come in modular makes. This helps the replacement of a malfunctioning part be done separately rather than replacing a complete unit.
Generally, the cord used to charge needs to be kept securely to avoid damage. All EVSE parts that are accessible must be checked now and again for any wear and tear. Overall the entire system needs to be clean all the time. One can do this using a damp cloth and a small drop of detergent. When doing the clean-up, always ensure the charging equipment is not “energized” before you start. Alternatively, you can look for hotels with Tesla chargers and save yourself the trouble.
“Smart” EVSE stations need a bit more maintenance
Networked EVSE units that have advanced communications pathways such as payment collection could demand more maintenance periodically compared to a standard unit. This is because this unit has components that are more likely to malfunction.
Most of the time, hiring a local electrician can put you at ease when you have troubleshooting issues. Above all that, EVSE manufacturers provide longer warranties and other benefits which can decrease the repair and maintenance costs for an extended period.
DC Fast Charging (DCFC) stations demand more upkeep
These charging stations have filters, cooling systems, and many other parts, not apparent in Level 1 or 2 units and therefore demand continuous maintenance. All you need to do is talk to your supplier to make sure the warranty and service plan fits with your objectives, considering site-specific necessities and account usage.
When selecting an EVSE ownership make, consider maintenance too
Ownership models for charging stations come in different variations. Some decide to install, operate and buy stations themselves. This make grants the host a way to have control over the station and permits them to retain all revenue made if they decide to integrate this component. In this model, the maintenance of EVSE is not inclusive, however, station hosts can contract maintenance work regularly to third parties if they want.
Other companies may decide to enter into a contractual agreement with third parties who will pay for using the station’s equipment and also pay for maintenance and installation costs. In addition to that, they will manage the logistics to get a return on leased payments or they will get a portion of the station’s profits. The key benefit of this model is that it reduces the costs you pay upfront as well as your administrative duties.
Hope this piece of advice will help you in maintaining the lifespan of your car charger, hope you’ve taken notes…
