The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (NCDEQ’s) Division of Air Quality (DAQ) will begin accepting proposals on January 25, 2021, for Level 2 charging station projects to be funded by Phase 1 of the NC Volkswagen Mitigation Settlement Program.
NCDEQ has allocated $1.1 million to this Level 2 Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Charging Infrastructure program. You can access the full request for proposals here.
Charging is often categorized into three levels: Level 1, Level 2 and DC fast charge. Level 2 charging provides 12 to 60 miles of range per hour. Level 2 charging stations are commonly found in public locations, including shopping centers, downtown communities, multifamily housing and workplaces. They are a great option for areas where people may be parked for a few hours.
Installing EV charging can benefit your organization in several ways. For example, it can bring visitors to your business, as EV drivers often look for stops where they can plug in, and they may spend a few hours — or overnight — charging. Apps like PlugShare map out charging stations and allow users to share their experiences.
Charging stations also demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, and highlight your organization as innovative and forward-thinking.
It depends. If you are considering installing a Level 2 charger on your company’s premises, talk to your electric utility about your electricity rate and how a charging station might impact your monthly bill.
The overall cost of a Level 2 charging station depends on the utilization of the charger and the rate structure in place where it is installed. Keep in mind that cost recovery comes in many forms, including increasing traffic to your location (as drivers stop to charge) and establishing a price to plug in.
Level 2 charging stations have the option to require payment, and it’s up to the operators who install or maintain the stations whether they do.
Regardless of any fee implemented, the stations must be networked, meaning they must connect to a network either through wired Ethernet, Wi-Fi or a cellular connection. Networked stations can capture and report charging characteristics, which will need to be provided to the NCDEQ.