How to Integrate EV Chargers into Commercial & Industrial Sites Without Downtime

With more people choosing EVs over regular vehicles, there’s no better time for your business or industrial setup to consider installing a commercial EV charging station. This move can not only make your business more attractive for EV drivers but also support the transition towards adopting more electric-powered transport modes.

While many businesses consider getting an EV charging station for their workplace, possible downtime during installation is one of the barriers that holds them back. The good news is that you can keep operational downtime to a minimum by using an EV charger installation business provider like Oaktree Electrical, which follows the best practices in EV charging setup.

Read this guide to find out how you can get an EV charger installed for your premises while keeping your business running smoothly.

Who Can Install an EV Charger?

EV chargers are technically complex devices. The installation process may seem straightforward, but setting up a charger on a commercial or industrial premises needs in-depth planning, a high level of skill, and the relevant legal knowledge, three things you’ll find in a professional electrician.

EV charge point installation must only be handled by:

• NICEIC or NAPIT-approved electricians
• Specialists in handling EV infrastructure, with experience and knowledge of handling three-phase systems, load balancing, and grid permissions
• Professionals familiar with the UK’s smart charging regulations

Installing a successful EV charging infrastructure goes beyond just picking the best commercial EV chargers for your business; it’s also about how they’re installed on your premises. 

With Oaktree Electrical, you can expect experienced professionals, with no hassle or unexpected downtime. For the installation of an EV charger station for your workplace or industrial premises, get in touch. 

Key Considerations for Installing EV Charge Points Without Downtime

Make sure to follow these best practices if you’re looking to install an EV charging station for your workplace, without the inconvenience and expense associated with unplanned operational downtime:

Understand Your Site’s Power and Load Capacity

Start by assessing your site’s current electrical capacity and planning for load balancing or power upgrades if needed. This step is best done by an EV charger installer, who can visit your site and discuss the best commercial EV chargers for your site. They’ll also assess your business’ consumer unit and its route to the charging station, or work out a plan for a non-standard route.

Without proper assessments, you risk rectification after installation, extending downtime.

Plan Installation During Lean Hours

Ideally, plan on installing a commercial EV charging station during non-peak hours and in a phased manner to avoid complete site shutdown affecting your business operations.

Groundworks and Civil Work

A pre-site survey inspection can reveal whether or not you need to carry out trenching or cabling, and whether or not you’ll need to install concrete foundations. These surveys can help you avoid rerouting delays and last-minute changes, as well as prevent electrical shocks or system failures post-installation that can pose serious safety risks to users.

Grid Notification or DNO Approval

Certain installations need prior permission from the Distribution Network Operator (DNO). If your site falls in this category, our team can help manage the process and avoid any delays.

Smart Energy Management and Charger Type

Choose the right mix of fast (7–22kW) chargers for staff or customer charging and rapid or ultra-rapid (50kW–150kW) chargers for logistics depots or fleet hubs. Support this with intelligent power management solutions that help balance energy loads and prevent grid overload, as well as minimise your electricity costs.

Safety and Compliance

Your installer needs to make sure that the installation complies with the IET Code of Practice and BS7671 wiring regulations. Following these necessary regulations will keep you in line with the rules and help you avoid any violations in user safety.

How Oaktree Electrical Helps

Oaktree Electrical follows a meticulous approach to installing EV chargers on your commercial or industrial premises with minimal disruption to your operations.

Based in Kent, we’re NICEIC-certified electrical contractors offering commercial and industrial work for UK businesses. Whether you’re looking for EV charger integration for an industrial park, warehouse, commercial estate, or a logistics hub, we’re ready to help.

When you choose us as your EV charger installation business, you’ll experience:

• Site Surveys and Feasibility Assessments: We start with a thorough inspection of your site to check power capacity, access, and feasible installation zones. We’ll then customise a charging solution that fits your setup and avoids any disruption.
• Flexible Scheduling: We operate around your needs, at times that work for you, and minimise interference to your business. Our team is open to working outside standard business hours or during planned maintenance windows.
• Complete Installation Process: We can install a wide range of commercial EV chargers, from 7kW workplace units to 150kW rapid chargers, complete with load balancing and dynamic power management.
• Maintenance and Support: You can count on our team for complete support and maintenance with deliverables.

Installing a commercial EV charging station shouldn’t mean losing productivity and business time. With the right partner, your business can make this transition with no hassle.Get in touch with our team for a consultation and site survey today.