Like mushrooms after rain, commercial EV charging stations are popping up across the U.S.—at malls, grocery stores, gas stations, and movie theaters. As of December 2023, there are over  64,000 public EV charging stations nationwide, with fast commercial EV charging station installations growing by more than 70% in just three years.

This growth is fueled by major automakers investing heavily in EV production and widespread government incentives. It’s also a significant opportunity for solar professionals, as many commercial EV charging stations are paired with solar panels to provide clean, on-site electricity—making solar installers natural partners in these projects.​

However, installing a commercial EV charging station differs from installing solar panels. Success starts with understanding how much a commercial EV charging station costs, the available rebates, and key installation considerations. This guide will walk you through the essentials.

Electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for approximately 10% of new light-duty vehicle sales in the U.S. in 2024, reflecting a significant increase in adoption.  This surge underscores the growing demand for accessible charging infrastructure, presenting opportunities for businesses to enhance property value, attract customers, and support sustainability goals through commercial EV charging station installations.

Ideal commercial prospects for EV charging stations include:

Since people park at work more often than anywhere else except home, offering a charging station helps attract EV drivers as employees. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s recent survey, 80% of employers with an EV charging station say that it has helped them attract and retain more talent. So, commercial EV stations improve both companies’ sustainability and their business targets.

Retail areas, including shopping centers, restaurants, and malls, can attract more customers by offering EV charging options. As EV owners charge their vehicles, they may spend more time shopping or dining, leading to increased sales for businesses. Installing commercial EV charging stations in these locations can enhance customer experience and loyalty.

Hospitals, universities, and public buildings aiming to meet sustainability goals can benefit from commercial EV charging station installations. These facilities often have large workforces and visitor populations, making them strategic sites for providing charging infrastructure. Additionally, such installations can contribute to achieving LEED credits and other environmental certifications.

With the rise in EV ownership, residents of apartments and condominiums increasingly seek charging solutions at home. Installing commercial EV charging stations in multifamily housing complexes can attract and retain tenants, boost property value, and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.  In addition, many condos have policies and processes governing EV chargers.

Certain cities have implemented regulations mandating EV charging infrastructure in new commercial developments. For instance, Seattle requires 10% of parking spaces in new commercial buildings to be EV-ready.  Such policies create growing opportunities for commercial EV charging station installations in these regions.​

EV charger options vary by charging speed.

• Charging Speed: Adds approximately 3–5 miles of range per hour. ​

• Best For: Workplaces where vehicles are parked for extended periods (e.g., 8+ hours).​

• Considerations: Most affordable to install but too slow for public or high-turnover locations.

• Charging Speed: Adds 10–75 miles of range per hour, depending on power output and vehicle capacity. ​

• Best For: Retail centers, office buildings, multifamily housing, and public parking areas.​

• Considerations: Standard for most commercial EV charging station installations; balances speed and cost effectively.

• Charging Speed: Adds up to 150 miles of range per hour; some models can deliver up to 10 miles per minute. ​

• Best For: High-traffic areas like highway rest stops, commercial charging stations, and car dealerships.​

• Considerations: Most expensive to install; not all EVs are compatible.

If you or your clients are interested in an EV charging station but balk at the initial cost (from $1,000 – $10,000 per station), your area’s incentives and rebates can help.

There is a 30% federal tax credit for installing commercial electric car charging stations. The maximum credit is $100,000 per unit, and both the equipment and installation costs are eligible.

Through the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) NEVI Formula Program, states can receive funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support the strategic deployment of public EV charging stations. This initiative aims to create an interconnected network, enhancing data collection, access, and reliability. Eligible projects can receive funding for up to 80% of their costs, making commercial EV charging station installation more accessible for businesses and municipalities.

However, President Donald Trump’s recent executive order has significant implications for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. The order mandates a 90-day suspension of funding disbursements from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), during which federal agencies are to review these programs to ensure alignment with the administration’s energy policies. This recent suspension can have an impact on how much a commercial EV charging station costs.

How much a commercial EV charging station costs depends on the type of charger, available infrastructure, EV charger installation expenses, and more.

• Cost: $600 to $12,700 per unit (equipment only); total installation cost typically ranges from $3,000 to $20,000 per charger depending on site conditions and labor.

• Power Output: 3.3 kW to 19.2 kW.

• Installation Notes: These chargers are common in office buildings, retail centers, and multi-unit dwellings. Installation costs rise when trenching, panel upgrades, or conduit extensions are required.

• Cost: $30,000 to $150,000+ per charger, including hardware and commercial EV charging station installation.

• Power Output: 50 kW to 350 kW.

• Installation Notes: Ideal for fleets, travel centers, and high-traffic public sites. These units require heavy-duty electrical infrastructure (480V three-phase) and may involve utility coordination and transformer upgrades, all of which drive up costs.

  

The cost of commercial EV charging station installation can vary widely based on several factors, including the type of charger, the location, and the complexity of the installation. On average, installation costs for a Level 2 charger can range from $2,500 to $10,000 per unit, while DC fast chargers (Level 3) can cost $50,000 to $150,000 or more, according to recent industry estimates and DOE data.

Key Factors That Affect Installation Costs

• Electrical Infrastructure: Most commercial sites will need to upgrade panels, transformers, or run new conduit. These upgrades can significantly increase installation costs, especially for Level 3 chargers that require three-phase 480V power.

• Site Location & Layout: Trenching, paving, and long cable runs increase labor and material costs. Indoor garages or sites with limited access can further complicate installation.

• Permitting and Compliance: Local regulations, building codes, and utility interconnection rules vary and can impact timelines and permitting costs. Inspections and network integration may also add to the final price.

To reduce the overall commercial EV charging station installation cost, businesses can take advantage of generous federal and state incentives. As of 2023, the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit allows businesses to claim:

• 6% of installation costs, up to $100,000 per charging port, or

• 30% of costs (same $100,000 limit) if prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements are met.

These tax credits apply to both hardware and installation costs, making it easier to justify installing commercial EV charging stations.

Many states and utilities also offer additional rebates and grants that further reduce upfront costs. For example, California’s CALeVIP program and New York’s Charge Ready NY offer thousands in per-port incentives. Programs vary by location, so it’s wise to consult local energy offices and utility providers.

With these financial tools, businesses can significantly reduce how much it costs to install a commercial EV charging station, improving ROI while supporting sustainability goals.

Preparing a site for a commercial EV charger often represents the most costly and variable part of the project. Site-specific factors influence everything from trenching needs to permitting, and all contribute to total commercial EV charging station installation costs.

Common infrastructure upgrades include:

• Electrical capacity upgrades (e.g., panels, transformers)

• Conduits, wiring, and connectors

• Concrete work and parking lot modification

• EV signage and striping

Any EV charger installation quote should outline these components clearly so businesses understand the full scope of work.

Once the site is prepped, the actual EV charging station installation begins. This stage involves:

• Equipment delivery and setup

• Electrical hookup and testing

• Inspection and permitting compliance

• Activation and software configuration

Factors that affect how much it costs to install a commercial EV charging station include:

• Total number and type of chargers (Level 2 vs. DC Fast Charging)

• Distance to power sources

• Labor rates and material costs

• Applicable permits and local taxes

• Available incentives and rebates

By working with experienced professionals and leveraging available credits, businesses can control installation costs and get the most from their EV charging investment.

GreenLancer specializes in EV charging station permitting and engineering services. We offer numerous services for EV charging station contractors, including permit-ready plan sets, interconnection applications, engineering reviews, and PE stamps. To get started shopping for commercial EV charging station design and engineering services, create a GreenLancer account. Our services are ideal for contractors working on existing EV charging station installation projects.

You’ll probably need Wi-Fi-connected chargers for electric car charging station incentives. Network connectivity allows the owners to:

• Limit access to certain people if necessary (such as the residents of an apartment building)

• Charge users for their electricity consumption

• Monitor the station’s performance

• Create usage reports

However, a station with a charging network does cost more than a non-networked one. While charging station materials, infrastructure, and installation can add up, a good contractor can often minimize expenses. Some ways include using existing electrical infrastructure (if it’s available), applying for all relevant rebates and tax breaks, and partnering with adjacent businesses to share station responsibilities.

Commercial charging stations are typically available for public use. They are often located at retail centers, parking lots, hotels, or along major highways to provide convenient charging access for electric vehicle owners. Most commercial charging stations offer various payment options and configurations. These can include pay-per-use with a credit or debit card, access cards or key fobs, mobile apps, or subscription-based plans. Some charging networks may also offer a membership program for discounted rates.

Commercial charging stations are designed to be accessible and compatible with various electric vehicle models. They are typically equipped with standardized connectors that allow different vehicles to charge at the same station. Here’s an expanded explanation of the different connectors commonly used:

Type 1 (J1772) Connector: The Type 1 connector, also known as the J1772 connector, is widely used for Level 2 charging. It features a smaller, rectangular connector with five or seven pins, depending on the vehicle’s charging capabilities. This connector is common among electric vehicles from North American and Japanese manufacturers.

Type 2 (Mennekes) Connector: The Type 2 connector, also known as the Mennekes connector, is commonly used in Europe and has become the standard for Level 2 charging in many regions. It features a larger, round connector with either seven or nine pins, depending on the vehicle’s charging capabilities. The Type 2 connector provides a higher level of charging power and is compatible with most European electric vehicle models.

CCS (Combined Charging System) Connector: The CCS connector combines the Type 2 connector for AC charging with an additional set of high-power DC pins for fast charging. It is characterized by the two extra DC pins below the Type 2 connector. CCS connectors can provide both Level 2 AC charging and DC fast charging, making them versatile for a wide range of electric vehicles. Many European and North American vehicle manufacturers commonly use CCS connectors.

CHAdeMO Connector: The CHAdeMO connector is primarily used for DC fast charging. It features a unique, large, round connector with multiple pins. CHAdeMO connectors are most commonly found in electric vehicle models from Japanese manufacturers such as Nissan and Mitsubishi. However, it’s worth noting that some newer electric vehicles may also have dual connectors, allowing them to use both CCS and CHAdeMO charging.

Maintaining a commercial EV charging station is crucial to ensure its optimal performance, reliability, and safety. Regular maintenance helps prevent malfunctions, extends the lifespan of the equipment, and provides a positive charging experience for users. Here’s why maintenance is important, how it can be completed, and what it typically entails:

Importance of Commercial EV Charging Station Maintenance:

The prevalence of broken or poorly maintained electric car chargers is a critical issue that can be avoided.

Reliability: Regular maintenance helps identify and address issues before they escalate, ensuring that the charging station functions properly when needed.

Safety: Maintenance checks can detect any potential safety hazards, such as exposed wires or damaged components, to prevent accidents and ensure user safety.

User Experience: Well-maintained charging stations provide a positive experience for electric vehicle owners, encouraging repeat usage and customer satisfaction.

Cost Savings: Preventative maintenance of commercial EV charging stations can help avoid costly repairs or replacements by addressing minor issues early on.

Compliance: Some jurisdictions may have regulations or requirements regarding the maintenance of commercial charging stations to ensure safety and reliability.

Read on to learn about some of the critical tasks.

Visual Inspection: Regularly visually inspect the charging station for any physical damage, loose connections, or signs of wear and tear.

Cleaning: Keep the charging station clean from debris, dirt, and other contaminants that can affect performance.

Charger Software Updates: Stay current with software updates for the charging station to ensure compatibility and functionality.

Testing: Conduct routine testing of the charging station to verify proper operation, charging speeds, and connectivity.

Functional Checks: Test components such as the display screen or touchscreen, connectors, cables, and payment systems to ensure they work correctly.

Charger Maintenance Logs: Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, inspections, and any issues identified for future reference.

Maintenance tasks can vary depending on the type of charging station, manufacturer recommendations, and usage patterns. It’s essential to follow the specific maintenance guidelines provided by the charging station manufacturer and to use qualified professionals if any issues arise. By prioritizing regular maintenance, commercial EV charging station operators can ensure the longevity, reliability, and safety of the equipment, ultimately benefiting both the business and electric vehicle users.

Installing a commercial charging station requires a significant investment. But, incentives, tax credits, customer fees, increased customer attraction, and employee satisfaction often make the investment worthwhile for many sites.

As a potential installer of EV charging stations, a big obstacle is securing fast and scalable EV charging station design and engineering services.

GreenLancer has a network of certified designers, licensed engineers, and fulfillment partners ready to complete on-demand fulfillment of EV charging services quickly, such as: