Are you thinking of installing EV chargers for your business? You’re not alone. As more staff, customers, and fleet vehicles shift to electric, the demand for onsite charging is growing fast. But while it may seem like a simple plug-and-play job, setting it up the wrong way can lead to serious costs, delays, or even safety issues.
If you’re planning a commercial EV charger installation, there are a few common traps you’ll want to avoid. Here’s what to look out for before anyone touches a cable.
Mistake 1 – Not Choosing a Professional
This one’s at the top for a reason. You absolutely need a qualified, experienced electrician with proven experience in EV infrastructure. Too many businesses cut corners by using a general electrician or, worse, someone unlicensed.
What happens then? You risk overloading your electrical system, damaging chargers, or breaching local compliance codes. Not to mention potential fire risks if the job isn’t done right.
Proper EV charger installation is more than wiring. It includes understanding power supply, peak load demands, user access, future scalability, and integration with building systems. If that sounds like more than a weekend job, it’s because it is.
Mistake 2 – Underestimating Power Needs
Not all chargers are equal. And not all businesses have the power supply to support multiple EV chargers running at once.
Some businesses install a few chargers and find out later they’re maxing out the site’s capacity, especially during business hours. You don’t want staff or customers dealing with slow charging or tripping power.
Before you choose the number or type of chargers, do a load assessment. Understand your current electrical usage and plan for peak times. Even if you’re only installing a couple now, you’ll want the infrastructure ready for future demand.
Mistake 3 – Forgetting Future Scalability
You might only have two EVs in your fleet today. Or maybe only a few staff are driving electric cars. But that won’t stay the case for long.
EV adoption is accelerating fast, and if you install a system that can’t grow with you, you’ll be ripping things out and starting over in a couple of years. That’s wasted time and money.
Think long-term. Can your current system handle more chargers? Is there space to expand? Have you included extra conduits or an expandable control system?
Spending a little more now to prepare for the future is a smart move. It’s much easier to build in flexibility than to retrofit later.
Mistake 4 – Choosing the Wrong Location
Location isn’t just about convenience. It impacts cost, functionality, and safety. Too often, chargers are placed where it’s cheapest to install rather than where they’ll actually be useful. Maybe that’s a back corner of the car park with no lighting. Or too far from the power source, which ramps up trenching and cabling costs.
Good placement means:
- Easy access – chargers should be in visible, well-lit areas
- Close to the power supply – to reduce infrastructure costs
- Safe and compliant – with clear signage, markings, and protection against vehicle damage
- Allowing room to scale – don’t block yourself from adding more later
Taking the time to map out the right location can save you a lot of headaches.
Mistake 5 – Ignoring Network Connectivity
Modern EV chargers are more than sockets. Most are smart devices that need a reliable internet connection for things like usage tracking, payments, load balancing, and software updates.
Skipping the connectivity setup can seriously limit the charger’s capabilities. Worse, it may create user frustration if sessions fail or billing doesn’t work.
Check the connectivity options in advance. Will they use Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or mobile data? Is the signal strong in the installation area? Plan for this early rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Mistake 6 – Overlooking Compliance and Permits
Regulations around EV charger installations can vary depending on where you’re located and what type of property you’re on. Some installations require electrical permits, planning approval, or compliance with specific building codes.
Miss a step, and you could face fines, forced rework, or insurance issues if something goes wrong.
Get familiar with the legal side early. A professional installer should help guide you, but you’ll want to make sure it’s all documented and above board.
Mistake 7 – Not Training Your Team
You’ve installed the chargers, tested everything, and it’s ready to go. But then the calls start coming in. “It’s not working.” “Where’s the card reader?” “How do I start charging?”
A lot of businesses forget the people factor. If your team, staff, or facilities crew don’t know how to use or manage the system, it creates confusion and downtime.
Include basic training as part of your rollout. It doesn’t have to be intensive – just enough so the right people know how to use the chargers, report faults, or help others if needed.
Mistake 8 – Skipping Maintenance Planning
EV chargers aren’t a set-and-forget setup. Like any other piece of infrastructure, they’ll need maintenance and occasional servicing.
Dust, wear and tear, software bugs – all of it can impact performance if not monitored. Having a plan in place for regular checks, updates, and servicing helps avoid bigger issues down the track.
It also keeps your system compliant, especially if there are safety standards to meet.
Mistake 9 – Failing to Consider User Access
Who gets to use the chargers? Staff? Visitors? The general public?
If you don’t clarify this upfront, you’ll likely run into disputes or misuse. For example, someone parking in a charging bay without plugging in. Or guests using power intended for fleet vehicles.
A clear access plan, along with visible signage and software controls, can prevent problems and keep everyone on the same page.
Mistake 10 – Not Reviewing the ROI
Installing EV chargers can be a great long-term move, but it’s still a business investment. It’s worth taking the time to understand what return you expect.
Are you using it to attract customers or tenants? Are you aiming to support your staff’s transition to EVs? Or is it part of your sustainability targets?
Whatever the driver, make sure you’ve mapped out how the chargers will add value – financially or strategically. That clarity helps guide the right decisions, from charger type to usage rules.
Set It Up Right From the Start
Installing EV chargers is a smart step for many businesses, but only if it’s done well. The biggest mistakes usually come down to rushing, cutting corners, or not thinking ahead. Take your time. Plan carefully. And make sure you bring in professionals who know what they’re doing. The more thorough you are now, the smoother your EV rollout will be.
