EV Charging Resources
This page offers resources to help public fleet managers plan and pay for EV supply equipment (EVSE). Much of this information is summarized from the Milestones for Electrifying Public Fleet, prepared by the Green Transportation Program. We acknowledge the contributions of Andrea Tousignant and Jon Jantz to the information provided on this page.
EVSE Resources
Get Ready to Apply for Grants & Incentives
As you work to identify state, federal, and utility financing opportunities to support EVSE procurement or hardware installation:
Links to guidance on the following topics is provided below.
Charging Speeds, Ports & Specifications
EV charging is categorized by charging speed and power levels, and alternating current (AC) versus direct current (DC). The power delivered by utility equipment through transformers to buildings is AC. The batteries in BEVs store and deliver power as DC. AC power, common for moderate-powered charging, must be converted to DC using the vehicle’s onboard charger, also known as a rectifier. Direct current fast charging (DCFC) equipment supplies DC power directly from the utility service to the vehicle batteries, bypassing the on-board charger.
The information provided here addresses:
- Charging speed
- Charging ports
- Charging specifications
Vehicle-to-Charger Ratios
The table provided here includes details to consider when planning to increase the number of vehicles that can share a single charging port. At first, it may be easiest to plan for one vehicle per EVSE port, but as facility staff gain experience with EVs, greater vehicle-to-port ratios will lead to efficiencies in infrastructure.
Charging Network Options & Load Management
The choice of non-networked or networked charging equipment typically balances the needs at each site with equipment and software cost and the cost of employee time. The state Clean Fuel Program adds a layer of complexity because networked charging, while not the only method for monitoring electricity use data for clean fuel credits, can be very effective. You can use telematics equipment attached to each vehicle or a networked charging system to gather data about the new EVs and charging systems.
The information provided here addresses:
- Non-networked systems
- Networked systems
- Telematics
- Load management
- Smart breakers
- Bidirectional, V2G, V2X, or V2B charging
- Open Communications Protocol (OCP)
Estimate Power & Charging Station Needs
Estimate the power demands for your new EVs to identify the number and types of EVSE or charging stations you will need for each location. The power demand is based on vehicle’s duty- and drive-cycles and the levels of charging required.
The information provided here addresses:
- Things to consider
- How much electricity will you need to charge the new EVs?
- Calculate the charging load profile
Determine Where EVSE Should Be Installed
The information provided here addresses the need to:
- Determine preferred charging station locations and layouts
- Assess power capacity
- Employ best practices
Talk with Your Electrical Utility
Contact your utility when you have preliminary plans for adding EVs and charging equipment to your facility. The utility may have an EV customer specialist who can address technical questions, confirm the new electrical usage estimates, or explain if they have programs or incentives to support fleet or workplace charging.
The information provided here addresses:
- Preparing for your conversation
- Questions to ask your utility
- Future-proof your plans
Policies for EV Charging
The information provided here addresses:
- Are public agencies required to charge for visitor & employee charging?
- How could EV charging models impact our fleet?
- Sample EV Charging Station Policy – WA Dept. of Enterprise Services