Three Essential Considerations for Home EV Charging Infrastructure Setup
As global sales of electric vehicles (EVs)
rise, so does the demand for new installations of fast and safe home EV
charging systems. While governments
are racing to build more public charging stations, more than 80% of EV
owners charge at home for convenience and lower costs. As a result, the demand
for reliable EV home charging installations and maintenance solutions is
skyrocketing.
The competition is fierce.
Reuters reports that more than 150 startup companies offer
residential EV charging services in Europe and the U.S. alone. Industry
watchers expect that figure to rise exponentially as tens of millions of home
EV chargers are installed globally over the next decade.
Although the scale of the growth opportunity is
tremendous, the key to success is adopting a local mindset while building a
global and scalable business. Let’s examine the three top considerations EV
home charging equipment installers and service providers face while keeping in
mind that there are many variables that differentiate one country or region
from the next.
1. Understanding
In-Country EV Charging Implementation Nuances
Numerous obstacles exist when trying to
enhance operational efficiency and effectively utilize personnel to setup home
installation services infrastructure. For example, where does the EV owner
wants to install their home charging system, and how will the weather affect
it? They may store their vehicle in a garage or a carport that protects the
charging system from rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Another factor to
consider is a charging system’s features and functions. Some are “smart” and
can connect to a Wi-Fi network, smartphone app, or voice assistant, while
others are simpler, with just an on/off switch and an indicator light
Forming and deploying the installation team
requires addressing these and many other variables. Hiring in-country requires
effective local HR, payroll, and compliance support, and testing and
troubleshooting equipment typically varies by locality and requires investment.Order and project administration, including
local expediting and exception handling, is challenging to manage globally.
Permitting, tax credits, and compliance with local Authority Having
Jurisdiction (AHJ) governance rules that vary widely by country and local
territory require significant investment and ongoing expense.
2. Optimizing Local Logistics Network for EV Charging
Infrastructure
The logistics of getting people, products,
and parts to installation sites quickly and efficiently comes with significant
overhead investments and creates many challenges to expanding installation and
field services into new countries.
For example, local fulfillment
activities must be set up and managed daily for receiving and shipping
goods, including repackaging, labeling, and returning goods. Each country's tax
and import/export management rules are complex and time consuming. Inventory
planning across many sites can be complicated and consume cash flow, and
inventory must be stored in secure, climate-controlled environments with proper
auditing and cycle counting processes in place.
3. Centralized Management System for EV Charging
Implementation of a single network
management system that is relied on globally, regardless of where you are operating in the
world[PW1] [SK2] , provides a common set of tools to manage and control all aspects
of the EV Charger installation process, including:
- Inventory
visibility in forward stocking locations and main hubs — this is
critical to inventory management, balancing, and service level attainment
- The capturing of on-site data and material consumption
- Tracking and proactive management of open jobs
- Management and deployment of training materials, safety data
sheets, and best practices
- Creation, distribution, and storage of local authority
certifications and other regulatory documentation
- Communications management and translation to multiple languages to ensure effective and accurate communications in all markets
Partner
with Celestica for In-Region Service & Support
Bloomberg
reports almost 60% of total EV spending occurred in just the last 18 months
and predicts 2023 will be a record-setting year, with passenger EV sales likely
to exceed $500 billion. Most of those new EV owners have access to parking at
home, meaning they’ll need home charging systems. Juniper Research
estimates 35 million home chargers will be installed globally by 2026.
Partnering with an established and
qualified service provider like Celestica
can help installers and EV companies speed up the launch to new markets and
significantly reduce the costs of setting up and maintaining a full-service
program in new countries.
At Celestica, we provide our customers with
support across the entire product lifecycle, including product fulfillment,
installation, training, service parts, upgrades, re-branding, and general maintenance
and repair services. Contact us
to learn how our deep understanding of market requirements, including design
specifications, protocols, quality standards, and government regulations, can
help you accelerate the installation process and facilitate long-term
maintenance.
Interested in the EV movement? Read our EV Blogs for
more information on how Celestica is supporting the switch to electric.