EV Charger Opportunities for Electricians

In 2017, electric vehicles made up just 1.4 percent of global car sales. By 2022, 14 percent of the cars sold around the world ran on electric power. That’s a growth factor of 10 in half as many years. Clearly, electric vehicles are on the upswing.

Of course, to reach the critical mass of large-scale adoption, electric vehicles need a reliable network of charging stations. That network is currently being built — and the process is currently creating valuable opportunities for electrical contractors.

According to analysts at Wood Mackenzie, the number of Level 2 EV chargers in North America will grow by 3,000 percent through 2050. For DC fast charge facilities, Wood Mackenzie predicts a growth rate of 6,000 percent in the same time period.

Read more: EV Charger Levels: Choosing Technology for EV Charging Stations

That’s a lot of electrical installations. Here’s what electrical contractors need to know to take advantage of the EV charger opportunity, plus the extra equipment you need to win bids.

Explore EV Charger Handling Equipment from Solus Group

3 Types of EV Charger Jobs for Electricians

Where should electrical contractors look for EV charger installation jobs? The short answer is “just about everywhere.” Generally, however, you can separate your potential client base for EV chargers into three categories: 

1. Consumer EV Chargers

Electrical contractors who serve residential customers can get business by installing EV chargers for new owners of passenger EVs. Partner with EV dealerships, or market your EV charger installation services to a residential client base.

Consumer EV owners often ask for Level 2 chargers located in home garages or parking pads. However, some consumers are willing to pay more for a DC fast charge system. Either way, be sure to offer a wide range of charger technologies and support equipment to serve as many consumer EV customers as possible.  

2. Commercial EV Charging Stations

EV owners aren’t the only ones looking for EV chargers. Increasingly, businesses from multi-family real estate managers to retail operators wish to offer EV charging as an amenity. These customers are more likely to ask for fast charge stations, but many will also be interested in Level 2 charging systems.

Still other companies build EV charging facilities as revenue-generators in themselves, like a new generation of gas stations. These companies are often on the hunt for third-party contractors to expand their networks efficiently. Make sure you list EV charging expertise on your website and business-to-business marketing materials to stay on their radar — or try reaching out directly.

3. Fleet Charging Facilities

Commercial fleets are also making the transition to electric power. Fleet charging contracts are typically much bigger jobs than an isolated EV charger, requiring complex planning and large power demands. These facilities often feature a mix of Level 2 and fast charge technologies.

Track last-mile delivery providers, service contractors, airports, and mass transit operators in your service area. Managers of these businesses may have an EV transition plan in the works, and offering your expertise early in the process might lead to valuable contracts for electrical contractors with the relevant experience.

Read more: EV Fleet Charging for Electric Delivery Vans: Charging Station Considerations

EV Charger Handling Equipment for Electrical Contractors

Regardless of which market you go after, offering the right equipment can set you apart from your competitors. In addition to standard electrical installation materials, be sure to factor crucial EV charger infrastructure into your bids:

1. EV Charger Pedestals - Not every location has a wall on which to mount your Level 2 EV chargers. Be ready with tough, compact EV Charger Pedestals, suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
2. EV Charger Cable Retractors - The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires cable management systems for EV charging cables over a certain length. Regardless of cable length, however, cable retractors protect equipment, remove tripping hazards, and make it more convenient to charge an EV at your installation.
3. EV Charger Pedestal and Cable Management Kits - Combine the benefits of EV charger stands and cable retractors with an EV Charger Pedestal and Cable Management Kit. These steel stands support one or two chargers, and come with pre-integrated cable retractors.

By offering top-quality EV charger support equipment, you’ll stand out from the competitors. But don’t stop there; invest in specialized Electrical Material Carts to improve productivity at the job site, further honing your competitive edge.

To learn more about material handling equipment for electricians — as well as EV charger products for electricians — contact Solus Group at 314-696-0200.