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Choosing and installing charging stations: the essential guide

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The question of choosing and and installation of charging stations is becoming a key issue for many homeowners and businesses. Charging infrastructures are essential to ensure practical and efficient use of electric vehicles, whether at home, in condominiums, or on business sites. However, choosing the right charging station and installing one that complies with standards can be a complex task, especially with the multitude of options available in terms of power, model and financing.

Whether you're an individual looking to install a charging station at home, or a company looking to equip your parking lot, it's crucial to understand the various technical aspects, the financial aid available and the regulations in force. This essential guide is designed to provide you with all the information you need to make informed choices and ensure the success of your charging station installation.

In this roundup of our previously published articles, we'll explore all aspects of electric car financing, covering home installation steps, choices of charging stations, as well as best practices for businesses.

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Installing a home charging station: key steps and practical advice

Installing a home charging station for your electric vehicle may seem complex, but by following these essential steps, you'll ensure an efficient, safe and compliant installation.

1. Check your eligibility and technical requirements

Before installing a charging station, check the capacity of your domestic electrical network. Bollards often require a system upgrade, especially if you want a bollard with a power rating greater than 3.7 kW. Also, choose a safe and convenient location for the charging station, preferably near your parking space or in your garage.

2. Choose the right wattage for your needs

Home terminals range from 3.7 kW, 7.4 kW, 11 kW and 22 kW. For optimum overnight charging, a 7.4 kW terminal is often recommended, enabling a vehicle to be fully charged in 7 to 8 hours.

3. Call on an IRVE-qualified professional

All charging stations above 3.7 kW must be installed by an IRVE-certified electrician. This guarantees compliance with electrical standards and the safety of the installation. Generally speaking, it takes between 1 and 2 days to complete the installation (network check, installation of the charging station, safety tests).

4. Available funding and assistance

Individuals can benefit from a tax credit of up to €300, covering 75% of the cost of installation. This assistance is available for both primary and secondary residences, regardless of income. If you live in a condominium, you can benefit from a subsidy covering up to 50% of the cost of installation, capped at €960).

Our advice

  • Recharge during off-peak hours to reduce energy costs.
  • Plan for future installation if you plan to acquire several electric vehicles.

 

If you'd like to take a closer look at each step and benefit from more detailed advice, we strongly recommend that you read our full article on installing home charging stations. You'll find all the practical and technical information you need to make a success of your project.

Which charging station to choose? Making the right choice

The choice of terminal depends not only on your needs, but also on your environment and your electric vehicle.

Type of charging station

When choosing a charging station for electric vehicles, you need to consider not only power, but also other crucial criteria. Bollards vary according to different uses. In addition to power, it's essential to pay attention to smart features, such as connectivity enabling remote management via a mobile app, thus optimizing power consumption in real time. Safety is also paramount, with terminals offering protection against overvoltage and overheating. Last but not least, dynamic load management systems enable energy to be distributed efficiently to avoid overloading the electrical installation, which is ideal for households or businesses with several electric vehicles.

Where to install the charging station

The location of the charging station plays a key role in the efficiency and safety of the installation. In addition to proximity to the parking space, it's important to consider soil quality and ventilation. Installing a charging station in a well-ventilated space helps dissipate the heat generated during recharging, especially if you opt for more powerful charging stations. It's also advisable to provide shelter, or install the bollard under a covered structure, to extend the equipment's lifespan in inclement weather.

 

In addition to the electrical capacity of your home, it may be a good idea to install an energy management system that distributes electricity between the terminal and other appliances in the home. This helps avoid consumption peaks and the risk of overloading, particularly in households with several electric vehicles or other energy-hungry equipment. This type of management can also include off-peak charging, optimizing energy costs.

 

Finally, the compatibility of charging stations with bidirectional charging systems (V2G) is an increasingly relevant aspect for those who wish to use their vehicle as a mobile battery capable of returning energy to the grid or home when needed. This represents an ideal solution for businesses and homes equipped with solar panels, maximizing self-consumption and reducing dependence on electricity grids.

To find out more about the criteria for selecting the ideal terminal for your electric car, we invite you to read the full article on this subject.

Finding a certified installer for a charging station: our recommendations

Before any installation, an audit of your electrical installation is necessary to ensure that it can support the power required by the bollard. An IRVE-certified professional will carry out this diagnosis to guarantee safety and compliance with current standards. Using an IRVE-certified installer is essential to benefit from the guarantees and subsidies available. Since 2017, it has been mandatory to use a qualified electrician for any terminal installation exceeding 3.7 kW. They are trained to advise you on the best location, charging options and safety measures for your situation. Depending on the complexity of the installation (grid considerations, power requirements and possible modifications), a standard installation usually takes between 4 and 6 hours. For more complex installations, involving work on the infrastructure, this time may be longer.

Our advice

  • Make sure that the installed terminal is equipped with protective devices such as circuit breakers and residual current devices, 
  • Check your bollard regularly to make sure it's working properly. Regular maintenance prolongs the life of your bollard.

 

If you'd like to go further in your understanding of the criteria for selecting a qualified installer, as well as the technical details of installation, we strongly encourage you to read the full article. It will provide you with all the practical information you need to make the right choice.

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Installing charging stations on your premises: standards and certifications to be aware of

L'he installation of charging stations is a strategic project that requires compliance with several standards and a rigorous process. Since the LOM law came into force in 2019, all businesses must meet specific obligations, particularly for new buildings or major renovations. This legislation imposes a minimum percentage of pre-equipment with charging stations for parking lots.

 

In terms of regulations, the installation must comply with the NFC 15-100 standardwhich governs all electric vehicle charging infrastructures in France. This standard guarantees the safety of electrical installations and the optimization of charging performance. To ensure compliance, installations must be carried out by IRVE-certified professionals..

 

Companies also need to allow sufficient time for installation. Depending on the complexity of the infrastructure, you should allow between 3 and 6 months for planning and work, particularly if structural or electrical adjustments are required. On average, a complete installation for several chargepoints can cost between €10,000 and €15,000, depending on the number of chargepoints and the specific features of the parking lot.

Companies can benefit from a number of subsidies, including the ADVENIRsubsidy, which can cover up to 50% of installation costs, with ceilings ranging from €960 to €9,000, depending on the power of the terminal.

This aid considerably reduces the initial investment.

The main steps for a successful installation include :

  • site audit, assessing energy requirements, parking configuration and electrical capacity.
  • choice of bollard, selecting bollards suited to their use and the number of users.

 

Once these stages have been completed, installation is carried out by IRVE experts, with rigorous tests to ensure that the equipment is working properly and safely.

 

By following good practices and complying with standards, companies can not only meet their legal obligations, but also improve their brand image while benefiting from financial aid. For more details on the steps, standards and subsidies available, please consult the full article.

The best providers of recharging solutions: who are the leaders?

With the explosion in the number of electric vehicles, the choice of service provider for the installation of charging stations is becoming essential, for both private individuals and businesses. Service providers stand out for the quality of their services, their expertise, and their compliance with current standards, such as IRVE certification, which has been required for any installation of charging stations over 3.7 kW since decree n°2017-26 of January 12, 2017. There are several, including:

  • Beev
  • IZI by EDF
  • TotalEnergies
  • Hager
  • Tesla
Our services Terminal power Highlights
Beev
Custom solutions, installation and maintenance
3.7 kW to 22 kW
Full service from A to Z
IZI by EDF
Turnkey terminals for homes and businesses
7.4 kW to 22 kW
Personalized support, subsidies available
TotalEnergies
Varied solutions for individuals and businesses
7.4 kW to 22 kW
Wide national coverage, fast installation
Hager
Witty Start kiosk for private customers
2.3 kW to 22 kW
Advanced protection and compact design
Tesla
Wall Connector Gen 3, with remote management
7.4 kW
WiFi connectivity, supervision via application
Discover your financial aid with our simulator!
Need to know about financial assistance for the purchase of an electric vehicle? Use our project simulator to find out how you can reduce your electric vehicle costs.

Choosing the right service provider for your charging station installation can make all the difference in terms of safety, charging speed and ease of use. By turning to IRVE-certified companies, you can be sure of getting a service that complies with standards, with a variety of options tailored to your needs. To find out more about the specific features of the different service providers, please read the full article.

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Choosing the right recharging point for your business: our advice

When considering the installation of charging stations for employees or customers, a number of factors need to be taken into account to make the best choice. In 2024, companies must not only ensure that the installation complies with regulatory standards, but also optimize costs and maximize benefits for their entire ecosystem.

Power tailored to business needs

Charging stations for businesses are often more powerful than those for private users. The majority of corporate charging stations are between 11 kW and 22 kW, as they enable faster recharging for frequent and varied use. A 22 kW station can recharge a car in just 1 to 2 hours, which is essential for company fleets or visitors with short recharging times. However, the installation of such a terminal requires a three-phase infrastructure and a prior check of the company's electrical capacity.

Compliance and IRVE-certified installation

Under current regulations, all charging stations with a power rating of over 3.7 kW must be installed by an IRVE-certified electrician. This certification guarantees that the installation complies with safety standards, in particular standard NFC 15-100and enables companies to benefit from specific subsidies, such as the ADVENIR bonus. This bonus can cover up to 50% of the total cost of the installation, representing an interesting opportunity to reduce the initial investment.

Strategic choice of terminals and subsidies

Companies should also take into account available subsidies, such as tax credits or specific energy transition grants. By opting for smart charging stations, capable of managing and optimizing energy consumption according to current tariffs, companies can significantly reduce their long-term costs. What's more, by choosing connected charging stations, you can remotely manage the use of the charging stations and better distribute charging sessions according to actual needs.

 

For businesses, choosing the right charging station is a strategic decision that combines compliance, performance and cost optimization. Thanks to available subsidies and standard-compliant installation, you can maximize the benefits of this energy transition. To find out more about company-specific options and the financial benefits of installing charging stations, read our full article on the subject.

Conclusion

Choosing and installing a charging station is a key decision in facilitating the use of electric vehicles, whether at home or in the workplace. It's essential to take into account the terminal's power rating, vehicle compatibility and recharging requirements, while ensuring that the installation complies with safety standards. By keeping abreast of available options and taking advantage of financial aid, you can optimize your installation for today and tomorrow, while contributing to the energy transition.

 

Are you planning to equip your company with suitable charging stations? Beev is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today for a personalized quote and find out how we can transform your charging infrastructure.

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Adrien-Maxime MENSAH

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