Choosing the Right Charging Infrastructure for Businesses: From Wallbox to Fast Charger

Energi company ENERANDO is advising businesses on the planning of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Their stance is that the choice of infrastructure—whether it's a wallbox, charging post, or fast charger—is secondary to the specific requirements of the location.

Proper planning, according to ENERANDO, should begin by identifying who will use the charging points, typical vehicle parking durations, available electrical connection capacity, and future scalability needs. Operational aspects like billing and user management also play a crucial role.

Matthias Schmid from ENERANDO highlights that many companies start their planning process by focusing on the hardware. He argues that the first questions should address how vehicles will be used at the site and what energy infrastructure is realistically available. The actual charging equipment, he states, is merely the outcome of a thorough needs assessment.

AC wallboxes, typically offering up to 22 kW charging power, are well-suited for locations like company parking lots, hotels, and residential areas where vehicles are parked for extended periods or overnight. AC charging posts are commonly used in public or semi-public areas such as shopping centers and hospitality venues.

DC fast chargers are designed for situations where charging speed is paramount, such as at highway rest stops or logistics hubs with high vehicle turnover. ENERANDO points out that AC solutions are often more economical and grid-friendly for longer parking durations, while DC fast charging requires significantly higher grid capacity. The company underscores that vehicle parking duration is frequently a more critical factor than maximum charging power when determining the overall charging strategy.