rex said:
I want to approach the landlord for my office building as I am a decent size tenant, and think it is reasonable to ask him to install an electric charger, and promote the PR of greening the workplace (plus I can get a good parking spot, and a recharge while working away).
First, which kind of charging station should I suggest to him?
Second, any specific details I should be sure to include to help make it easier for him to say yes?
Third, any gotcha's to be aware of?
:fisker:
This is a great idea. To make it as easy as possible for them to say yes you'll want to consider the following:
1) Suggest an inexpensive, simple EVSE. Features like WiFi, Time-of-Day charging and iPhone apps are great for residential users, but aren't needed for businesses. There are a number of no-frills, commercial-grade chargers (EVSEs) on the market. Clipper Creek, Eaton, Coulomb and others make devices designed for light commercial use like this. Here's a big list of choices, which is probably not exhaustive:
EVSE Vendors. Some vendors, like Coulomb, participate in syndicated networks such a the ChargePoint Network.
2) Find some examples of places with EVSEs, preferably near you, and show some pictures, or better yet get some testimonials. They would have to make an investment to get this done, make it easy to see how they will get a return in more buisness, or goodwill, or publicity, or in eco-friendly image.
3) Most people are unaware of electric vehicles. Help educate your landlord that several are currently on the market, and that virtually all major auto makers now offer or plan to offer plug-in vehicles. You can also point to the constantly increasing price of gas to help drive home the appeal of electrics.
4) Consider contacting a plug-and-play company that will sell it, permit it and install it without your landlord having to do anything other than say OK and cut a check. One example is Metro Plug-In based in Atlanta. Here is their
website and they even have a
Request a Station link to streamline the process. Metro serves the southeast US, but there are other companies out there as well.
4) There are options where the EVSE could be a revenue generator for the landlord. Of course, this might mean you would have to pay too, although you might arrange a way for you to charge for free in exchange for you doing the legwork and research on this.
Brent
