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.