Living in a Flat and Possessing a Chevy Equinox EV: Here's How I Power Up My Vehicle and Suggestions forCity Improvements to Simplify Charging Processes

In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), a new charging solution is making waves, particularly in Europe. The Bring Your Own Charger (BYOC) model, a socket-only EV charger, is becoming increasingly common, especially in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany.

This innovative approach offers several advantages. For starters, the lack of a permanently tethered cable means less risk of damage, theft, or vandalism, resulting in improved uptime for BYOC chargers. The simplicity of the hardware also lowers costs and shortens installation timelines, making it a cost-effective solution.

The benefits of BYOC chargers extend beyond the chargers themselves. In the United States, programmes like CALSTART's Communities in Charge are providing funding and support for installing EV chargers at multifamily housing complexes, such as apartments. This initiative not only increases the livability index but also encourages foot traffic, longer store visits, and cleaner air for towns.

Retailers near fast chargers are seeing dwell times of 20 to 40 minutes, supporting higher basket sizes and incremental impulse purchases. Moreover, EV chargers installed in retail parking lots can be integrated with retail operations, offering loyalty program integration and point of sale connections.

In busy locations, typical sites can reach positive cash flow as utilization climbs past 10 to 15 percent, with a simple payback in roughly two to five years. The revenue for EV chargers is diversified, coming from energy margins, session fees, advertising screens, and grants that can cover up to 80 percent of eligible expenses.

One company leading the charge in this revolution is Electric Era. They recently installed a six-stall charging system in a record 54 days at a Costco in North Port, Florida, a process that can commonly take up to two years. This rapid installation not only saves time and resources but also minimises disruption to retail operations.

The benefits of BYOC chargers extend to the grid as well. Distributing curbside charging across suburbs turns parked cars into a flexible sponge for excess midday power generation, lowering curtailment, stabilising the grid, and even selling clean energy back to residents at attractive rates.

In California, the state is now covering up to $8,500 per Level 2 EV charging port in eligible multi-unit buildings. This financial support further encourages the adoption of EV charging infrastructure, contributing to a cleaner, greener future.

In case of damage to BYOC chargers, the repair process is streamlined. Instead of replacing an entire post, the driver simply replaces a cable, minimising downtime. Furthermore, the maintenance for BYOC chargers is lighter, connectors stay cleaner, and streetscape clutter drops, making these chargers a more aesthetically pleasing addition to urban landscapes.

Local governments also stand to benefit from the increased retail activity. They gain sales tax revenue, attract new employers, and reduce noise and tailpipe pollution, improving livability and real estate appeal. Additionally, large screens can support promos and ads, turning dwell time into measurable in-store visits and higher basket sizes.

In conclusion, the Bring Your Own Charger model is revolutionising the EV charging landscape, offering a cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly solution. As more cities and retailers adopt this technology, we can expect to see a surge in EV adoption and a cleaner, greener future.