Skip to main content

Electrum's Impact on EV Charging Infrastructure

As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) continues to rise, the need for reliable and accessible charging infrastructure becomes ever more critical. Electrum Charging Solutions has been at the forefront of this transition, providing state-of-the-art EV charging installations across various sectors. Installing over 6,000 charging stations at over 100 locations, since 2015, and managing thousands on our bespoke OCPP charger management system, we have seen it all. Here, we highlight some of our past projects, showcasing our expertise in delivering tailored EV charging solutions that meet diverse needs.

Case studies include examples of charging solutions for:

Mixed Use Charging

Richmond Memorial Hospital, BC

At Richmond Memorial Hospital, Electrum installed 40 Level 2 chargers for public and staff use, alongside 2 DC fast chargers (DCFC). The charging stations operate 24/7, demonstrating incredible usage rates and supporting the hospital’s commitment to sustainability and convenience for staff and visitors.

IMG_2571
1 of 2 120 kW DCFCs at Richmond Hospital for paramedic and ambulatory services.
Workplace (2) (1)
Staff and public charging stations with cable management.
Electric Vehicle Etiquette
Staff and public charging stations using QR codes for monetization with EV etiquette signage and cable management.

Insights:

  • High Utilization Rates: The hospital noted high usage rates of the chargers, demonstrating a clear demand for EV infrastructure among staff and visitors.
  • Operational Efficiency: 24/7 accessibility of chargers improved operational efficiency and convenience for hospital staff working various shifts.
  • Scalability: The project highlighted the importance of scalability in public and institutional settings, ensuring the infrastructure can support increasing demand.
  • Reliability: Ensuring reliability and uptime of chargers is critical in healthcare settings where operational efficiency is paramount.

City of Lougheed, Coquitlam, BC

The City of Lougheed is a prime example of how Electrum integrates advanced technology with community needs. We installed a total of 247 chargers for multiple use cases. 206 private and shared RFID activated Level 2 chargers in five residential towers and 38 public Level 2 chargers across four locations, activated by QR codes. As well as 3 chargers for Modo car share vehicles. All chargers are managed through Electrum’s Cloud Platform, facilitating efficient billing, power management, and carbon credit accumulation.

IMG_6821
Residential RFID activated chargers with Electrum's ceiling mounted pedestal.
IMG_6828
Residential wall mounted RFID activated chargers.
Photo 2024-09-05, 1 46 22 PM
Commercial chargers with cable management.
Photo 2024-09-05, 1 48 40 PM

Insights:

  • Enhanced Resident Satisfaction: Providing EV charging solutions in residential towers increased resident satisfaction and added a valuable amenity.
  • Streamlined Management: The integration with Electrum’s Cloud Platform Dashboard facilitated easier management of billing, power, and carbon credits.
  • Integration Capabilities: The project showcased the effectiveness of our cloud platform in managing multiple charging stations across diverse locations.
  • User Accessibility: QR code and RFID activation proved to be user-friendly and efficient, enhancing overall user experience.

Foster Martin - Landmark Properties, White Rock, BC

At Foster Martin, Electrum installed 10 QR code-activated public Level 2 chargers in a commercial parkade and provided RFID fob access for regular residential use. This hybrid model offers flexibility for both public and resident charging needs.

OCT-13-2022_-_EVCS_(3)
32A wall mounted level 2 chargers with QR code activation for public or shared use.
OCT-13-2022_-_EVCS_(2)
32A wall mounted EV charger with QR code activation for public or shared use.
OCT-13-2022_-_EVCS
Optional EV signage with user instructions.

Insights:

  • Flexible Access: The hybrid model of QR code public charging and RFID fob access for residents offered flexibility and convenience.
  • Increased Property Value: Adding EV charging stations enhanced property value and attracted environmentally-conscious tenants.
  • Hybrid Models: Combining public and private charging options can cater to diverse user needs and maximize utilization.
  • User Engagement: Engaging with users to understand their preferences and behaviours is crucial for optimizing the charging experience.

Fleet Charging

Peterbilt Pacific Inc.

Electrum's installations at Peterbilt Pacific Inc. include 3 x 120kW ABB DCFCs at their Surrey, Delta, and Nanaimo sites. These high-power chargers support the fast turnaround required by commercial fleets, illustrating our capacity to handle large-scale industrial projects.

32
1 of 3 120kW DCFCs installed for charging Peterbilt's electric semi-trucks.
35
1 of 3 120kW DCFCs installed for charging Peterbilt's electric semi-trucks.
50
1 of 3 120kW DCFCs installed for charging Peterbilt's electric semi-trucks.

Insights:

  • Operational Efficiency: The fast charging capabilities significantly reduced downtime for fleet vehicles, improving overall operational efficiency.
  • Future-Proofing: Investing in high-power DC fast chargers ensured the infrastructure could meet future demand and technological advancements.
  • High-Power Installations: The need for high-power charging solutions in commercial fleet operations became evident, highlighting the importance of robust infrastructure.
  • Load Management: Effective load management strategies are crucial to prevent overloading the electrical system and ensuring smooth operations.

Frito Lay Pepsico, Surrey, BC

Fleet Charging

Electrum's installations at Frito-Lay Pepsico included the deployment of 1 x 120kW DCFC and 10 x 80A Ford chargers. The project also involved the installation of a 225kVA transformer and a 600A panel with oversized conduit to support the future expansion of the charging infrastructure, demonstrating Electrum’s ability to manage large-scale fleet electrification projects.

Pepsico-Widescreen
80A Ford Chargers installed on Electrum's pedestals.
20230404_123520
Trenching required to bring in the power and build the pedestal pads.
20230517_115434
Oversized conduit for future expansion.
20230523_134034

Insights:

  • Operational Efficiency: The installation of high-capacity 80A chargers significantly reduced the charging time for fleet vehicles, allowing faster turnaround times and improving overall operational efficiency.
  • Future-Proofing: By installing oversized conduits and additional junction points, the infrastructure is prepared for future expansion, ensuring the ability to scale up as Frito-Lay’s electric fleet grows.
  • High-Power Installations: The installation of a robust electrical infrastructure, including a new 225kVA transformer and dedicated 600A panel, highlighted the need for durable, high-power charging solutions in fleet operations.
  • Load Management: Electrum's careful planning and configuration of dedicated circuits for each EV charger ensured optimal performance while preventing system overloads, ensuring smooth and reliable fleet operations.

Commercial Charging

Elite Auto Spa, Delta, BC

Auto Wash

Electrum’s installation at Elite Auto Spa in Delta, BC, involved the deployment of 2 x 120 kW Zerova DC fast chargers, providing a total of four charging ports. These Level 3 chargers offer some of the fastest charging available, capable of adding 3 to 20 miles of range per minute, catering to the high-traffic demands of the location.

Elite-Auto-Spa-Charging-Station-2-scaled
2 x 120kW DCFCs
Elite-EV-Chargers-1-scaled
EV-Fast-Charging-Station-Elite-Auto-Spa-Scott-Road-Delta-BC-4-scaled

Insights:

  • Operational Efficiency: The 120 kW DC fast chargers provide rapid charging for EV drivers, significantly reducing downtime and ensuring vehicles can get back on the road quickly.
  • Convenience and Scalability: By situating high-power chargers at a busy location like Elite Auto Spa, Electrum provided a convenient charging solution that supports the growing number of EVs in the Delta region.
  • High-Power Installations: This project highlighted the importance of robust, high-performance charging infrastructure to meet the needs of EV drivers in high-demand areas.
  • Cloud-Based Management: Electrum’s cloud platform oversees the charging infrastructure, enabling real-time monitoring, power management, and automated billing, showcasing the seamless integration of technology with charging solutions.

Paz Fuels, Abbotsford, BC

Gas/Fuel Station

Electrum’s installation at Paz Fuels in Abbotsford, BC, included the deployment of 4 x ABB 180kW DC fast chargers (DCFCs) with integrated cable management. This large-scale project involved comprehensive electrical work, including the termination of high-capacity breakers and transformers, as well as running underground Cat 6 cables to ensure seamless network connectivity. 

IMG_7852
4 x ABB DCFCs installed at Paz Fuels gas station.
IMG_7853
Electrical kiosk for additional power.
842201E8-CAE7-4041-8281-E5F800D55B1F
1 of 4 ABB DCFCs installed at Paz Fuels gas station.
1706731319043-1
PazEnergy Charger

Insights:

  • Operational Efficiency: The installation of the 180kW DC fast chargers enables rapid charging for EVs, minimizing downtime and maximizing the productivity of fleet vehicles and customer EVs at this high-traffic fueling station.
  • Scalability and Infrastructure: By running dedicated circuits to each DCFC and installing robust 225KVA transformers, the infrastructure was designed to support heavy loads while remaining scalable for future growth in EV charging demand.
  • High-Power Installations: The high-capacity 180kW chargers installed at Paz Fuels demonstrate the importance of reliable, high-performance solutions for commercial charging stations, supporting fast and efficient service.
  • Network Integration: Electrum ensured seamless operation by running underground Cat 6 connections to the main hub switch, allowing for real-time monitoring and power management via the Electrum cloud platform, providing streamlined billing and operational oversight.

MURB Charging

Kings Landing, Vancouver, BC

MURB Retrofit

At Kings Landing, Electrum undertook a comprehensive project to electrify 165 stalls with individual 32Amp circuits, installing 114 EV chargers. This ambitious project required substantial electrical infrastructure to ensure each unit had dedicated EV charging capacity, exemplifying our capability to manage large-scale retrofit residential installations.

Kings Landing
32A chargers on Electrum's custom ceiling mounted pedestals.
IMG_1692
Additional electrical infrastructure to deliver each stall their own dedicated circuit.
IMG_1693
Electrum's custom ceiling mounted pedestals.

Insights:

  • High Demand: The demand for dedicated EV charging circuits in each unit highlighted the growing need for EV infrastructure in residential buildings.
  • Enhanced Amenities: Providing dedicated charging stations added significant value to the property and attracted potential buyers.
  • High-Density Installations: Managing high-density installations requires careful planning and substantial electrical infrastructure.
  • Individualized Solutions: Offering individualized charging solutions for each unit can significantly enhance user satisfaction and property value.

Fiorella by Polygon, Richmond, BC

New Construction

For the new Fiorella development by Polygon, there was pre-installed electrical infrastructure throughout the parkade and Electrum was brought in to install the networking and load management for the chargers, before occupancy. This proactive approach allowed the developer to pre-sell EV chargers to new home buyers, as needed, ensuring each resident could get a charger installed at their time of occupancy, while also future-proofing the development.

20241101_123251
32A AW charger on Electrum's custom pedestal solution.
20241101_123750
20241101_123235

Insights:

  • Future Readiness: Pre-installing infrastructure before occupancy allowed for seamless integration and future-proofing the development.
  • Custom Solutions: Offering networked level 2 chargers to residents on-demand provided flexibility and catered to individual needs.
  • Proactive Planning: Early involvement in the development process ensures a smoother installation and better integration of EV charging infrastructure.
  • Customer Education: Educating property managers and residents about the benefits and functionalities of the charging network is essential for maximizing usage and satisfaction.

The Social, Vancouver, BC

MURB Retrofit

The Social in Vancouver benefitted from Electrum’s expertise with the installation of 43 EV charging stations across 125 electrified stalls. This full network integration supports the needs of the building’s 125 units, making EV charging accessible and efficient.

1711488806669-3

32A chargers in private resident stalls.

1711488830440-3
1711488791312-for blog post

Insights:

  • Community Engagement: The installation of numerous charging stations fostered a sense of community among EV owners.
  • Ease of Use: The user-friendly Electrum Network made it easy for residents to access and use the charging stations.
  • Community Focus: Focusing on community needs and engagement is essential for successful installations in residential settings.
  • Scalable Solutions: Scalable solutions are necessary to accommodate growing demand and expanding EV ownership.
 Conclusion

The insights gained from these projects, as well as the rest of the over 100 locations and over 6,000 charging stations installed, have reinforced Electrum’s commitment to providing innovative, reliable, and user-friendly EV charging solutions.

By understanding the unique needs of each client and setting, we continue to deliver customized solutions that enhance property value, operational efficiency, and user satisfaction. These case studies exemplify our expertise and dedication to driving the future of sustainable transportation.

For more information on how Electrum Charging Solutions can support your EV charging needs, contact us today. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener tomorrow. 

Post by Electrum Charging SolutionsElectrum Team
Jul 16, 2024 12:32:11 PM

Comments