Understanding the Difference between Public vs. Private EV Charging Stations
The number of EV charging stations in the UK is definitely on the rise. As of the start of January 2024, the UK has a total of 53,677 public electric vehicle charging devices. This does not include the EV charging point installation projects that homeowners commissioned for their private use.
Perhaps you’re keen on future-proofing your home or business with the addition of an EV charging station. Supporting the development of a more robust and sustainable transportation system can present you with plenty of benefits. With a home EV charging station, for instance, you can enjoy a greater deal of energy independence and the use of a reliable and highly efficient form of transportation. If you’re upgrading your commercial, industrial, or office space with a workplace EV charger installation, then you have a better chance of attracting EV users, both as talents and customers, to your business.
Before you make a decision on which project to prioritise, however, it’s important to understand how private and public EV charging stations differ, both from the perspective of an owner and a user of such a facility. Here are some of their differences.
Function
Public and private EV charging stations serve as vital components of the electric vehicle infrastructure, and they offer drivers convenient options to recharge their vehicles. While both types of charging stations share the common goal of powering electric vehicles, they differ in several key aspects.
Public Charging Stations:
Public charging stations are accessible to all EV owners and are typically located in public areas such as shopping centres, car parks, and along motorways.
They provide a convenient option for EV owners to recharge their vehicles while away from home or during long-distance travel.
Public charging stations may offer various charging speeds, ranging from standard chargers to DC fast chargers. Such options allow them to cater to different EV models and charging requirements.
Private Charging Stations:
Private charging stations are installed at residential properties, workplaces, or private parking facilities and are intended for the exclusive use of the property owner or authorised individuals.
They provide a convenient and cost-effective solution for EV owners to charge their vehicles overnight or during the day while parked at their residences or workplaces.
Private charging stations are often installed with specific charging equipment tailored to the owner's needs, such as fast chargers or smart chargers with advanced features like scheduling and monitoring.
Requirements
Despite serving different user groups and locations, public and private EV charging stations share several common requirements in their installation and operation. Both types of charging stations necessitate careful planning, and they should also adhere to safety regulations and remain compatible with the existing infrastructure.
Additionally, they must meet standards set by regulatory authorities to ensure reliability, safety, and interoperability within the broader electric vehicle charging network. They do have a few differences in requirements, including the following:
Public Charging Stations:
Public charging stations require extensive infrastructure planning and investment, including site selection, installation of charging equipment, and ongoing maintenance.
They may need to comply with regulatory requirements and standards set by government authorities or charging network operators.
Public charging stations typically offer payment options for EV charging, such as pay-per-use, subscription-based access, or free charging sponsored by businesses or governments.
Private Charging Stations:
Private charging stations are installed on private property and require permission from the property owner or management for installation.
They may involve less complex permitting and approval processes compared to public charging stations, especially for residential installations.
Private charging station owners have more flexibility in choosing the charging equipment and setup that best suits their needs and budget.
Accessibility and Availability
Accessibility and availability contribute to the overall adoption and usability of electric vehicles, and both are fundamental aspects of both public and private EV charging stations. While public charging stations aim to provide widespread access to charging infrastructure for EV owners on the go, private charging stations offer exclusive access tailored to specific user needs. Here’s a closer look at their differences:
Public Charging Stations:
Public charging stations are widely distributed across urban and suburban areas, a strategic move to make them easily accessible to EV owners.
They provide a convenient option for EV owners who do not have access to private charging facilities, such as apartment dwellers or those without dedicated parking spaces.
Private Charging Stations:
Private charging stations are accessible only to the property owner or authorised individuals, and their availability is limited to a specific group of users.
While private charging stations offer exclusive access and convenience to the property owner, they can be inaccessible to the broader public.
Cost
Cost considerations are inherent to the installation and operation of both public and private EV charging stations. Whether you’re utilising public charging infrastructure or investing in private charging solutions, you must weigh upfront installation expenses, the cost of EV charging point maintenance services, and electricity pricing structures. Understanding the cost implications of each charging option is crucial for making informed decisions that align with your budgetary constraints and charging needs.
Public Charging Stations:
Public charging stations may incur usage fees or subscription costs, depending on the charging network operator and payment model.
Some public charging stations offer free or subsidised charging as part of promotional campaigns or government incentives to encourage EV adoption.
Private Charging Stations:
Private charging stations involve upfront installation costs, including equipment purchase and installation fees.
The ongoing electricity costs for charging at private stations are typically borne by the property owner or tenant, but they may be lower than public charging fees depending on local electricity rates.
Understanding these differences can help you determine which project you should prioritise and invest in first. No matter if you’re leaning towards a public charging infrastructure for on-the-go charging or private charging solutions for residential use, though, you can still contribute to the growth and sustainability of electric mobility.
For questions about EV charger installations for both private and public use, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Elecology. You can book a site survey with our company to get a good idea of how to approach your next EV charger installation project.