What Businesses Should Know Before Installing EV Chargers in Alberta
Electric vehicle adoption is accelerating across Alberta, and businesses are increasingly recognizing the value of offering EV charging on-site. From supporting employee commuting to attracting customers and preparing for electric fleets, charging infrastructure is quickly becoming a practical business asset — not just a sustainability feature.
Whether your organization is motivated by environmental goals, customer convenience, or future-proofing your operations, installing EV chargers requires thoughtful planning. Commercial charging is significantly different from residential installations, and making the right decisions upfront can substantially reduce costs and operational challenges down the road.
At Evalence, we work with Alberta businesses to design and install EV charging systems that are safe, efficient, and built to grow with demand. Here’s what organizations should understand before getting started.

Black electric vehicle charging outside.
Choosing the Right Charger Type
One of the first decisions is selecting the appropriate charger type based on how the chargers will be used.
Level 2 (240V Charging)
Level 2 chargers are the most common choice for commercial properties. They’re well-suited for:
- Office buildings and workplaces
- Retail centres and shopping plazas
- Hotels and hospitality sites
- Multi-family and mixed-use developments
These chargers work best when vehicles are parked for one to several hours. They offer a strong balance between charging speed, installation cost, and electrical requirements, making them ideal for most business environments.
Level 3 (DC Fast Charging)
DC fast chargers deliver much higher power and are designed for quick turnaround charging. They’re typically used at:
- Fleet depots and logistics hubs
- Public charging corridors and rest stops
- High-traffic commercial locations
- Businesses located along major highways
While fast chargers provide rapid charging, they require significantly more electrical capacity and a higher upfront investment. Understanding expected usage patterns is essential before committing to this option.
Power and Electrical Requirements
Electrical capacity is one of the most important — and often underestimated — aspects of a commercial EV charging project.
Before installation, businesses need to evaluate:
- Existing electrical panel capacity
- Transformer availability and loading
- Distance between chargers and electrical rooms
- Trenching or conduit routing requirements
- Load management or smart charging needs
- Whether electrical upgrades are required
A detailed site assessment ensures the system is safe, code-compliant, and designed to expand as EV adoption increases. Planning for future chargers early often costs far less than retrofitting later.
Placement, Layout, and User Experience
Charger placement directly affects usability, safety, and long-term maintenance. A well-designed layout also minimizes operational issues during Alberta’s winter conditions.
At Evalence, we consider factors such as:
- Proximity to electrical infrastructure
- Parking flow and stall accessibility
- Snow clearing and ice buildup patterns
- Lighting, visibility, and security
- Cable management, bollards, and signage
Thoughtful placement improves user experience, reduces wear and tear, and supports reliable year-round operation.
Costs to Expect
Commercial EV charging projects involve more than just purchasing chargers. Typical cost components include:
- Charging equipment
- Electrical installation and upgrades
- Trenching, concrete, or asphalt restoration
- Permits, inspections, and utility coordination
- Optional software, networking, and payment systems
Costs vary widely depending on site conditions and charger type. Evalence focuses on efficient system design to avoid unnecessary upgrades while delivering reliable performance and long-term value.x
Incentives and Funding Opportunities
Incentive programs for EV charging change frequently, but many Alberta businesses may be eligible for financial support through:
- Federal clean transportation or infrastructure programs
- Municipal or utility-based rebates, when available
- ESG, sustainability, or carbon reduction initiatives
- Green building certifications and fleet electrification programs
Evalence helps businesses stay informed on current opportunities and can assist with documentation and technical details required for applications.
Smart Charging and Management Tools
Most commercial charging systems now include software platforms that help businesses manage operations and energy use. Common features include:
- Usage tracking and reporting
- User access control
- Payment and billing options
- Energy load balancing
- Remote monitoring and diagnostics
These tools allow businesses to control costs, understand usage patterns, and streamline ongoing management — especially as charger usage increases over time.
Final Thoughts
Installing EV chargers is a forward-looking investment that supports business growth, customer satisfaction, and sustainability goals. With proper planning, EV charging infrastructure can be scalable, cost-effective, and well-suited to Alberta’s climate and electrical environment.
Evalence provides end-to-end commercial EV charging assessments and installation services across Alberta. If your business is considering EV charging, our team is ready to help you design a solution that works today and prepares you for the future.
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