These Mistakes Could Cost You More Than You Realize on Your EVCS Project
These Mistakes Could Cost You More Than You Realize on Your EVCS Project
The demand for EV charging infrastructure is growing rapidly, but making the wrong choices during your EV charging station installation can lead to costly delays, inefficiencies, and missed financial opportunities. Avoid these critical mistakes to ensure a smooth, scalable, and cost-effective project.
#1: Choosing the Wrong EV Charging Solution
Not all EV charging stations are created equal. Selecting the wrong system can result in:
- Incompatibility issues – Chargers that don’t align with fleet, tenant, or commercial property needs.
- Hidden infrastructure costs – Retrofitting electrical systems after installation can be expensive.
- Limited expansion potential – Choosing the wrong system may hinder future scalability.
- Missed rebate opportunities – Some systems don’t qualify for EV infrastructure incentives and funding programs.
A technology-agnostic EV infrastructure provider ensures you select the right EV charging solution, whether it’s Level 2 chargers for commercial properties or DC fast charging for high-traffic locations.
#2: Not Optimizing Rebates & Incentives
Failing to leverage EVCS rebate programs and financial incentives through state and utility programs can significantly impact your budget. Common issues include:
- Higher upfront costs – Not factoring in incentives can lead to unnecessary spending.
- Delayed funding approvals – Compliance errors can slow down or disqualify applications.
- Missed savings opportunities – Many rebates operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning delays can cost you thousands.
A knowledgeable EV charging solutions provider will ensure that your project meets all compliance standards and secures funding from federal, state, and local sources.
#3: Underestimating Electrical & Utility Requirements
Many property owners move forward with EV charger installation without fully assessing their site’s electrical capacity. This can lead to:
- Unexpected power upgrades – Additional transformers, switchgear, or panel replacements drive up costs.
- Delays in utility coordination – Failing to plan for grid integration can result in project hold-ups.
Your EV infrastructure contractor should conduct a full site assessment, coordinate with utilities, and ensure the project is designed for both current and future energy demands.
#4: Poor Site Planning & Charger Placement
Strategic EV charging station placement is crucial for accessibility, efficiency, and future scalability. Common mistakes include:
- Traffic congestion issues – Poorly placed chargers can create vehicle bottlenecks.
- Limited ADA compliance – Overlooking accessibility regulations can lead to legal and usability issues.
- Difficult expansion – Chargers should be positioned with future growth in mind.
- Network Connectivity – Insufficient connectivity can lead to commissioning failures, resulting in weeks or even months of delays in achieving consistent charging. Additionally, it can incur unexpected costs for network extenders.
Well-planned EV charging infrastructure ensures optimal placement for convenience, compliance, and scalability.
#5: Ignoring Long-Term Maintenance & Support
Many businesses focus solely on EV charging station installation and overlook ongoing maintenance. This can result in:
- Frequent charger downtime – Lack of upkeep leads to unreliable service.
- Higher long-term costs – Emergency repairs and replacements add up over time.
- User dissatisfaction – Non-functional chargers drive away potential customers and tenants.
Partnering with a full-service EV charging provider ensures proactive maintenance, monitoring, and support, keeping your infrastructure operational and efficient.
Avoid Costly Mistakes—Choose the Right Partner
Before you commit to an EV charging infrastructure provider, ensure they can handle everything: technology selection, permitting, engineering, utility coordination, installation, civil construction, and maintenance.
Centerline specializes in turnkey EV charging solutions, delivering scalable, cost-effective infrastructure tailored to meet your property’s needs. Contact us today for a smooth road to electrification!
Customer: Amusement Park
Location: Massachusetts
Project Overview:
We partnered with a Charger OEM and an amusement park in Massachusetts to introduce an extensive EV charging infrastructure for the park’s customers. The project involved installing 26 Level 2 (L2) chargers strategically placed within the venue's parking lot.
Scope of Work (SOW):
The project was approached as a complete turnkey solution. Our team managed all aspects, including architecture and engineering (A&E), permitting, civil work, electrical installation, commissioning, and leveraging rebates and incentives.
Rebate Award:
With the established relationship as an approved vendor for Eversource, we successfully secured a significant rebate totaling $532,000.
Project Timeline:
The entire project was completed within an impressive 64 days from initiation to completion. It was done during the park's off-hours, Monday through Thursday, so as not to disturb regular operating traffic.
Delivery Result:
We delivered a comprehensive, turnkey solution that required minimal involvement from the client. The installation comprised 26 L2 chargers, each equipped with 2 ports, providing patrons with access to a total of 52 charging ports.
Operation and Revenue Model:
The OEM assumed ownership of the charging stations, incurring no installation costs for the park. Through upfront investment and rebate acquisition, the OEM facilitated a seamless setup process. As a critical amenity for maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty, the OEM and Park provide charging service to patrons free of charge.
The implemented solution adopted an advertising model, leveraging the high foot traffic at the park. Revenue projections were meticulously crafted, considering factors such as park attendance and visitor demographics to optimize profitability.
Future-proofed Power Panel:
Our team ensured the power panel was future-proofed, accommodating potential expansions or technological advancements in EV charging infrastructure.
Expertise Showcase for Future Projects:
This project exemplifies Centerline's expertise in delivering seamless solutions to clients.
Key factors positioning Centerline as an expert for subsequent projects include:
Client Convenience: The turnkey approach alleviates the client's burden, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Speed of Delivery: Theability to complete the project within a tight timeframe demonstrates Centerline'sefficiency and commitment to meeting deadlines.
Rebate Management: Centerline'sproficiency in navigating rebate programs and incentives adds significant valueto clients, maximizing cost savings.
Turnkey Benefits: The onsiteConstruction Manager maintains constant contact with civil crews andEngineering, delivering seamless communication on any necessary change ordersto placement or conduit.
This case study illustrates how Centerline’s comprehensive approach, combined with its industry knowledge and dedication to client satisfaction, positions them as a trusted partner for future endeavors in EV charging infrastructure deployment.
Most jurisdictions require annual Emergency Responder Radio Communication System (ERRCS) testing because even minor changes—inside or outside your building—can disrupt signal strength and lead to non-compliance with IFC Section 510, NFPA1225, and local AHJ standards.
Why ERRCS Compliance Doesn’t Stay Static
There are multiple reasons your building's ERRCS system may no longer meet code:
- New nearby buildings are blocking or reflecting RF signals
- Interior renovations or added partitions interfere with coverage
- System components (amplifiers, batteries, cabling) degrade over time
- AHJ requirements have changed, and you may not meet the new testing standards
- Equipment wasn’t UL 2524-listed when first installed
Even something as simple as updated glass coatings or added mechanical equipment can shift your signal performance.
WhyAnnual ERRCS Testing Is Critical
Most jurisdictions now require annual testing and certification. This includes:
- Signal strength testing across all floors
- Battery backup verification
- Equipment inspection
- Report submission to your AHJ
Skipping your annual test? You could risk failing your next fire inspection, leading to costly fines.
StayAhead of ERRCS Compliance
Centerline helps building owners and facility managers stay compliant, avoid fines, and ensure emergency responders stay connected.
✔️ Certified ERRCS testing
✔️ AHJ-compliant documentation
✔️ System optimization and repairs
✔️ UL 2524-compliant equipment upgrades
Contact us for your annual testing today.
If you're planning an in-building wireless project or Distributed Antenna System (DAS) installation, ensuring proper coverage, FCC compliance, and seamless integration is critical. Avoiding common pitfalls can save time, money, and frustration. Here are five major mistakes to steer clear of:
1. Skipping a Signal Assessment
One of the biggest mistakes is not conducting a professional benchmark survey before starting your project. A macro benchmark test:
· Identifies existing signal strength
· Ensures engineering is sound all the way through
· Provides necessary information for designing the right wireless coverage system for your use case within your budget constraints.
· Shows the improvement of your investment before and after installation.
Without a signal assessment, you risk blind spots, interference, and ineffective coverage solutions.
2. Not defining your budget upfront
Before DAS engineering begins, you need to define your budget and capacity/coverage goals. This will help the engineers understand your needs and how to achieve them. Wireless solutions and combinations are infinite, and your budget will determine the best signal source and system type for your project.
3. Overlooking Carrier Integration
A Distributed Antenna System (DAS) is useless without proper carrier integration. Some projects fail because they lack carrier approvals, leading to weak signals even after expensive deployments. Carrier coordination is critical for:
- OEM equipment compatibility
- Meeting FCC compliance
- Avoiding costly legal implications
4. Poor Installation Practices
Improper DAS installation can derail your entire project. Common mistakes include:
· Incorrect connectorization and fiber splicing
· Failure to optimize and tune the system properly
· Lack of certification and training for installers
A properly installed DAS eliminates delays, reduces troubleshooting headaches, and ensures maximum performance and reliability from day one.
5. Choosing the Wrong Integrator
Not all in-building wireless contractors are created equal. The right partner will:
· Have RF engineering experience
· Have technicians who know the RF and how to tune thesystem properly
· Understand the Commissioning and acceptance
· Verify the system is working at optimum performance
Get it right the first time. Avoiding these mistakes will ensure a successful in-building wireless deployment and enhance cellular coverage. Work with experienced wireless contractors, DAS providers, and wireless carrier integration specialists to build a system that meets your needs.
Need expert guidance on your in-building wireless project? Contact our DAS installation experts today to explore your options.
If tenants or employees are complaining about dropped calls and slow loading speeds, your building likely has poor cellular coverage. The good news? There are solutions, and we can help.
Why Is My Building’s Signal Weak?
Common causes include building materials (concrete, metal, Low-E glass) that block RF signals, distance from cell towers, and network congestion. Fixing it requires the proper in-building wireless infrastructure retrofitted to your building.
Steps to Improve Cell Phone Coverage:
1. Understand your Needs and Budget
There is no one-size-fits-all solution in the wireless industry. Identifying your building’s use case and tailoring the solution helps align your budget with expectations from the start.
2. Signal Assessment
Always start with a benchmark assessment of the existing macro signal. A professional site survey will identify coverage gaps and will help determine the best solution for your building.
3. Choosing the Right Solution
Not all solutions are right for every building or budget. Options range from carrier-independent systems like Part 20 solutions, which expedite deployment, to carrier-coordinated systems such as Class-A solutions for extensive coverage.
Having industry experts guide you ensures you avoid cookie-cutter approaches and implement the right system for your needs.
Why You Should Invest in Better Coverage
Tenant satisfaction is directly linked to reliable mobile connectivity. According to industry surveys:
· 60% of building managers report tenant complaints aboutLTE voice and data quality
· Over 80% say prospective tenants ask about mobile service during evaluations. Enhancing in-building cellular coverage not only improves tenant experience but also boosts property value.
Choosing the Right Partner
Centerline specializes in nationwide in-building wireless solutions and Distributed Antenna System (DAS)installation, tailoring connectivity solutions for multi-family complexes, hospitals, office campuses, stadiums, resorts, and high-rise buildings. Our turnkey expertise simplifies the process, handling everything from design to deployment.
Let’s make your building’s connectivity seamless. Contact us today to get started.