
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!