Charging stations are becoming more prevalent at museums, libraries, shopping areas, and other places where drivers may stop for 30 minutes or more.
also includes chargers owned and operated by Exelon utilities PEPCO and DPL, enables drivers to charge their vehicles at Exelon Level 2 smart chargers or DC fast chargers throughout the utilities’ service areas. BGE expects to install 500 chargers by the end of 2023, in support of Maryland’s goal to have 300,000 zero-emissions vehicles on the road by 2030. Dewberry has assisted BGE with the design-build installation of more than 20 sites, with another three dozen in design. Completed sites include Ripken Stadium, Baltimore-Washington In - ternational Airport, the Carroll County Library, the Howard County Library, the Harford County administration building, and three parking lots at Harford Community College. Sound Investments “There are many opportunities for municipalities and regional utilities to pursue a charging station installation program similar to what BGE has done with the EVsmart program,” says Joe Estrada, PE, an associ - ate and energy services program manager for Dewberry. “There is an increasing amount of grant funding available at the state and federal levels. That financial support, combined with the expertise that engi - Levels of Charging Level 1 Charging: Equipment charges through a 120V AC plug requiring a dedicated circuit. Level 1 generally refers to a standard household outlet. This may require 8-12 hours or more to completely charge an EV battery. Level 2 Charging: Equipment charges through a 240V AC plug and requires a dedicated 40 amp circuit and installation of charging equipment. This may require 4-6 hours to recharge. Level 3 Charging: Equipment charges through CHAdeMO technology, known as DC fast charging, with a 480V DC plug. This can provide an 80 percent charge in 30 minutes.
neers can bring to the table in terms of cost analyses, project siting, design, permitting, and equipment selection can make these initiatives highly feasible. It doesn’t need to be burdensome to municipal budgets and staffing.” For clients nationwide such as BGE, New Jersey Transit, and other com - mercial clients, Dewberry engineers have assisted in carefully assessing costs, which can vary based on location, permitting requirements, and equipment selection. Considerations include subsurface conditions and grading; proximity to underground electric service; the location of storm sewers, sidewalks, and other features; and ADA requirements. Ideal site locations offer short distances to utility tie-ins and ease of access. Parking garages provide another set of challenges, involving structural analyses, space constraints, and electrical constraints. Commissioning is also important to finalize the successful installa - tions of charging stations. During this phase, the commissioning team will assess the electrical checks and balances and verify connections. In addition to final site punch lists, Dewberry works closely with the charging manufacturers and the field installers to ensure proper turn up and operation of the installed chargers. “As we expand the charging station infrastructure, we relieve drivers of the ‘range anxiety’ that can inhibit the purchase of EVs,” says Es - trada. “We’re seeing many successful investments that will contribute to the continued growth of the electric vehicle ecosystem.”
DAVE REVETTE, PE is an associate and project manager. JESSICA ROBBINS, PE, is an associate vice president with Dewberry.
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June 2021
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