What is a Commercial L2 Charger?

Understanding the Difference

Despite being different, the lines between residential and commercial chargers can seem blurred. Questions like “Why can’t I use a residential charger in a commercial setting?” or “Should I upgrade to a commercial charger at home?” often arise. Vendors sometimes add to the confusion by marketing residential chargers for commercial applications, even when they’re not suitable, and utilities and fleets may use commercial chargers in homes.

To clarify, let’s start by understanding the key differences between these two types of chargers.

Who is the Customer?

The Residential Homeowner

Before comparing features, it’s important to understand who is buying the chargers and what their needs are. For residential chargers, the customer is typically the homeowner. This usually means a limited number of people using the charger at a single home, prioritizing ease of setup, aesthetics, and user interface.

A simple “dumb” charger (without internet connectivity) is often the best solution for homeowners. These chargers are easy to install, look good, and are straightforward to use—just plug in and charge. If homeowners want more functionality, their priorities are largely the same as with other smart home products: ease of set up, aesthetics, and the interface.

The most important aspect for residential customers is that the user is always the same. The charger is connected to the home meter, so user authentication and payment flows are not present, and the user knows the particulars of the charger and the vehicle.

The Commercial Customer

In a commercial setting, there isn’t just one customer. The charger must meet the needs of the site manager, installer, charge point operator (CPO), network software, and finally, the driver. Unlike residential chargers, commercial chargers must meet specific commercial requirements and offer certain features to function effectively across all these stakeholders. This is also the reason why multi-family residential buildings are considered commercial settings – it has nothing to do with the driver experience, but rather is a result of the number of groups required to make that experience happen.

Finally, because of both the increased number of stakeholders and the criticality of the service, the cost model of the charger is much different. The total cost of ownership includes not just the hardware and installation seen in a residential setting, but also the commercial electrical infrastructure, the warranty, software subscriptions, payment fees, and support costs associated with servicing a range of drivers. This increased cost burden means that a commercial charger has more space to invest in the equipment – a feature rich piece of hardware can justify a higher initial investment if it can reduce the costs borne from these other factors. 

Key Features of Commercial Chargers

Hardware Inclusions

• Cellular Networking: Provides a reliable internet connection, crucial for maintaining consistent performance.
• Reliable WiFi: Optimized design to ensure consistent connectivity.
• RFID: Allows for quick and reliable authentication in shared use settings.
• Screen: Provides critical feedback to drivers and operators, ensuring smooth operation.
• Metering: Requires commercial-grade meters for accurate reporting.
• Designed for Hardwired Electrical: Built to handle sustained high current flow without damage.

Additional Features

• Remote Diagnostics and Repairability: Essential for servicing assets in the field, similar to a Network Operations Center (NOC).
• Access Control for O&M Personnel: Interfaces designed to fit into commercial environments.
• Compliance Programs and Standards: Must meet various requirements for performance, consumer protection, and accessibility, unlike residential chargers.

Identifying a Commercial Charger

Commercial chargers often have distinguishing features such as a screen and RFID reader. However, these are just the visible signs of a more complex design approach. A true commercial charger is designed to meet the needs of multiple stakeholders consistently and reliably.

While residential chargers have their place, the industry could do a better job of clearly differentiating between residential and commercial solutions. Understanding the differences and the specific needs of each type of customer can help make informed purchasing decisions.