When you begin a game of Monopoly, you know you better get comfortable. Because chances are, you’re not going anywhere anytime soon. Until someone quits. Or flips the game board. Or arguments break out.
For many, selecting EV charging infrastructure can feel the same way — conversations that go in circles and leave you back where you started. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Here’s why.
A New Way to Play. But First, Pick Your Game Token.
The race car, dog, top hat, thimble…
So many choices, yet you likely always go with the same piece. No?
When it comes to EV charging, many companies default to what they’re familiar with: a grid-based solution. But that’s not your only option. In fact, there are three ways you can navigate through the game board:
- Traditional EV Charging Infrastructure (Utility-Based Approach)
- Standalone Battery Solutions (Energy Storage, Ultimately a Utility-Based Approach)
- Off-Grid, On-Site Power Generation Alternatives (Non-Utility Based Approach)
This time let’s pick option three. We have a few game board techniques that will ensure utilities aren’t ruling your EV charging strategy. Here are the roadblocks you can avoid with an off-grid solution.
1. Boardwalk Dreams but Baltic Avenue Budget? What if You Could Have Both?
Depending on where you’re planning to deploy EV infrastructure, utility rates can vary, along with implementation timelines. When it comes to traditional charging infrastructure, when you’re able to charge your EVs will vary if you want to avoid variable rates.
But not all EV charging solutions rely on the electrical grid. Off-grid, on-site power generation alternatives, like Volt Vault™, can bypass the grid entirely. Rather than relying on grid electricity, this option converts renewable or standard natural gas or propane into electricity — on-site, on demand.
This allows fleets to avoid variable utility rates, demand and time-of-use charges, and utility waitlists entirely. Now, you can charge anywhere (and anytime) at a constant rate per kWh. Did we mention the cost can be nearly half that of the electrical grid rate?
2. Chance: The Last Thing Your C-Suite Wants to Hear in a Status Update.
Do you feel like you’re taking a chance on your EV charging infrastructure uptime? Being installed on time? Coming in within budget?
If so, there’s a fair likelihood this chance may get you sent to the corner of the board where you’ll later have to pay your way out if things don’t work the way you planned.
Good thing our version of Monopoly doesn’t use Chance cards, because with off-grid solutions, you can take the guesswork out of the equation.
Traditional EV infrastructure can take anywhere from nine to 36 months to install. Off-grid solutions like Volt Vault, on the other hand, can be on your property in just four months — from order to delivery. You no longer need to make countless trips around the game board until your utility and infrastructure are ready for you.
With off-grid solutions, you can take control of your deployment timelines.
3. Own Some Locations and Renting Others? Today’s Your Lucky Day.
If you were considering a utility-based solution, your options would be limited to a substantial investment in your property. But with off-grid solutions, this is not an issue. Because off-grid solutions operate independently from the electrical grid, you won’t need utility upgrades or permanent site changes.
The same goes for remote or unconventional locations where you may not expect access to EV charging. Park Place? Marvin Gardens? No electrical grid; no problem. With Volt Vault, all you need is either a natural gas interconnect or the ability to accept fuel delivery like a propane tank.
4. Need a Solution that Can Travel Around the Game Board with You?
Whether you’re looking to install EV charging at multiple locations or move your operational footprint, you need an off-grid alternative like Volt Vault.
Solutions like Volt Vault were purpose built to meet fleets on their journey. As a mobile solution, not only can the units be transferred between locations, but the units built in a trailer can easily be pulled behind a large pickup truck to offer greater flexibility. Sorry, the racecar token won’t cut it here.
You’re needs likely aren’t localized, so why should your charging infrastructure be?
Don’t Roll the Dice on Your EV Implementation Plan.
With off-grid solutions like Volt Vault, you can pass go and collect your $200—and get your EV infrastructure sooner than with a grid-based solution.
We’re rewriting the Monopoly slogan. Who needs to “Own It All” when you can “Charge It All”? Are you ready to play?
