Home to the epicentre of electric vehicle (EV) evolution, California is paving the way for sustainable transportation. Fast-growing sales of electric vehicles are key to the state’s ambitious goals of cutting greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and increasing renewable energy. But California also has its own challenges as EV adoption expands, from building out the infrastructure to integrating it into the grid to regulatory hurdles.

Finulent Solutions provides high-performance solutions for the integration of electric vehicles. We make the transition to electric mobility as seamless and sustainable as possible for commercial and public with everything from designing the right charging infrastructure to implementing the regulations that need to be navigated.

This California project is proof of our unrivaled ability to deploy scalable, compliant, and most importantly, innovative EV charging solutions that conform to California’s strict regulations while also taking the state closer to a cleaner, greener transportation future.

Project Overview:

• Location: Stockton, CA
• Scope of work: 6 EV Charging Stations
• Single EVCS capacity: 6.7 kW
• Site Area: Commercial property with ample space for multiple EV chargers
• EV Charging System Type: Level 2 EV Charging Station
• Vehicle Types Supported: Electric Passenger Vehicles (EVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
• Regulatory Compliance: Meets California’s EV Infrastructure Regulations and Charging Standards
  

Challenges & Key Considerations

• Charging Infrastructure Accessibility:
  As outlined in CBC 2022 Section 11B-228.3.2, a minimum quantity of accessible EVCS parking spaces must be provided in accordance with the total number of EV charging stations at a site.
  
• EVCS Spaces and Access Aisles – CBC 11B-812:
  When designing the spaces and access aisles of an EVCS, it is very important to comply with CBC 11B-812. The code also prescribes certain dimensions for accessible spaces and aisles so they may actually be utilized by physically challenged individuals.
  

• Clear Signage and Markings – CBC 11B-812:
  Accessible EVCS signage and markings on the ground for aisles must meet the requirements of CBC 11B-812, including sign clarity and visibility for users with disabilities, which demands a thoughtful approach to the design, location, and visibility of signage.
  
• Connecting Single-Phase EV Charger into a Three-Phase Grid:
  When you connect a single-phase electric vehicle (EV) charger to a three-phase grid, it leads to problems such as imbalance and overload, and can require proper electrical configuration to avoid damaging equipment and wasted energy.
  
• Regulatory Compliance:
  It’s complex and difficult at times to navigate the NEC compliance requirements, whilst also ensuring approvals are secured in a timely manner. We stay on top of the regulatory requirements so that they do not become a bottleneck in the change process.
  

Innovative Solutions Implemented

• Charging Infrastructure Accessibility:
  As required CBC 2022 Section 11B-228 3. For our facilities, we ensured that there was at least one van-accessible space and one standard accessible space.
• EVCS Spaces and Access Aisles – CBC 11B-812:
  Compliance with both standard and van-accessible parking stalls follows the minimum dimensional requirements set forth in CBC 11B-812, providing accessible parking stalls that can be accommodated properly.

• Clear Signage and Markings – CBC 11B-812:
  We created distinct, consistent, and easy-to-understand signage with universal symbols in identifying accessible EVCS spaces and aisles and marking on the ground. We also conducted appropriate maintenance to keep signage visible and compliant with CBC 11B-812.

• Connecting Single-Phase EV Charger into a Three-Phase Grid:
  On the combiner we relied on phase balancing, using a 45 kVA transformer for 120/208V 3-phase down to 277/480V 3-phase. It means no overloading takes place and the single-phase EV charger can operate properly on a three-phase grid which maintains suitable load balance.
  
• Regulatory Compliance and Utility Standards:
  We took painstaking efforts to ensure that this was done in compliance with CPUC regulations, the California Building Standards Code, and CBC 2022 11B-228. 3. 2 to ensure the installations are executed safely and done on time with ease of access providing the smoothest experience for everyone involved.

Results & Business Impact

• Successful Infrastructure Deployment:  Installed 6 Level 2 EV charging stations in Stockton, CA that consistently charge EVs and PHEVs powered from the grid.
• Regulatory Compliance Achieved: The installation is in alignment with California EV Infrastructure Regulations and CBC 2022 accessibility and charging requirements.
• Optimized Grid Integration: Dual-phase and 45 kVA transformer to connect the single-phase charger to a three-phase grid
• Timely Project Completion: All NEC and regulatory arrangements were fullfilled, with the completion of the project on time

B2B Value Proposition:

• Deploying the charging infrastructure can be done with scalability in mind, using a particular vendor that can also allow for some personalization without any compliance issues. This reduces the time taken to put the deployments live when the users are ready to use them.
  
• For Energy Consultants: Deliver greater ROI by integrating with the smart grid and load-balancing across systems to increase efficiency and cut manhours in maintenance and repair costs.
• For Real Estate & Commercial Developers: Provide integrated charging for EVs that meets the standards of the building, maximize property value, and cater to green-conscious tenants or customers.

Conclusion

Californians are facing a huge makeover as it closes in on the great transition to electric vehicles. Finulent Solutions provides smart, scalable and compliant EV charging solutions to help navigate this complexity. If you are a solar EPC, energy consultant, or real estate firm, we further ensure your EV projects are built for the future, sustainability, and performance.

Thinking about incorporating EV charging into your next project? Reach out to Finulent Solutions and see how we can direct your journey towards clean energy goals!