Randy said:
It's not just about the cost to purchase and install a DC Fast Charge unit, which is definitely a chunk of change. I think many people are going to be very surprised when they see what the cost of a charge will be at some of these DC Fast Charger sites, given the various commercial utility rates, potential demand charges, and the host(s) desire to make it self-supporting or even turn a profit...
Good point. That got me thinking. Here's some quick calculations with many assumptions made...
Cost of charger, site, installation, etc.: $50,000
Investors at $500/ea: 100
80% charge of a Nissan LEAF: 20kWh (actually 19.2kWh but assuming some overhead)
Average vehicles/day: 6
Average electricity sold per day: 120kWh
Average electricity sold per year: 43,800kWh
Electricity Cost to Charger Owner
LADWP: $0.12/kWh (General Service Below 30kW summer)
SCE: $0.231/kWh (GS-1 summer)
PG&E: $0.18/kWh (Commercial/General A-1 average)
Annual Electricity Cost to Charger Owner
LADWP: $5,256.00 (actually less when averaged with winter rate)
SCE: $10,117.80 (actually less when averaged with winter rate)
PG&E: $7,884.00
Total Cost Over 10 Years
Includes charger cost, but does not include maintenance, repairs, taxes, marketing, grants, sponsorship, or incentives.
LADWP: $102,560
SCE: $151,178
PG&E: $128,840
Profit Based on Electricity Cost to Customers
$0.30/kWh - $6.00/20kWh - Equivalent to Gasoline Cost of $2.40 in 32MPG Vehicle
LADWP Profit: $0.18/kWh - $7,884.00/yr
SCE Profit: $0.069/kWh - $3,022.20/yr
PG&E Profit: $0.12/kWh - $5,256.00/yr
$0.45/kWh - $9.00/20kWh - Equivalent to Gasoline Cost of $3.60 in 32MPG Vehicle
LADWP Profit: $0.33/kWh - $14,454.00/yr
SCE Profit: $0.219/kWh - $9592.20/yr
PG&E Profit: $0.27/kWh - $11,826.00/yr
Charger Equipment & Installation Payoff Time
LADWP - $0.30/kWh: 6 years, 4 months
LADWP - $0.45/kWh: 3 years, 6 months
SCE - $0.30/kWh: 16 years, 6 months
SCE - $0.45/kWh: 5 years, 3 months
PG&E - $0.30/kWh: 9 years, 6 months
PG&E - $0.45/kWh: 4 years, 3 months
So in theory, the payoff time could be somewhat reasonable. Obviously the electric provider has a substantial effect on the profitability of this plan. Furthermore, the rates will likely rise over time (but so could the electric rate charged to the customer). Another option for electricity sourcing to ensure some rate stability would be to use a solar leasing plan where you pay a fixed rate. Any overages beyond the leased solar panels would be compensated by increased revenues, but solar would help ensure a more specific payoff time. Sponsorships or affiliations with other like-minded organizations could help decrease the cost further. This could include other non-profits or member controlled companies (think credit unions) that may be willing to provide the land required as long as they don't bear the costs of the equipment. It could also include small retail establishments that have an interest in getting people on their premises for 30 minutes.
Food for thought.