Virta

EV Charging for Housing Associations: Key Questions

Updated:
Read time:
Difficulty level:

Hello and welcome!
Virta-Lifestyle-2021-5_85X2636-hires.jpg

This guide addresses the most common question regarding electric vehicle charging as a housing association.

FOR EVDs

1. Are the charging stations compatible with my vehicle? 
Virta charging stations are compatible with all electric vehicles on the market.

2. Who determines the charging price? 
The charging station owner sets the price of the charging station. The charging service operator (Virta) collects the charging fee from the EV driver and pays it to the charging station owner according to the contract between Virta and the charging station owner. 

3. At what charging speed can I charge my car? 
1.8 kW–22 kW, depending on your car, charging cable and charging station power output. With a charging power of 22 kW, you charge approximately. 100 km/h more range.

 

For Housing Associations

4. How is billing directed to the right driver? 
All Virta charging stations require authentication with the mobile app or RFID tag before charging. EV drivers create a Virta account and add their payment card to charge. Thus, each EV driver is charged based on their actual usage. As a result, different vehicles can be charged at the same charging device.  

5. Can the driver charge at Virta's charging point while having a contract with charging operator X? 
Yes. EV drivers can have contracts with different charging service providers at the same time. Accessing the Virta charging station requires a Virta contract. 

6. The driver has access to the company car. How is invoicing handled? 
Virta's EV driver account can also be obtained through a car leasing company; please ask the leasing company. If desired, invoicing for charging can be directed to the employer using a company credit card as the payment method in the Virta app. 

7. Can additional charging stations be added to the system later? 
Yes, but the total capacity of the electrical connection must be checked before installation. Adding new chargers might require updating the electrical connection or setting up a load management solution.

8. Who is responsible for the expenditures if the charging device breaks down? 
Virta AC charging devices are covered by a 24-month warranty. Please see the warranty policy at virta.global/legal.

9. What is the procedure for appointing a new administrator to oversee responsibilities, including self-billing invoices, following the departure of our previous administrator?

Your previous administrator can invite a new administrator to Virta Hub. Please make sure to manage the roles by the time your previous administrator is still available. Please make sure to manage the roles by the time your previous administrator is still available. 
If your organisation, for any reason, currently doesn’t have anyone with Administrator rights or the previous admin has already left the organisation, please contact your CSM or Virta Support; they can guide you on how to proceed. 

 

10. How can we ensure the reliability and maintenance of EV charging points?

Virta charging points are always covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. The charging point owner can also reboot the stations in case of a faulty charging event or power outage. Virta Hub

also allows you to reboot, clear the cache, and remotely unlock the cable connector if needed. If the issue persists, please contact Virta Support or CSM, and a manufacturer’s electrician will be sent to the site if necessary.

 

11. How can we manage the demand for EV charging among residents?

Here are a few tips:

  1. Allocate Charging Points Mindfully: Make sure to distribute charging points evenly to ensure everyone has access.
  2. Implement a Scheduling System: This can help manage peak times and avoid overloading.
  3. Ensure Fair Access: Everyone should have an equal opportunity to charge their vehicle.

And if you're considering expanding your number of charging stations but are worried about grid capacity, don't worry! We offer a variety of energy products to help you meet this growing demand seamlessly. Read more here.

 

12. How can we integrate EV charging into their existing infrastructure? 
After installing the charging stations, remember that Virta Energy Services is here to help you balance the chargers’ electric load and the rest of the infrastructure.  For more details on how we can assist with Load Management, please contact your Customer Success Manager or read more about Virta Adaptive Load Management
here

 

13. What are the best practices for billing and pricing strategies for residents using EV chargers? 
It's smart to set prices that cover your electricity costs. Please check your housing company's electricity contract and find a fair price that works for all residents without causing any losses for the company. Good news: we at Virta take care of all the telecommunications, support, and other expenses, so those can be excluded.  
Please remember that you, as the Charge Point Owner, have the completel control and responsibility of deciding on the final price. 
 
14. How can we ensure our EV charging stations are sustainable and environmentally friendly?

It's all about maintenance! Regularly caring for your charging stations can extend their lifespan and reduce the environmental impact caused by manufacturing new devices. It's a win-win for the planet and your stations! 

It is always more environmentally friendly to select an eco-electricity contract or use Virta’s service called Virta Origin. It is a great green choice for your charging stations as the name implies; Virta Origin ensures the origin of the electricity, granting the eco-certificate to your charging points. Read more about Virta Origin here.

 

15. How can we handle the installation and zoning permits required for EV charging stations? 
With nearly a decade of experience, we're here to guide you through it. Our sales team is happy to connect you with reliable installers from our wide network of certified electricians. They're all set to help make your project a success.  

Was this article helpful?