How Much Power Does Your Indianapolis Business REALLY Need for Commercial EV Chargers? A Practical Guide for Property Owners

One of the biggest concerns Indianapolis business owners have before installing EV chargers is this - “Do I even have enough electrical capacity for EV charging?”

The answer depends on your building type, current load, and the charger levels you plan to install. Some properties already have the necessary power; others need minor upgrades, and a few require more significant planning.

This guide breaks down the process, the factors involved, and how to determine exactly what your Indianapolis commercial property needs.

1. Understanding EV Charger Power Requirements

Level 2 Commercial Chargers

Most Indianapolis businesses start here.

• Voltage: 208–240V
• Amperage: 30A–80A
• Power Output: 7kW–19kW
• Charging Time: 3–8 hours

Level 2 chargers are ideal for:

• Hotels
• Office buildings
• Multi-family housing
• Retail centers with long visits
• Gyms & healthcare facilities
• Employee charging lots

Electrical demand: Moderate
Upgrade likelihood: Low → Medium

Level 3 / DC Fast Chargers (DCFC)

These require significantly more power.

• Voltage: 480V three-phase
• Power Output: 50kW–350kW
• Charging Time: 20–45 minutes
  
  

Best for:

• Gas stations & travel plazas
• Convenience stores
• Fleet operators
• Large retail centers
• High-traffic destinations

Electrical demand: High
Upgrade likelihood: Medium → High

2. How to Determine If Your Building Has Enough Power

A licensed commercial electrician will conduct a site load assessment, which includes:

• Reviewing utility service capacity
• Checking main panel ratings
• Measuring real-time load
• Assessing transformer size
• Evaluating distribution panels
• Reviewing major equipment loads (HVAC, refrigeration, machinery)
• Forecasting simultaneous demand

This process determines whether your business can support Level 2 or Level 3 chargers — and how many.

3. Common Scenarios for Indianapolis Commercial Properties

Scenario A: You Already Have Enough Power

This is most common for:

• Modern office buildings
• Retail plazas with updated electrical systems
• Multi-family complexes built after 2010
• Light commercial facilities

Often, these properties require minimal upgrades.

Scenario B: You Have Enough Power for Level 2 but Not for DC Fast Charging

This applies to many:

• Restaurants
• Older strip centers
• Hotels
• Small offices

These businesses can install multiple Level 2 chargers now and add DC Fast Charging later with planned upgrades.

Scenario C: You Need a Service Upgrade

Typical for:

• Older buildings
• Industrial facilities with outdated panels
• Commercial properties built before the 1980s

Upgrades may include:

• New panelboards
• Transformer upgrades
• Additional conduit runs
  
  

4. Smart Load Management: A Game Changer for Properties With Limited Power

Instead of upgrading your entire electrical service, many businesses choose smart load management systems.

These systems:

• Dynamically distribute available power
• Prevent overloads
• Allow multiple chargers to run on limited capacity
• Reduce peak demand charges
• Delay or eliminate the need for expensive utility upgrades
  
  

Load-sharing models can support:

• 2 chargers on a 40A circuit
• 4–8 chargers on a 100A circuit
• Dozens of chargers on moderate service
  
  

This is one of the most cost-effective solutions for EV expansion.

5. Utility Coordination in Indiana

For DC Fast Charging or large-scale EV installations, the utility company may need to:

• Verify transformer sizing
• Provide three-phase power
• Approve service upgrades
• Inspect infrastructure changes
  
  

Starting utility coordination early speeds up the installation timeline.

Major providers in Indianapolis include:

• AES Indiana
• Duke Energy
• Indianapolis Power & Light (IPL)
  
  

6. Planning for Future Growth

Businesses should consider not just current demand but future trends:

• Fleet electrification
• Tenant demand
• Employee EV adoption
• Government EV goals
• Longer parking dwell times

It’s often more cost-effective to oversize conduit and panel space now than retrofit later.

7. Budgeting for Power Upgrades

General ranges for Indianapolis-area commercial upgrades:

• Minor panel expansion: $2,000–$8,000
• Distribution panel additions: $5,000–$20,000
• Transformer upgrades: $15,000–$50,000+
• Full-service upgrades with utility coordination: $20,000–$100,000+
  

Your electrician will help you minimize costs using smart load management and available incentives.

Knowing Your Power Capacity = Knowing Your EV Charging Potential

Whether your property needs minimal modifications or more extensive planning, the most important step is a professional load assessment. From there, you can confidently choose between Level 2, Level 3, or a hybrid charging strategy.

If your Indianapolis business is evaluating commercial EV charger installation, our team can walk you through the electrical requirements, available incentives, site planning, and equipment options.