Installation and Configuration of Unifi EV Station Pro

EV Charging Stations in Commercial Environments

Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations play a critical role in the expansion of electric mobility, especially within commercial environments where the demand for reliable and efficient charging solutions is surging. As businesses, retail centers, and public facilities aim to accommodate the growing number of EV users, the development of a robust commercial charging infrastructure becomes essential.

The Unifi EV Station Pro stands out as a premier solution tailored for commercial use, featuring advanced functionalities like user authentication, remote management, and the ability to handle high charging loads—capabilities that are indispensable for businesses looking to offer charging services. While it can also be installed in private residences for family use, the EV Station Pro’s design and features are primarily optimized for commercial settings. By focusing on commercial applications, this charging station enables businesses to enhance customer experiences, attract eco-conscious clientele, and contribute significantly to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

Installation and Configuration of Unifi EV Station Pro

We installed three Unifi EV Station Pro charging stations in a private garage. NEMA 14-50 outlets were pre-installed in advance. Each charging station was set up on a separate circuit (240V / 50A breaker).

Minimum Equipment Requirements

The charging stations are managed via the Unifi Connect application, which must be running on a Ubiquiti console. It's important to note that if you intend to use UniFi Identity for access control to the EV charging stations, certain consoles (like UDM, UNVR, UNVR-Pro, UCG-Ultra) are not compatible.

The stations need to be connected via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. In case the internet is unavailable, the stations will continue to operate in Fallback Security Mode. You can pre-select one of two options:

• Open: Anyone can use the EV station while it’s offline.
• No Access: No one can use the EV station while it’s offline.

Installation and Configuration

During the installation, we encountered some difficulties; the stations could not connect to the existing Wi-Fi network. We connected them via Ethernet, updated the firmware to the latest version, and everything started working properly (wireless). In this particular case, the client preferred to use Wi-Fi, but we always recommend connecting the stations via Ethernet, especially if they are located outdoors.

After connecting all the stations, they can be grouped into a single Load Management group. You can assign a total amperage limit for the group and set limits for each individual station. This is necessary to prevent overloading the main circuit to which your stations are connected.

For each station, you can assign a Usage Mode:

• Open: Anyone can use this station.
• UniFi Identity: Usage must be authorized through UniFi Identity. Users can access the station using the Identity mobile app.
• QR Code: Only users with a valid QR code can use this station.
• Card / Contactless Payment: Payment is required for charging.

In the Controls section, the following options are available:

• Display Label: This setting allows you to input a label for each specific station. For example, if you have five stations in a row, you can label them from one to five. You can also use a license plate number, company name, or an individual's name.
• Support Information: Here, you can enter text for the support information block. This can include instructions or other details. For example, "This charging station is for YesTechie customers only; please contact reception to obtain a QR code."
• Breaker Amperage: Set the amperage rating of the breaker to which the station is connected.

Employees of your company can use the Identity App to access the charging station. If you plan to offer charging to the public (e.g., in a parking lot near your retail store), you can install an additional EV Station Pro Payment Terminal, connect a merchant account, and charge customers for charging. Alternatively, you can issue QR codes that customers can use to activate the charging station. QR codes are customizable and can have a limited validity period.

The stations' screens can display any information you choose. This could be a static company logo or videos showcasing your products or special offers.

Ideal for Commercial Environments

UniFi EV charging stations are an ideal solution for commercial settings. You can control who has access to the charging stations and when, and you can display customized content on each station's screen. This makes them perfect for offices, manufacturing facilities, malls, standalone stores, business plazas, and more.

At YesTechie, we have extensive experience of installing and configuring such solutions. If you are planning a similar project, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to consult with you and perform the installation.