The EV revolution is in full swing - and businesses across the UK are stepping up to meet the moment. Whether you're running a hotel, a football stadium, a business park, or a council building, installing EV chargers isn’t just a box to tick for sustainability - it’s a chance to drive revenue, attract footfall, and future-proof your site.

But how do you choose the right commercial EV charger?

The market is full of options, acronyms and specifications - AC vs DC, tethered vs untethered, Garo vs Alpitronic. The good news is, you don’t need to become an expert to make the right decision - you just need to understand a few key principles.

Let’s walk through the key considerations when choosing a commercial electric vehicle charger.

1. Understand AC vs DC Charging

Before you choose a charger, it’s essential to understand the difference between Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) charging.

🔌 AC Charging (Fast Charging)

• Power range: 7kW to 22kW
• Charge time: 3–8 hours
• Best for: Hotels, offices, staff car parks, overnight charging
• Lower installation cost and energy demand

⚡ DC Charging (Rapid & Ultra-Rapid Charging)

• Power range: 50kW to 300kW+
• Charge time: 20–60 minutes
• Best for: Roadside, retail parks, quick turnover sites, logistics depots
• Higher cost but much faster charging speeds

For example, at Cameron House Hotel, we installed a dual DC rapid hub with 60kW and 120kW units from Garo - giving hotel guests and passing drivers a 100+ mile top-up in under 30 minutes. Read the full Cameron House case study here.

The choice comes down to dwell time and usage patterns:

• Do your visitors stay for hours or overnight? AC is perfect.
• Do you need fast turnover and quick top-ups? Go DC.

2. Know Your Hardware Suppliers: Garo vs Alpitronic (and Others)

The EV charger market is growing fast, with dozens of hardware manufacturers offering different specs, form factors and features.

⚙️ Garo

• A well-established supplier known for high-quality AC fast chargers
• Clean design, durable, and ideal for hospitality and public sector installs
• Typically available in 7kW or 22kW formats
• Good choice for mid-sized businesses, councils, and SMEs

⚙️ Alpitronic

• Industry leader in DC ultra-rapid charging
• Flagship product: Hypercharger HYC150 (up to 150kW) and HYC400 (up to 400kW)
• Modular design, sleek UI, perfect for rapid charging hubs or high-demand sites

Both suppliers are excellent but choosing the right one depends on what your users need, and what your site can support in terms of energy load, as well as your budget, of course.

3. Tethered vs Untethered: What’s the Difference?

Another key decision is whether to go for tethered or untethered chargers.

🔗 Tethered Chargers

• Have the charging cable permanently attached
• Easier for users - just plug in and go
• Less flexible in terms of compatibility (limited to Type 2)
• More expensive installation

🧳 Untethered Chargers

• Require users to bring their own charging cable
• Cleaner look, more durable in public spaces
• Future-proof if connector standards evolve

Tethered options are often preferred in hospitality or retail, where ease of use is key. Untethered units are more common in public or fleet settings, where flexibility and resilience matter more.

4. What Does It Cost to Install Commercial EV Chargers?

Costs can vary widely depending on:

• Type of charger (AC vs DC)
• Power output (7kW to 300kW)
• Site preparation and grid connection
• Mounting (wall-mounted vs pedestal)
• Payment systems and software integration

Here’s a ballpark:

• AC fast charger install: £1,500–£4,000 per unit
• DC rapid charger install: £10,000–£35,000+ per unit

At Connekt, we also offer fully funded models where we cover installation and earn through a revenue share - ideal for businesses wanting to offer EV charging without upfront investment.

We’ll also help you explore grants and funding, including OZEV schemes and local council incentives.

5. Why Install EV Chargers at All?

If you're still weighing up whether EV chargers are worth the investment, consider this:

• Attract new customers: EV drivers plan journeys based on charge availability
• Increase dwell time & spend: Customers stay longer, spend more
• Future-proof your business: Regulation and demand are only going one way
• Sustainability branding: Showcase your green credentials
• Generate passive income: Through paid public charging

Whether you're a hotel, retail park, public sector site, or fleet depot - EV chargers are no longer a luxury - they're a strategic asset.

Need Help Choosing the Right Charger?

At Connekt, we do more than install chargers - we design tailored EV charging strategies for commercial sites across the UK. From site surveys and grid assessments to funding, branding, and long-term maintenance, we make it simple.

📞 Call us on 0333 358 0622
📩 Get in touch with the team today to discuss your site
🔗 Or explore our real-world installs, including Cameron House and RAD Group

‍