Analysis · Commercial Charging
Commercial EV charging: make-ready, demand charges and returns
How utility make-ready programs, equipment rebates and demand charges shape the economics of workplace, multifamily, public and fleet charging, plus market comparisons of public charging access across the largest EV markets.
Drive Economics has no affiliation with, sponsorship from, or endorsement by any automaker, dealer, charger maker, utility or program named here.
The short answer
- Wiring and utility service work often cost more than the chargers, which is why make-ready programs carry most of the incentive value.
- Demand charges are billed on the highest 15- or 30-minute power draw in a month. A fast-charging site with low utilization can pay more in demand charges than it earns in energy sales.
- Utilization drives returns. A lightly used site spreads its fixed costs and demand charges over few kilowatt-hours, which raises the cost of each one.
- Some utilities offer commercial EV rates that reduce, phase in or replace demand charges; each program analysis notes whether one applies.
Market comparisons
How public charging access compares across the largest EV markets.
Utility program analyses
PSE&G Commercial EV Charging: Workplace, Fleet, DCFC
PSE&G New Jersey commercial EV charging: workplace Level 2, fleet depot and public DC fast charging returns, demand charges and make-ready support.
Read →DTE Energy Commercial EV Charging Rebates Analyzed
DTE Energy's commercial EV charging rebate stack — DCFC, eFleet, Public Level 2, plus an Emerging Technology Fund. Site hosts, obligations, economics.
Read →PECO EVsmart Commercial Charging Rebates Analyzed
PECO EVsmart commercial rebates: $2,000 per Level 2 port, up to $3,000 plus make-ready costs in Environmental Justice Areas, funded through 2029.
Read →About these analyses
Program terms and tariffs are dated on each page and linked to their sources.
Drive Economics has no affiliation with, sponsorship from, or endorsement by any automaker, dealer, charger maker, utility or program named here.