Unlocking the Benefits of EV Make-Ready Programs for Charging Infrastructure 

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As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, one of the primary challenges is ensuring there are enough charging stations to meet growing demand. For those interested in developing this infrastructure, a key question is understanding which funding sources are available to make these projects viable. 

EV make-ready programs play a vital role in bridging this gap by reducing a charging site host’s financial responsibility. If you’re looking to access funding, offer a valuable amenity, and establish yourself as a premier charging destination, there are significant opportunities to receive financial support to invest in EV charging stations. Many states now offer make-ready and similar programs, with New York at the forefront, joined by California, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Maryland, among others. 

These programs not only accelerate EV adoption in general, but also prioritize funding for disadvantaged communities, ensuring equitable access to charging infrastructure. 

What is a Make-Ready Program? 

An EV make-ready program is designed to reduce the upfront costs of installing EV charging stations, making it more accessible for businesses and municipalities to invest in electric vehicle infrastructure. The term “make-ready” refers to the electrical infrastructure required to support EV chargers. These programs are essential for building a robust foundation for charging infrastructure, ensuring that necessary upgrades, such as enhanced electrical capacity and improved grid connectivity, are in place before charging stations are installed. By facilitating these upgrades, utilities not only promote EV adoption but also enhance grid reliability and resiliency, ultimately supporting long-term goals and improving the overall user experience for all stakeholders. 

What Do Make-Ready Programs Cover? 

Make-ready programs typically cover two main areas: 

• Utility-side infrastructure: This includes upgrades to the electrical grid necessary to support EV charging, such as transformers and distribution lines. Upgrading transformers ensures that they can efficiently distribute the necessary power, while improvements to distribution lines enhance the grid’s capacity and reliability. These enhancements are vital for ensuring the grid can meet the growing demand for electric vehicle charging, especially as the adoption of electric vehicles continues to rise. 

• Customer-side infrastructure: This encompasses the electrical work required on the property where chargers will be installed, including upgrades to electrical panels, installation of conduit, and the necessary wiring. Proper customer-side infrastructure is crucial for ensuring that the charging stations operate efficiently 

•  and reliably. This may involve assessing the existing electrical capacity to determine if upgrades are needed to support the increased load from EV chargers. Additionally, careful planning of conduit pathways and wiring routes can help minimize installation costs and enhance accessibility for future maintenance. 

By addressing these infrastructure costs, make-ready programs make it more viable for property owners to install EV chargers and participate in the transition to electric mobility. 

How Does Make-Ready Funding Work? 

Utilities or state agencies offer incentives to offset a large portion of the make-ready costs. In some cases, especially for projects in disadvantaged communities, these programs may cover up to 100 percent of the costs associated with building out the necessary infrastructure.  

Explore the Lynkwell Make Ready Process: 

• Identify Project Need: Determine the appropriate EV charging infrastructure for your location by analyzing specific use cases and expected demand. 

• Prepare Project Plans: In partnership with Lynkwell’s dedicated project management team, a detailed project plan is developed outlining the proposed charging station locations, expected costs, and any additional infrastructure needs. 

• Submit Funding Application: Complete and submit the funding application to the appropriate utility or state agency, including all required documentation and project plans. 

• Await Review and Approval: The utility or agency will review the application, ensuring it meets eligibility criteria and aligns with program goals. 

• Receive Incentive Confirmation: If approved, you will receive confirmation of the funding amount and any conditions that must be met before proceeding. 

• Conduct Infrastructure Upgrades: Lynkwell’s contractors to build out the necessary electrical infrastructure, such as panels, conduit, and wiring, as outlined in your project plan. 

• Install EV Charging Stations: Once the infrastructure upgrades are complete, the Lynkwell team proceeds with the installation of EV charging stations. 

• Submit Final Documentation: After installation, Lynkwell submits final documentation and any required reports to the utility or agency to secure funding reimbursement. 

• Ensure Compliance and Maintenance: Lynkwell offers customers the option of ongoing monitoring and maintenance of charging stations and infrastructure, ensuring compliance with funding programs while optimizing business models and providing reliable operation and accessibility. 

The make-ready approach not only facilitates the installation of EV charging stations but also promotes equity in access to EV infrastructure. 

What is the Value? 

EV make-ready programs provide significant benefits to a range of stakeholders, from property owners to utilities.  

Here’s how these programs deliver value to each group: 

• Property owners: By reducing installation costs, it becomes more affordable to install EV charging stations, enhancing the property’s value and attracting visitors among the rising population of EV drivers. 

• EV drivers: More charging stations mean greater convenience and reduced range anxiety, making it easier for EV drivers to access necessary charging options. 

• Utilities: Utilities can better plan for and manage increased electrical demand from EVs and other emerging technologies, allowing for more efficient energy distribution across the grid. 

• The environment: By promoting EV adoption, these programs play a crucial role in combatting human-caused climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

• Communities and disadvantaged communities (DACs): These programs promote equitable access to charging infrastructure, ensuring that all communities, especially disadvantaged areas, can benefit from EV technology. By investing in charging stations in these regions, communities can stimulate local economies, enhance mobility options for residents, and achieve a measurable reduction in harmful emissions within the community. 

Why are Make-Ready Programs Important? 

• Economic benefits: The increased revenue from EV charging can potentially offset the infrastructure costs of make-ready investments. This is beneficial for both utilities and customers, creating a sustainable financial model for charging networks. By ensuring that utilities can effectively manage the demand for electricity while maintaining reliable service, customers benefit from lower energy costs and more resilient infrastructure.  

• Accelerating EV adoption: By making it easier and less expensive to install charging infrastructure, these programs help support the growth of electric vehicle use. The broader availability of charging stations boosts confidence in the infrastructure needed for a successful transition to EVs, encouraging more people, businesses and fleets to make the switch. 

• Grid preparedness: Utilities can proactively upgrade their infrastructure to handle the increased load from EVs. This readiness is crucial as more EV chargers are installed at businesses, destinations, workplaces and residences. 

How to Get Involved 

If you’re a property owner interested in installing EV chargers, check with your local utility or state energy office to see if they offer an EV make-ready program. The application process typically involves working with approved contractors, like Lynkwell. 

Make-ready programs are playing a crucial role in building out the EV charger infrastructure needed to support electric vehicle adoption. By understanding and taking advantage of these programs, we can all benefit from the e-mobility transition. 

For further inquiries or assistance with the make-ready process, don’t hesitate to contact Lynkwell to explore available incentives for installing charging stations. Ready to get started now? Use Lynkwell’s handy Rebate Finder to see funding available for your location. 

Citations: 

[1] https://jointutilitiesofny.org/ev/make-ready 

[2] https://documents.dps.ny.gov/public/Common/ViewDoc.aspx?DocRefId=%7B4006F98C-0000-C331-B521-8A220621D107%7D 

[3] https://www.scottmadden.com/insight/four-steps-to-building-a-successful-electric-vehicle-make-ready-program/ 

[4] https://www.automotive-fleet.com/10199182/understanding-utilities-make-ready-programs-for-fleets 

[5] https://www.westchester.org/clean-energy/ev-make-ready-program/ 

[6] https://www.cmpco.com/smartenergy/innovation/plug-inelectricvehicles/electric-vehicle-charging-make-ready-infrastructure 

[7] https://driveelectric.gov/ev-infrastructure-playbook 

[8] https://www.nationalgridus.com/Upstate-NY-Business/Energy-Alternatives/Commercial-and-Fleet-EV-Charging-Programs