Hobbs & Company Inc.

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is unstoppable, with experts predicting the market to reach a staggering $1.6 trillion by 2030. To accommodate this growth, the industry is pushing for the development of more accessible and affordable EV charging infrastructure. Level 2 charging stations, a cost-effective alternative to DC fast charging, are emerging as a key solution. These can be installed in public spaces to meet the needs of long-distance travelers.

Hobbs & Company, with its storied experience in the world of electric mobility, is making EV charging all the more convenient and accessible with its turnkey solutions for level-2 charging stations.

Through ElecVulum, a specialty division, Hobbs & Company is on a mission to build the necessary infrastructure for supporting the growth of the EV market and assist businesses in minimizing their environmental footprint.

“With our ElecVulum EV charging solutions, we are helping more businesses adopt faster, reliable and affordable EV charging options,” says Ed Collison, President of Hobbs & Company.

Customer-Centricity Takes the Driver’s Seat

At the heart of these turnkey solutions and services is a customer-focused approach to charging station design. Recognizing that every charging infrastructure project is distinct, the company begins by working closely with customers to decipher their needs and preferences.

For instance, some clients may want the convenience and simplicity of a closed network system. Others prefer the flexibility of an open protocol that allows them to switch software providers and meet their evolving needs. The team ensures customers gain a deep understanding of the nuances of different networking systems in the market and select the option that best suits their needs.

After identifying the customer preference, the team conducts site evaluations, delving deep into the intricacies of electrical accessibility and potentially labor-intensive elements like trenching.

While installing an EV charging station for its clients, the team emphasizes taking complexities out of the process. One way is to leverage prefabricated components like precast pole bases or base assemblies. Another is to use a directional boring technique. It helps expedite the installation process, reduce the disruption to the surrounding environment, minimize cleanup, and increase project efficiency.

An equal amount of attention is paid to ensuring permanent power quality metering, so the charging stations receive a consistent and reliable power source. It helps prevent voltage fluctuations or disruptions that could negatively impact the charging process. Security is also taken into consideration during the process. Network connectivity is optimized to provide secure and encrypted connection, reducing vulnerability to cyberattacks and data breaches.

At the same time, open and transparent budgetary discussions allow customers to explore various financing options while considering tax incentives and rebates to maximize benefits.

“We always ensure our clients get the most user-friendly and affordable solutions,” says Matt Koch, VP of sales at Hobbs & Company.

In a particular case, a company faced considerable challenges when it sought to make some modifications to their parking garage. The initial solution, suggested by an engineer, was expensive, prompting them to explore cost-effective alternatives. Hobbs & Company partnered with them, assessed the job site and devised an efficient installation strategy. By placing the charging units on the roof of the garage and utilizing the parapet wall for conduit supports, the project cost was cut in half. The success demonstrated Hobbs & Company’s commitment to finding practical and financially viable solutions for its clients, making EV charging infrastructure more accessible.

A Step Ahead of Market Developments

The growth of EV charging infrastructure continues to be influenced by trends. Ongoing supply chain issues are affecting the availability of critical electrical components like switchgear, causing extended lead times. Acquiring grants for EV infrastructure projects is a lengthy process too, particularly for small projects.
Understanding these diverse challenges, Hobbs & Company helps businesses plan their infrastructure and charging solutions in advance to ensure they are ready when EVs are integrated into their fleets.

In a specific case, a forward-thinking municipality ordered a fleet of EVs and anticipated their arrival in 2024. Much to their surprise, the EVs were delivered earlier, ahead of the construction of charging infrastructure. The Hobbs & Company team expedited the building of the necessary charging infrastructure, enabling the municipality to put their EVs into action quickly.

The company has also helped many organizations install EV charging stations to attract more employees back to the workplace. It is also a problem-solver for condos where charging needs of residents have not been addressed by Homeowners Association (HOA).

Collison has been leveraging his experience as an EV driver to help clients overcome issues like range anxiety. The consultations have helped numerous hotels install charging infrastructure to enhance customer experience and promote their businesses.

Embracing Emerging Prospects

While the surge in grant and funding opportunities continue to shape the EV adoption landscape, Hobbs & Company is considering the latest developments in the market to help businesses make significant investments in electric mobility.

It is actively developing its service and maintenance division to provide clients with guaranteed service contracts aimed at minimizing downtime and ensuring the functionality of their EV charging infrastructure. This initiative is geared toward extending value to new contracts and customers. The service contracts would encompass regular maintenance visits, ranging from semi-annual to annual checks to assure optimum functionality, ultimately extending the life of the charging stations.

While Hobbs & Company primarily operates in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware, its commitment to customer satisfaction extends beyond geographical boundaries. It has secured licenses and permits to expand into new regions, such as North Carolina, whenever clients require its expertise.

The company is also exploring partnerships with financial institutions to offer financing options, particularly for smaller clients with a few charging stations. It makes the investment more manageable for the client by spreading costs over five to six years while demonstrating that the infrastructure can be a revenue generator.
Moving ahead, Hobbs & Company plans to continue to focus on helping customers with more immediate EV charging requirements. The goal is to provide design, installation and access to credit, which will ultimately accelerate the process compared to the extended sales cycle prevalent in the industry.

With a synergy of client-centric approach and extensive expertise in EV solutions, Hobbs & Company is a key proponent of innovation in the EV charging industry and the global shift toward sustainable electric transportation.