Coffee shop and drive-through visits are short, typically 10 to 30 minutes, so AC charging adds little. A compact DC charger such as the EV-RHDC30K-L, rated at 22 kW DC, can add around 4 to 11 kWh in that window, roughly 11 to 44 miles for many cars. That is a useful top-up and a reason to choose your shop, without the cost and grid demand of a high-power DC station.
Key Takeaways
- Short visits suit compact DC better than AC.
- 22 kW adds about 22 to 29 miles in 20 minutes.
- Compact DC is easier to connect and cheaper than high-power DC.
- Keep the bay for charging and post a time limit.
What Short Visits Can Deliver
| Visit length | Energy at 22 kW (approx.) | Range added (3 to 4 mi/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | about 3.7 kWh | 11 to 15 miles |
| 20 minutes | about 7.3 kWh | 22 to 29 miles |
| 30 minutes | about 11 kWh | 33 to 44 miles |
These assume the car accepts 22 kW DC at its current state of charge, which most cars with a compatible DC inlet can at moderate battery levels. By comparison, a car on 7 kW AC gains only about 1 to 4 kWh in the same visits.
Why Compact DC Fits Small Sites
- Grid connection: 22 kW is far easier to supply than 150 kW or more, often within an existing three-phase connection.
- Cost: DOE-cited costs for high-power DC are $38,000 to $90,000 equipment plus installation; a compact unit is sized for a smaller budget, though exact prices vary.
- Footprint: one pedestal and one bay.
- Purpose: it attracts EV drivers and extends dwell time, rather than competing with motorway charging hubs.
Our guide on charging for restaurants and retail explains the footfall logic.
Payment and Bay Policy
Decide whether charging is free with a purchase, priced per kWh, or a mix. Keep the bay for charging cars only and post a time limit so it turns over. An app or RFID start through OCPP lets you set tariffs and see usage. Read why some stations are free and what stations charge for pricing ideas.
Planning the Installation
Check three-phase supply and spare capacity, plan the bay near the entrance with good lighting, and protect the pedestal with bollards. The unit’s 5 m tethered CCS1 cable should reach the port with the car parked normally. Confirm local permits.
The EV-RHDC30K-L is a floor-standing DC charger rated at 22 kW continuous with a single tethered CCS1 connector, LCD display, RFID and app authorization, OCPP 1.6J, IP54 enclosure and a 3-year warranty. Cars with other DC inlets need equipment approved by their automaker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DC charging worth it for a coffee shop?
A compact DC unit adds meaningful range in a short visit and can attract EV drivers, without the cost of high-power DC.
How much range does 20 minutes at 22 kW add?
Roughly 22 to 29 miles for many cars, depending on efficiency and state of charge.
Should coffee shops charge for EV charging?
Some offer it free with purchase, others charge per kWh. Choose what suits your customers and costs.
Related Reading
- EV Charging for Restaurants and Retail: Turning Dwell Time Into Visits
- Why Are Some EV Charging Stations Free?
- How Much Do EV Charging Stations Charge? Pricing Models Explained
- How Fast Is a DC Fast Charger?
