At Dillard Door, we’re thrilled to be celebrating our 75th anniversary. So much has changed since the company got its start during the Post-World War II economy. Looking into the future, it’s impossible not to imagine how life will continue to change, even in just a few years.
For example? By the time we reach our 80-year anniversary in 2027, electric vehicles—already growing exponentially in popularity each year—will be very common. Automaker Kia plans to introduce 14 new electric vehicles by 2027, including 2 pickup trucks and a vehicle made specifically for fleet and taxi use. And 2027 is also the projected year when electric vehicles will become cheaper to produce than vehicles powered by fossil fuels.
More and more, electric vehicles are becoming a positive, inevitable part of our future. Dillard Door is proud to be an integral part of this future with electric vehicle charging station installation services.
The Current State of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in the U.S.
As shared by the National Resource Defense Council, almost 80 percent of charging of electric vehicles (EVs) happens at home. But for the other 20 percent? Electric vehicle owners must rely on public charging stations. Some EV owners can charge their vehicles at work, but regardless of where they plug in, there is an inherent need for public charging stations—especially since the sale of electric vehicles almost doubled from 2020 to 2021, with sales increasing by 85 percent. The growth in sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles grew even more, with a 138 percent rise in sales from 2020 to 2021.
Most U.S. car owners travel an average of 31 miles each day, a range most new EVs can cover multiple times over in a single charge. But for longer car trips or busy days, EV owners must think about where they can stop and plug in—and in these instances, charging stations are a welcoming presence for electric vehicle owners.
EV charging stations come in three classifications: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, which are also sometimes referred to as DC Fast Chargers or DCFCs. Here’s what you need to know about each:
- Level 1 Charging Stations: Level 1 chargers rely on a standard, 110-volt outlet like the standard plugs in most homes. However, they take longer to charge a vehicle, giving EV owners enough power to drive 30 to 40 miles after charging overnight.
- Level 2 Charging Stations: Level 2 charging stations require a high-powered, 240-volt outlet—much like an air conditioner or clothes dryer. They can fully charge an EV in about 5 hours.
- DC Fast Charging Stations: DCFCs are the fastest charging stations available, using a 480-volt outlet. They can charge an EV in less than an hour, but not all EVs have fast-charging capabilities.
Dillard Door installs both Level 2 and Level 3/DC Fast Charging stations, which are ideal for commercial settings like parking lots and garages, where shorter charging times are preferable.
Why EV Charging Stations: A Brighter Future
At Dillard Door, we care about our community. We have for 75 years. We know that electric vehicles are a smart investment in our planet.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, electric vehicles are far better for the environment compared to gasoline-powered automobiles. They have zero tailpipe emissions and boast a smaller carbon footprint than gas-powered cars, even when accounting for the electricity that’s used to charge them.
Looking ahead to our next 75 years of operation, we are excited that Dillard Door’s future includes these innovative options for business owners and other Memphis-area facilities to take advantage of this technology to pave the way for a more sustainable, eco-friendly community. We hope that by providing the installation of more EV charging stations throughout Memphis and beyond, we can play a role in encouraging more Memphis residents to choose electric.
Why EV Charging Stations: Taking Care of Our Customers
Over the past 75 years, Dillard Door has remained on the cutting edge of available entryway and security technology. While we got our start in glass and doors, we’ve added quite a few services to our list of offerings since then.
The reason behind this? We are continuously striving to make the lives of our customers easier. That’s why we brought on and trained electricians and hired architectural teams, and why we provide full-service maintenance work: Because we want our customers to have a seamless, hassle-free experience when they choose Dillard Door. We think that when it comes to securing your business, you shouldn’t have to wait for service or waste time searching for technicians.
We do a great deal of work in parking facilities, garages, and other public structures where entrance access and pay stations are the norm. Electric vehicle charging stations were the next logical progression in our goal to be a one-stop shop for our customers.
We’ve spent 75 years fine-tuning and growing our business to better serve the Memphis community. We plan to be around for the next 75 years—and beyond. This means adding new technologies to our operations, and EV charging stations are just the start. To discover how we can help you bring eco-friendly, EV charging solutions to your parking facility or business, contact our friendly, local team today!