Quick Setup
Setting up EVnSteven takes a few hours spread over a few days — not long, but not instant either. Here’s what’s involved.
Before you start, have an electrician inspect any outlets you plan to use for EV charging. They should be on dedicated circuits, properly wired, and certified as safe. This is a one-time step and usually inexpensive compared to installing dedicated charging hardware.
One warning: your electrician may recommend installing metered or networked charging stations. That recommendation is not necessarily in your best interest — it’s often in theirs. More hardware means more installation work and a larger invoice. Try EVnSteven first with your existing outlets before spending a cent on new infrastructure. You may find you never need to. Don’t take our word for it — see what Josh Charles, PhD and Mark Smith, Electrical Engineer have to say.
Setting up the app means entering your station details, establishing your rates, and writing a terms of service that aligns with your building’s rules and bylaws. Setting fair and competitive rates takes a little research — we can help with that.
Onboarding your residents is straightforward. Each resident creates their own account, adds their vehicle, and subscribes to the station. When they plug in, they check in. When they’re done, they check out. The app tracks everything and handles the invoicing.
Usage is calculated using simple math. L1 and L2 charging draws constant power — the outlet or station’s rating doesn’t change. EVnSteven multiplies the session duration by the station’s power level to estimate energy consumption. No metering hardware required. See No Metering Hardware Required for the full explanation.
Start with L1 outlets before committing to L2 stations. Most EV drivers get all the range they need from a dedicated 20-amp outlet — overnight charging delivers 40–60 miles of range, which covers the average daily commute with room to spare. L2 stations charge faster, but they cost more to install and may be unnecessary for most of your residents. See what real EV drivers say: L1: The Unsung Hero and Unexpected Effectiveness of L1.
Honesty is enforced by your community. EVnSteven is designed for buildings where residents conduct themselves like responsible adults. Your bylaws and local rules handle the rest.
Not sure? Try it — it’s free. You’ll know within a month whether your community can handle it, which costs a lot less than finding out through a multi-year vendor contract.