ViveEV Logo

Contact us

Blog
Dive into our blog for in-depth insights, industry trends, and innovations in EV charging. Stay inspired with the latest updates shaping the future of e-mobility.

December 30, 2025

180kW vs 600kW? Choosing the Right High-Power Hardware for Your Site

Is Higher Power Always Better?

A common mistake for new CPOs is obsessing over "Max Power" without considering ROI. Installing a 600kW charger where customers stay for an hour is a waste of CAPEX and OPEX. Successful CPOs choose 'Efficiency' over just 'Speed'. Today, we present a Hardware Matching Strategy based on real-world consumer behavior data, and introduce the optimal solutions to realize it.


Part 1. Defining Optimal Specs by Dwell Time Data

Matching charger speed with customer dwell time is key to avoiding penalties and dissatisfaction. The answer lies in the data.


1. Retail Hubs (Malls & Supermarkets)

  • Average Dwell Time: 40-50 Minutes

  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 American Time Use Survey, the average time spent grocery shopping is approximately 46 minutes (0.76 hours) for those who engage in the activity.For this golden window, 150kW ~ 200kW chargers are most efficient. They can charge a standard EV (77kWh battery) to 80% in 20-30 minutes, ready for pickup right after shopping. Installing expensive 400kW+ units here is often unnecessary.

2. Highway & Transit Hubs

  • Average Dwell Time: Under 15 Minutes

  • NREL(National Renewable Energy Laboratory)'s report emphasizes that fast-charging infrastructure for long-distance drivers must prioritize rapid turnover, mimicking the gas station experience of under 15 minutes. Drivers need 300km+ range in under 10 minutes. 350kW+ Ultra-Fast (HPC) specs are essential to handle maximum input for all current EVs and future commercial vehicles.


Part 2. viveEV Solution: Optimized Lineup for Every Site

Meeting the data-driven needs above, here is viveEV’s high-performance lineup.


✅ For Retail & Fleet: Pumpy (180kW)

"The Efficient Workhorse" The perfect match for malls and fleet depots.

  • Smart Power Splitting: Efficiently distributes power when charging two vehicles simultaneously, maximizing utilization within limited grid capacity.

  • Cost-Effective: 180kW offers the best balance between installation cost and charging speed, maximizing CPO ROI.


✅ For Highway: Tron (600kW)

"The Powerhouse" The high-end model for highways and truck stops.

  • Massive Power: Supports industry-leading 600kW output, charging passenger cars and next-gen e-Trucks with zero wait time.

  • Future-Proof: Specs generous enough to cover future high-voltage vehicles, preventing the need for reinvestment.

Right-Sizing is Your Competitive Edge.

Hardware selection is a business strategy. Deploy Pumpy (Efficiency) and Tron (Power)based on your customer dwell time data. viveEV helps design the perfect portfolio for your business.

logo

Contact

  • +1 (855) HEY-VIVE (+1 855-439-8483)
  • ask@viveEV.com
  • 2845 Exchange Blvd, Suite 180, Southlake, TX 76092

Copyright 2025, viveEV All right reserved.