AmpUp’s Edge: Insights from the Aetna Corps Master Installer

Jim Buchanan, director of projects at Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Aetna Corps, is not only a master electrician but also an AmpUp installer MVP with extensive experience in EV charger installations. Having specialized in EV charging installations at Aetna for the past four years—and working in the field even longer—Jim is a veteran whose insights offer valuable lessons for anyone interested or working in the EV infrastructure field.

AmpUp got to spend some time with Jim, sharing some practical insights on the complexities of charger installations, his experience with AmpUp’s user-friendly platform, and the significance of utility rebates.

What does a typical day look like for you?

My day usually involves performing site surveys to plan installations explicitly tailored to our customers' needs—we primarily install Level 2 chargers. We do a lot of consulting and help our clients with rebate applications. Most customers heavily rely on utility rebate funding, as infrastructure typically accounts for 60-70% of project costs. Rebate programs often cover around 90% of installation costs and up to 100% for utility-owned infrastructure.

We're currently in the middle of a new cycle and trying to get new rebate funding released. Our biggest markets have been workplace and public charging, and we're now working with multifamily dwellings, as funding is available.

On average, 8-10 chargers are considered a small job, and there's usually funding for up to 10 chargers. Anything over that is out of pocket.

How long does it typically take to complete an installation job?

Aetna works with multiple utilities across 14 states and New England. We have strong relationships with the utilities National Grid and Eversource. In a nutshell, we develop the proposal—the site map, where the power will come from—then take the permit out and install the system. A small project's proposal might require around 30 person-hours, while larger jobs can take upwards of 200 person-hours. However, delays from utility bureaucracy often extend timelines significantly, sometimes by months, as utilities finalize funding commitments. For instance, we've seen utility companies hold onto funding allocations for over a year due to staffing shortages and administrative bottlenecks.

What's your experience like installing chargers with AmpUp?

Having worked with various EV charger providers over the years, AmpUp stands out as exceptionally user-friendly from an installation perspective. We’ve strongly advocated for AmpUp for the past three years because of their straightforward installation tools. It's a piece of cake. Eight units take about three hours with other providers, but can be done in about 30 minutes with AmpUp. AmpUp offers the best control and flexibility in the industry. Thanks to unlimited user groups and superior management capabilities, you can set one rate for your employees and another for the public. 

How has your experience been with AmpUp’s helpdesk?

AmpUp’s helpdesk support is outstanding. The staff is readily available, no wait time, highly knowledgeable, and mindful of the time constraints we face on-site. This ensures that any issues are resolved efficiently without causing unnecessary delays.

How effective is remote management using AmpUp’s software?

AmpUp's remote management has significantly improved our workflow. Before AmpUp’s supertool, diagnosing charger issues required physically visiting the site. Now, I can remotely monitor and diagnose problems directly from my screen, saving hours of driving and streamlining our service processes.

AmpUp’s software is a reliable and effective OCPP-compliant platform. It's a great product.
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‍Have questions about AmpUp’s EV charging solutions?

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