According to Canalys’ latest research, global electric vehicle sales have increased by 49%, reaching 6.2 million units in the first half of 2023. This indicates a growing interest and investment in electric vehicles as a sustainable mode of transportation.
The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) will create a need for new infrastructure, including charging station networks nationwide. Businesses can leverage this expansion by installing EV charging stations that will provide convenience for drivers and attract new customers.
7 Benefits of EV Charging Stations for Businesses
Retail spending is increasing, and more people are shopping, dining, and traveling than ever before. Businesses are looking for new ways to bring in customers, and installing an EV charge point on your property can help draw attention to your offerings. There are more EVs on the highways than ever, and drivers favor areas where they can easily find charging stations. As more people adopt EVs, the demand for charge points will increase. Investing in EV charging stations now gives your business an edge as the market grows.
1. Draw in More Customers
EV drivers need to charge their vehicles when they’re away from home, so installing EV charging stations for business can attract attention and increase traffic to your establishment. Providing EV charge points can create a positive association between the service you’re providing and your main offerings. EV drivers who appreciate your charging service will likely make regular, repeat visits and spend money whenever they stop by.
While home charging solutions are prevalent, publicly accessible EV chargers are still needed to provide the same convenience and accessibility as fueled-powered vehicles. This is especially important in densely populated urban areas with scarce private charging facilities.
The global count of public charge points has soared to 2.7 million by the end of 2022, with over 900,000 new installations. This marks a 55% increase from the previous year, emphasizing EV infrastructure development’s persistent upward trajectory.
2. Boost Customer Dwell Time
The time it takes to charge an EV can translate into longer stays at your business, which often means more spending. Customers may pass the time by shopping, dining, or attending to errands while they wait. Offering EV charging encourages customers to linger and enjoy your offerings without feeling rushed.
3. Show Commitment to Green Energy
People want to live in a less polluted world. Switching from gas to electric power lowers carbon emissions and benefits the environment. Installing commercial EV chargers and making them publicly available demonstrates your commitment to sustainability, showing that you care about your impact on the planet and are investing in green technology.
4. Stand Out from Competitors With Charging Options
If you want to outshine your competition, offering standard and premium EV charging options can set your business apart. Most drivers need to power their EV when they’re away from home, so they look for charging stations where they work and shop for necessities.
Level 2 charging is an economical and sufficient option for customers who have already planned to spend a significant amount of time at your establishment. Other EV drivers who prioritize efficiency and speed will stop at the charging station that optimizes the value of their time. You want them to think of your business as an ideal place to stop whenever they are on the road.
Offering Level 3 DC fast charging (DCFC) at a slight premium, in addition to Level 2 charging, shows that you care about offering options that meet your customers’ needs on any given day. Since Level 3 chargers take about 20 to 30 minutes to provide 60 to 100 miles of range, you’ll keep drivers around long enough to spend while increasing their goodwill towards your business by shortening their wait times. By offering tiered charging options, you can increase your visibility and become a clean-energy leader in your area.
5. Attract and Retain Eco-Conscious Talent
Millennial and Gen Z professionals are increasingly eco-conscious, and having an EV charging station at your business shows them that you share their values. These educated, conscientious employees want to contribute their skills to companies that allow them to charge their cars as they work. They will also be more likely to remain loyal to and stay at a company that accommodates their needs.
Additionally, your workers are also likely to buy or switch to electric vehicles if a commercial EV charging station is installed in your parking area, which contributes to a virtuous cycle of reduced carbon emissions and a happier business environment.
6. Generate a New Revenue Stream
Many businesses are installing EV charging stations to generate additional revenue while customers eat, shop, or do business. Customers are willing to pay for electricity when their charging options are limited or they need to get back on the road quickly. Providing commercial charging for a fee helps your business use charge points to pay for your operating costs while increasing cash flow and generating profits.
This model works best when there are no free charging stations in your area, making your charge point the best option. It’s important to offer EV charging services at a fair price to maintain customer loyalty and avoid creating resentment. You can also offset the burden on customers by offering incentives like a free charge after they have used your charge point a pre-specified number of times.
7. Future-Proof Your Business
In the next few years, the number of EV drivers will increase as people move away from gas-powered vehicles. Since an increase in demand is guaranteed, your business needs to consider how many of your customers will need EV charge points in the future, year after year.
It’s important to consider how you will scale your business’s charging infrastructure to provide space for additional customers, handle larger electrical loads, and accommodate advanced hardware. EV charging is a new and rapidly evolving industry sector that is constantly developing new features and paths toward maximizing efficiency. Drivers will expect your business to keep up with the times and provide them with the best service as technology changes.
How to Choose the Right Commercial EV Chargerfor Your Business
When it comes to choosing the right EV charging solutions for your business, there are several key factors to consider. Below, we cover the essential checklist items and planning steps you’ll need to address before you install your charge point.
1. Assess Your Business’s EV Charging Demand
To effectively plan for commercial EV charging, estimate the number of customers who will need to charge their vehicles at your establishment. Determine how often these drivers will visit and whether they are short- or long-range drivers. This insight will help you decide the quantity and types of chargers best suited for your business, ensuring you meet your customers’ needs and stay competitive with other charging options in your area.
2. Select the Appropriate Charging Level
Drivers have varying charging needs, aiming to optimize their time and money. Offering both Level 2 and Level 3 commercial EV chargers can provide your customers with a choice between slower, more economical charging and quicker, premium options. Understanding your customers’ preferences and your installation requirements will guide you in selecting the most suitable EV charging solution for your business.
3. Ensure Compatibility with Your Electric Infrastructure
As you assess different commercial EV charging solutions, you must ensure that they are compatible with the existing electrical infrastructure. Level 2 chargers require 240v of alternating current to operate, while Level 3 charging provides direct current to the EV battery. You can consult your local utility to ensure that the EV chargers you choose will work with your existing electrical circuitry.
4. Meet Installation Requirements
Different chargers may require different modes of installation. Level 2 and Level 3 chargers need dedicated circuits and should be placed in locations where they can be securely connected. If you place your chargers outdoors, they will need to be able to withstand changing weather conditions and exposure to other potentially damaging elements. Your installation must also fulfill all necessary building code and safety requirements before you offer your service to the public.
5. Evaluate Charging Speed and Power Requirements
Charging speed is a crucial consideration when choosing a commercial EV charging solution. Level 3 chargers require the largest up-front investment, but they also offer the fastest available charging speeds. Level 2 chargers offer mid-tier charging speeds at a reasonable cost, making them a popular and practical choice for most drivers. In areas with high EV traffic, offering Level 3 chargers can reduce customer wait times and enhance satisfaction.
6. Ensure EV Compatibility with Different Charging Devices
The EV charging solution you install must be compatible with a wide range of electric vehicles. Different EVs currently have various charging requirements, and these standards are likely to change as EV technology evolves rapidly.
7. Consider Your Budget
There’s no question that your budget is a critical factor when you are choosing EV charging solutions for your business. EV chargers vary in price and can incur a range of installation, electricity, and maintenance costs.
Level 2 chargers cost less to install than Level 3 chargers, and they offer customers a happy medium between charging fees and speed. Level 3 chargers are more expensive to install, but they have the potential to generate more revenue. Considering how quickly your commercial EV chargers will increase your ROI will help you select the right equipment for your business.
Conclusion
As EV driving goes mainstream, the benefits of the EV charging stations business are easy to recognize. No question that offering EV charging can help businesses attract new customers as demand for electric vehicles increases.
Installing an EV charge point can help boost your company’s reputation and increase your revenue, and En Plus EV charging solutions are here to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Our commercial EV charging stations and comprehensive planning and installation services will help you create a bright, clean, and convenient future that enhances your customers’ lives. To learn more, visit our site today at https://www.en-plustech.com.
