The Benefits of EV Charging Stations for Businesses: A Smart Move As the World Re-opens

Jun 28

With the height of the pandemic behind us and 64.5% of all U.S. adults having received at least one vaccination, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics, more people are starting to shop and dine out.

That’s good for business owners, of course. But it also means more vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs), on the road. The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy reports that car traffic in many places is exceeding pre pandemic levels. After seeing the pandemic’s effect on vehicle emissions and their contribution to climate change, though — a drop of roughly 2.4 billion tons, or a 7% decline from 2019 levels — many people are taking to the roads with the goal of being more eco-conscious.

EV sales globally are expected to hit 5 million in 2021. Property owners, including at retail businesses and hospitality venues, can support the increasing number of EVs on the road by recognizing the benefits of EV charging stations, not just for the environment, but for your business as well.

Retail Sales Spiked — but Did Your Property Profit?

Retail spending in May 2021 was up nearly 25% compared to this time last year, in the midst of the pandemic.. With retail shops having to compete with long awaited long-distance vacations and out-of-town attractions, retailers and restaurants must do more to attract customers to their property.

EV Charging Can Drive Shoppers to Your Business

Spending at clothing and clothing-accessory stores grew by more than 200% year over year. EV charging stations for businesses can encourage EV drivers to frequent your establishment and spend more time in your store — and spend more money. With the increase in EVs on the road, EV drivers are also seeking convenient chargers. Whether you are trying to attract long-distance travelers or locals, adding EV chargers to your property can encourage people to make your store or shopping center a stop on their route.

For property managers, the addition of EV chargers for business will drive traffic to your tenants’ places of business, which will keep them happy — and renew their leases! For business owners, offering complementary EV chargers can drive revenue through increased sales. Of course, you can always choose to monetize your chargers, billing drivers per charge or for the time they spend hooked up to them.

EV Connect’s brand-agnostic software platform makes it easy for you to create a profitable business model around your EV charging stations. The EV Connect app makes it easy for drivers to find your chargers, pay for charging, and get notifications when their vehicle is fully charged — hopefully while they’re inside your store or restaurant paying for their merchandise or finishing up a tasty meal.

The Increase in Travel Means More People Need the Benefits of EV Charging Stations

More cars on the roads, combined with an increase in EV sales, means a greater demand for EV charging stations. Business owners who ignore this trend could be leaving money on the table, especially with incentives available for installing EV charging infrastructure at your place of business.

Installing charging stations with the help of EV Connect can give business owners access to a combined $2.6 billion in incentives through utility and local government programs. But these incentives may not last forever, so it’s wise to tap in while consumer demand is high and supply is low, creating a need for municipalities and the federal government to incentivize charging-station installation.

The Hospitality Industry Rebounds, More Competitive Than Ever

Just as retail stores and restaurants are benefiting from increased vaccination rates, which make more people comfortable venturing out of their homes, hotels are also starting to see a surge in business. Hotel demand during the week of April 11 in 2021 rose 13.7%, a record for the year so far. March also saw an increase in hotel bookings, as people traveled for spring break. With summer in full swing, the trend is likely to continue.

People who are driving to their vacation destinations, perhaps because they are still avoiding air travel and other forms of public transportation, want a safe and convenient place to plug in their EVs during their trip. As hotel-room rates rise, amenities such as EV chargers can help set your hospitality venue apart. People may be willing to spend more for a hotel with EV charging capabilities if it will make their vacation more stress-free and comfortable.

Brand-Agnostic Chargers Attract More EV Drivers

EV manufacturers like Tesla and Ford continue to install EV charging stations across the US. But often these stations are limited to their own brand of vehicles, unless you have an adapter. These companies also may offer perks to their customers for plugging their vehicle into a charging station of the same brand.

On the other hand, brand-agnostic chargers with fast charging capabilities, such as the ones provided by EV Connect partners, can serve all EV drivers. Our EV Connect software ties it all together with premium, 24/7 customer support, for you and for your customers. And that means more traffic to your shopping center, restaurant or hospitality venue. Connect with us to learn more about the benefits of EV charging stations for your business.

Dawn Allcot is a full-time freelance writer and content marketing specialist who has written about sustainability and solar for 20-plus years. She frequently covers Tesla and Elon Musk for GoBankingRates and Geek Travel Guide.