How to Start an EV Charging Business for Franchises

Maybe you’re a hotel, restaurant, miniature golf course, commercial real estate developer, or a mall. No matter what you are, you’re always looking for ways to attract new or existing customers. So, why not add an EV charging station to your business model to satisfy the eco-conscious driver who wants to enjoy your services?

There are a lot of EV charging companies out there who can help you get up and running with a EV charging solution . But it’s not just about slapping any old EV charging equipment into your parking lot and calling it a day. You need to know how to attract EV drivers, what equipment works best for your business, and how to increase your revenue once you’re charged up.

So, let’s plug into a few ways adding an EV charging station to your business can enhance brand recognition and electrify your revenue.

Why Do You Need an EV Charging Station?

EV charging stations attract a wider demographic to your business and shows  your commitment to sustainability, aligning you with eco-conscious consumers. Additionally, EV charging stations can lead to longer visits and repeat customers. And because you can enhance your brand by tapping into an expanding customer market that prefers businesses that embrace green practices.

Here’s something we all know—more traffic is good for business. So get those electric vehicles in your parking spaces.

How Do You Attract EV Drivers to Your Business?

Sure you may have a top-tier EV charging solution for EV guests, but how do you expand your brand visibility and put cars in the spots? Here’s where to start.

Visibility/Signage

If you build it, they will come—if they know you’re there. Appropriate signage not only announces to local customers that you support green practices but also introduces you to out-of-towners looking for a place to charge up. And when drivers stop to charge, they’re also looking for a place to stay, eat, or entertain. With the right visibility, you can increase revenue through increased driver traffic.

Marketing

Have a social media account? Tell everyone about your new EV charging station with regular posts and hashtag strategy. When it comes to the EV-driving community, they’re vocal and local. By letting the world know you have a charging service, you can attract new eyeballs to your business and expand your credibility as a business that cares about the planet.

24/7 Access

Your business may not be open 24/7, but if you can keep your charging station open 24/7, you’ll attract EV drivers who need a charge any time of day—and that leads to additional passive income while you sleep. 

Make It Worthwhile

You know what EV drivers love? Discounts on EV charging. With EV Connect’s EVouchers feature, station owners and network operators can create discount code campaigns for EV drivers who use their charging stations, giving them even more incentive to swing by for a charge-up.

EVouchers are an effective marketing tool that can drive foot traffic, increase sales, attract new drivers, and build customer loyalty without the stress of creating your own ad campaign or discount platform.

Not only that, but with EVouchers you can increase your sales by customizing your campaign messaging to bring more drivers in. Take 10% off and get a free coffee. Enjoy 15% off and get a loaded bagel. Whatever your marketing angles are, EVouchers can help park drivers in your station.

Engage with the EV Community

Go to events. Hop on Reddit threads and communities. Follow EV social accounts and comment. Whatever you can do to let everyone know you’re up and running for EV drivers and the planet will generate a positive brand identity in your own community and beyond. But just remember—Your EV charging station shouldn’t be seen as a money-generating side hustle—it should be portrayed as a service that helps other like-minded, planet-conscious people do their part for a better tomorrow—and that’s an important differentiator.

How Do You Increase Revenue with an EV Charging Station?

Here’s the million-dollar question. We all know it’s vitally important to reduce emissions and go green to preserve our planet. But there’s also an extremely lucrative business opportunity associated with adding an EV charging station to your business for a win/win situation.

As with almost anything business related, it all starts with costs. By working with knowledgeable EV experts to organize charging station deployment and management, you can cut operational costs and increase profit-generating revenue quicker. Plus, a trusted EV charging company can help you to customize an EV charging station plan that works within your budget and infrastructure ensuring you have the best equipment for the job you require.

But it’s also important to keep pricing at the forefront of your EV charging station. Find the average prices of EV stations in your area and do your best to stay within that range. If a similar hotel two blocks away offers better charging rates, there’s a better chance your EV drivers will stay there. If you’re unsure of price point versus installation, deployment, and management costs, consult an expert to help you gauge where you need to land to optimize profits.

And finally, get online and market. By working with sponsors, EV apps, and encouraging customer reviews that mention your EV charging services, you can increase your visibility and provide a positive talking point that all customers can agree upon.

Just remember—choosing the right EV charging solution for your business requires unparalleled expertise and customer service to ensure you are not only making the right decision but are also generating the profits you’re seeking. By working with professionals who personally tailor your EV charging business to your franchise, you can attract more customers and plug into a newly energized generation of EV drivers.

If you’d like to learn more about our charging management solutions, contact EV Connect today!