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.
EV Charging Stations Can Help Attract 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.
EV Charging Takes Time and Increases Customer Dwell Time
The longer customers stay in a shop or restaurant, the more they spend. Since it takes a while to charge a car, many customers will pass the time by shopping, having a snack or meal, or attending to errands while they wait. Providing EV charging encourages customers to enter your establishment and enjoy your offerings without being rushed.
Demonstrate Support for EV Charging & Green Energy
People want to live in a less polluted world that sustains their lives and health. Switching from gas to electric power lowers carbon emissions, which can have a beneficial effect on the environment. Installing commercial EV chargers and making them publicly available shows the world that you care enough about your impact on the planet to invest in green technology.
Outshine Rivals with EV 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.
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.
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.
EV Charging Stations Introduce 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.
Future Proofing and Meet Increasing Demands of the EV Market
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 Charger
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.
Estimate the Demand for EV Charging on Your Premises
As your business plans to adopt commercial EV charging, you need to estimate your customers’ charging needs. Try to discover the number of drivers who will need to charge their vehicles at any given time and how often you expect them to stop by your establishment.
Also, consider how your charge point will compare to other charging options in your area and if your customers are short- or long-range drivers. This information will help you decide what number and mix of commercial EV charging options are ideal for your business.
Choose the Right Charging Level
When it comes to EV charging, drivers will have different needs, and they will all want to optimize the value of their time and money. Level 2 and Level 3 commercial EV chargers can give customers a choice between charging an EV in a few hours or getting a quick charge in 30 minutes. Learning more about your customers charging needs and your installation requirements will help you select the best EV charging solution for your business.
H3: Consider Charging Compatibility with Your Electrical Infrastructure
As you assess different commercial EV charging solutions, you must ensure that they are compatible with the electrical infrastructure on your property. 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.
Installation Requirements
Different chargers may require different modes of installation. Level 2 and Level 3 chargers need to be placed in an area where they can be connected to a dedicated circuit. 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.
Check Charging Speed and Power Requirements
When you’re choosing a commercial EV charging solution for your business, charging speed is an essential consideration. 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. If your area is a popular destination for EV owners, offering Level 3 chargers can reduce customer wait times.
EV Compatibility with Different Charging Devices
The EV charging solution you install must be compatible with the electric vehicles most of your customers drive, or ideally, as many different EVs as possible. Different EVs currently have a range of charging requirements, and these standards are likely to change as EV technology evolves.
How EV Charging Solutions Help Scale Your Business
As demand for EV charging grows, you can take advantage of the opportunity to grow your business by attracting new customers. Getting ahead of the curve will draw the most forward-thinking, affluent drivers to your location, keep them loyal, and encourage them to spread the word about your company as EV technology evolves.
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/jp.