If you're wondering if there are any benefits of installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at your business, you'll be pleasantly surprised to learn how many there are.
1. New customers. By simply installing a charging station you'll attract new customers. One New Jersey restaurant owner said his charging station attracted new customers who didn't know his restaurant existed before finding it on their charging smartphone app. Your new customers will become repeat customers since they'll know where to power up their car.
2. Boost sales. EV drivers also spend more time inside stores — as much as 50 minutes longer according to one study — while waiting for their vehicles to charge. This means more time for customers to spend money.
3. Enhance your company's brand. Charging stations help show your company cares about the environment and is on the leading edge of new technology. It can also be a competitive advantage, even with the big guys. A bed and breakfast found this out and was able to attract guests away from chain hotels nearby that didn't have charging stations.
4. Add to your bottom line. You can generate a revenue stream from EV stations by establishing a service charge per kilowatt hour or time spent charging. You may want to charge for just the cost of electricity or you can set a price for each charging session.
5. Attract and retain employees. You'll be helping your employees extend their all-electric miles and green their commute. Offering this perk can also help reduce commute times in areas where EVs qualify for carpool lanes.
6. Expand EV adoption. Installing charging stations at your business proves to drivers there's a charging infrastructure they can rely on when they're away from home. One study found that workers are 20 times more likely to buy an electric vehicle if their employers offer free charging at work.
7. Attract more quality tenants. If you own a large commercial Class A property, EV charging stations can help attract tenants who value sustainability or want to attract employees. EV drivers also make great tenants and typically have higher incomes and education levels.
8. Contribute to cleaner air. EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, which helps to improve air quality especially in urban environments. You'll be demonstrating your commitment to sustainability right in the parking lot while helping to meet your company's sustainability goals.
9. Achieve green certification. Charging stations can be part of a larger goal, like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for new construction. You can earn extra credit for installing a charging station capable of participating in a demand response program or provide six EV-ready spaces.
If you’re still not convinced, Pasadena Water & Power offers generous rebates to offset the cost of installing charger stations. To learn more, visit PWPweb.com/EV.