Why Your Business Needs a Commercial Electric Car Charging Station
Businesses must evolve not only to survive but to thrive as well.
The rise of electronic vehicles has paved another business opportunity to connect with existing customers and attract new ones.
Studies have shown that the majority of new car sales – 50% of the share worldwide – will be taken over by electric vehicles come 2040.
All the more reason to start accommodating customers who are jumping on this bandwagon by having a commercial electric car charging station.
More statistics show that the number of electronic vehicles (EVs) on U.S. roads is projected to reach 18.7 million in 2030. This is about 7 percent of the 259 million vehicles (cars and light trucks).
If you’re still on the fence about taking this opportunity, here are five reasons why should have a commercial electric car charging station installed in the vicinity of your business.
1. Puts Your Business on the Map
When you have vehicle charging stations, you can register to several apps that will help to put you, literally, on the map. It’s an effective free marketing tool, bringing potential customers to your business site.
Drivers in the vicinity who need to charge their electronic vehicles can choose to go to your location. Charging time can take up to half an hour, which means occupants of the EV will tend to go shopping or dining. If you own a convenience store, they’ll most likely spend some time instead and purchase items.
Once you get a commercial electric car charging station installed, you can register your business to mobile apps like Plug Share, Blink Map, and Charge Hub. These apps have a great reach EV drivers can easily access them from their smartphones, giving your business additional visibility to potential customers.
2. Helps Build Customer Loyalty
When an EV driver stops at your location to charge, there’s a huge possibility that they’ll stop by again next time. You’ve subliminally placed your business in their route, giving your establishment more foot traffic. They might even change their existing route so they can pass by your business to charge.
Even large franchise stores like Target are installing electric car charging stations to keep their existing customers coming. For instance, EV drivers on their way home can always drop by to charge and pick up a carton of milk as well.
3. Provides Another Revenue Source
For companies who operate a garage, you can easily add a revenue source on top of your pay to park by charging for EV services. You can have additional income without the overhead of hiring more staff.
Alternatively, you can also use this set up to prevent your employees from hogging the parking spot. They’ll tend to voluntarily move their car out of the way so others may use the charging station.
Having this setup will make your charging stations pay for themselves. The fees will eventually more than cover the expenses of installation and maintenance.
4. More Opportunities for Tax Rebate
The United States Department of Energy offers a federal incentive program that gives up to $7,500 in federal tax credits for buying an electric vehicle.
On a similar note, the U.S. Department of Energy also offers a tax credit to businesses that set up alternative fuel infrastructure. You’ll receive a 30% tax credit or up to $30,000. The reimbursements you may receive vary from state to state, but they are all substantial, though.
In California, the entire state can grant you up to $6,000 per charger, as well as financing options and tax breaks.
Colorado can fund up to $6,260 or 80% of the cost of EV supply equipment including commercial electric car charging stations.
Almost every state supports businesses who decide grab this opportunity to install EV charging stations.
5. Better Company Image
A commercial electric car charging station can improve your company image significantly. With growing environmental concerns, existing and new customers who see an EV charging station in your location will tend to support you more than your competitors without the station.
Make Your Business Meet the Demands of this New Age
This is a great time to evolve your business. Take this opportunity to expand your customer base by accommodating people who are moving to use electric cars. A commercial charging station gives a clear statement that you’re business puts your customers’ needs first.