Retail stores, shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants are discovering that EV charging stations can drive both traffic and revenue. Offering EV charging gives electric vehicle drivers a reason to choose your location over others. If a customer knows they can charge their car while shopping or dining, they’re more likely to stop at your business – and stay longer.

EV owners are often a desirable demographic: many have higher incomes and seek out businesses that share their values. In fact, 44% of shoppers prefer to patronize stores with sustainable practices. Visible chargers send a message that your brand is modern and eco-friendly. This can enhance your reputation and customer loyalty. Guests at hotels increasingly check for EV charging availability when booking rooms – it’s become an expected amenity in the hospitality industry to cater to travelers with electric cars.

How EV Charging Boosts Your Business

Increase customer dwell time: When drivers plug in at a Level 2 charger, they often spend an hour or more at the location. This translates into more time in your store or on your property. Studies show that for every 1% increase in dwell time, sales can increase by about 1.3%. EV charging essentially invites customers to stick around and shop or use your services longer while their vehicle charges, directly boosting revenue potential.

Attract new visitors: EV drivers often use apps to locate charging stations. By having chargers, you put your business on the map (literally) for this growing segment of customers. You may find that EV motorists who might not have otherwise stopped at your store will do so to charge – and they could become regular patrons. Additionally, a shopping center or hotel that promotes EV charging may draw in more foot traffic from EV drivers versus a competitor without charging facilities.

Create a revenue stream: Charging for EV usage can directly generate income. Many businesses set a price for charging – for example, around $0.40 per kWh is a common rate at public Level 2 stations. With commercial electricity rates often about $0.15/kWh, that’s roughly $0.25 profit per kWh sold. If a typical EV session uses 20–30 kWh (for instance, a Tesla charging from 20% to 80%), that session yields about $5–$7.50 in revenue. Multiply that by multiple sessions per day, and a single charger can produce a few hundred dollars per month in extra income. Over the course of a year, this helps offset the cost of the equipment and installation, essentially paying for itself after a few years of steady use.

Enhance customer experience: Providing charging is a convenience that customers appreciate. For hotels, it means guests can wake up to a full battery – a huge perk for EV-driving travelers. For retail, shoppers enjoy the peace of mind that they’re gaining range while they shop. Even if you charge a fee, customers often perceive it as a fair exchange for the added convenience. Happy customers are more likely to return and to spread positive reviews about your business.

Gain a competitive edge: As EV adoption grows, businesses that adapt early stand out. Having EV charging now can differentiate your location in the market. It positions you as forward-thinking. Moreover, some jurisdictions offer incentives or recognition for businesses that install EV chargers, from tax rebates to inclusion in green business directories, giving you extra marketing exposure.

Why Prime Charge Suits Retail & Hospitality

The Prime Charge station is an excellent fit for customer-facing environments. Its sleek, professional design looks right at home in a parking lot or garage and is compatible with all EVs (via the universal J1772 connector, and Tesla drivers use their adapter). You can install Prime Charge units in front of your store, in a parking garage, or alongside your building to immediately signal to EV drivers that they’re welcome.

With smart networking, Prime Charge allows you to set flexible pricing and access rules. For example, a shopping center could make charging free during business hours to encourage shopping, then apply a fee after hours. Or a hotel could provide guests with an access code for free charging overnight, but require payment from the general public who might use the station during the day. This flexibility means you can tailor the charging service to your business model – be it a free perk, a profit center, or a blend of both.

Prime Charge also supports advertising opportunities. Many networked chargers can display custom messages or be paired with signage – imagine a screen or a simple poster near the unit saying “Charge your car while you shop. Visit our cafe for a discount while you wait!” This kind of cross-promotion can nudge customers to explore more of your offerings. At the very least, having your branding on the charging station (which Prime Charge allows via customizable decals) can further integrate it into your site’s look and feel.

From a technical standpoint, Prime Charge offers reliable performance and easy maintenance, which is crucial when you have customers depending on it. Its robust construction stands up to frequent use, and it’s weatherproof for outdoor placement. Remote monitoring means you or a third-party service can keep an eye on the station’s status, ensuring it’s operational when visitors arrive. If something needs attention, alerts are sent so you can address it swiftly and keep the customer experience positive.

Finally, Prime Charge stations can help you gather valuable insights. Through the charging network’s software, you might track how often the stations are used, at what times, and by whom (if you implement user accounts or RFID for members/guests). These analytics can inform business decisions – like whether to add more stations, adjust pricing, or measure the increase in dwell time and corresponding sales lift. It’s not just a charger; it becomes a tool in managing and optimizing your customer experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I charge customers for using the EV station?

Most commercial charging stations, including Prime Charge, connect to software platforms that handle billing and payments seamlessly. You can set a price per kWh or per hour and accept credit card payments via a mobile app or a tap card reader. Essentially, you decide on the fee structure (for example, $0.40/kWh or $2 per hour, etc.), and the network handles the transactions and payouts to you. It’s wise to research what nearby charging stations are charging, so your rates remain competitive. Some businesses also choose to offer a period of free charging (say, the first 30 minutes) and then bill afterward, to encourage initial use without deterring customers with EVs who might just need a short top-up.

Will offering EV charging increase my electricity bill significantly?

There will be an increase in electricity usage, but remember that if you’re charging users a fee, that revenue typically more than covers the cost of the electricity. For instance, 1 kWh of electricity might cost around $0.15 for you, and if you charge $0.40/kWh, you net $0.25. Even if you offer it free to customers, the goodwill and extra spending you get in return can offset the cost. It’s also possible to set charging stations to limit power during peak times to control demand charges on your bill. In many cases, utilities offer special commercial EV rates that are favorable for businesses to encourage installation of chargers.

What if all my charging stations are occupied and customers can’t charge?

This is actually a good problem – it means there’s strong demand! If you consistently see all chargers in use, it may be time to install more stations to meet customer needs. You can also implement policies like time limits (for example, “Charging limited to 2 hours”) to promote turnover, so more visitors get a chance to charge. Some networks allow waitlist features: customers can indicate they’re waiting via an app and get notified when a station frees up. Clear signage and markings can also help ensure that only actively charging EVs use the spots (to prevent someone from occupying a space all day unnecessarily).

Are there incentives to help pay for installing chargers at my business?

Yes, a variety of incentives are available. Many local governments and air quality boards provide grants for businesses to install EV chargers, especially in areas where charging is still sparse. For example, there are programs that might cover 50-80% of the equipment and installation costs for public-facing chargers. Utility companies often have “make ready” incentives, where they might upgrade your electrical service or provide wiring to support chargers at little or no cost. Additionally, the federal tax credit for EV charging equipment can reimburse 30% of the installation cost (up to a cap, if your location qualifies). These incentives can significantly reduce the financial burden, making the ROI on charging stations even more attractive.