As electric vehicles (EVs) become more mainstream, the infrastructure supporting them is evolving, opening up new opportunities for small businesses. A recent experience in Houston highlighted just how valuable adding EV chargers could be for business owners, especially those operating in urban areas. Recently an EV enthusiast came across two Freewire battery-integrated EV fast chargers still operational despite the company’s struggles. This encounter sparked an important question for small business owners: Are your products, services, and in-store offerings more appealing than the simple act of napping in a car while waiting for an EV to charge?
Here’s what he learned from his experience:
A Charging Experience with Opportunity
While the Freewire chargers were functional, the EV enthusiast observed something interesting during his stop: a rideshare driver in a white Chevy Bolt was using the charger. The driver’s car was parked, and instead of spending his time browsing a store or engaging in other activities, he took a nap for the 20-minute fast charge. The rate at this charging station was $0.52 per kWh, which is quite high.
This scenario raises an intriguing opportunity for small business owners. While some drivers use the time to rest or catch up on work, many may be inclined to use the waiting time for a more engaging experience, especially if a business offers food, drinks, or services nearby.
How EV Charging Can Benefit Small Businesses
This experience serves as a reminder that for many people, EV charging is just another reason to stop somewhere—and businesses can capitalize on this by offering more than just a charging station. Small businesses, particularly those in urban settings, have the potential to turn EV charging into a key part of their customer offering.
For business owners, the key question is: Are you offering something compelling enough to draw in customers who would otherwise spend their waiting time in their cars napping?
Why Adding EV Chargers Makes Sense for Small Business Owners
Here are some important reasons why adding EV chargers to your parking lot could benefit your business:
Increase Foot Traffic: As more drivers make the switch to electric vehicles, the demand for accessible charging stations will only grow. By installing EV chargers, you open your business to a new customer base—drivers who need to charge their cars and might otherwise drive by.
Generate Additional Revenue: The more time customers spend charging, the more likely they are to spend money in your store. Offering food, drinks, or entertainment can encourage drivers to stay longer, increasing in-store spending. Just like an airport terminal with amenities, your business can become a “refueling” stop for EV drivers, making their wait more productive.
Position Your Business as a Leader: Many customers are eager to support businesses that align with their values. Installing EV chargers signals to your customers that you are committed to sustainability and the future of transportation. This can enhance your reputation and attract environmentally-conscious consumers.
Improve Customer Experience: Adding amenities such as coffee, snacks, or even comfortable seating areas for customers to relax during their charge will improve the overall experience. In fact, a combination of EV charging and relaxation pods could create a unique niche for your business, similar to how cafes became popular stops for travelers.
Differentiate Your Business: Offering EV charging is not just a convenience; it’s an opportunity to stand out. As EV adoption increases, charging stations will become a sought-after resource. Being proactive about providing this infrastructure will give your business an edge over competitors who may not yet recognize the value of EV stations.
Looking to the Future: What’s Next?
The question left hanging by this post is one that could spark a new trend: Which entrepreneurs will be the first to combine EV charging and nap pods? Imagine a place where EV drivers can not only charge their vehicles but also relax in a comfortable pod, recharge themselves, and even enjoy food or entertainment during the process. This combination of convenience and comfort could transform the EV charging experience into something far more engaging.
As we look ahead to the growth of electric vehicles and the need for infrastructure, businesses that invest in charging stations now could find themselves ahead of the curve. The time to plan for this future is now.
The Best Path Forward
The next step for small businesses looking to embrace the shift towards electric vehicles is to think about how to integrate EV charging stations into their offerings. From increasing foot traffic to enhancing customer experiences, the benefits are clear. And, with the rise of creative ideas like nap pods and charging stations, there’s no telling what new innovations could shape the future of this emerging ecosystem.
At Charged Up!, we help businesses stay informed and prepared for the electric future. For more updates and insights on the EV industry, stay informed with our latest articles and subscribe to our newsletter at chargeduppro.com/subscribe.
Original linkedin post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/anupparikh_evcharging-activity-7270913320646262784-ep_y?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
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