Boost Your Business with EV Charging 

Every driver has experienced the panic of realizing their gas gauge has gotten dangerously close to empty. Luckily, the U.S. has close to 200,000 gas stations so you can usually find one before you run out of gas, but drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) don’t have it as easy.  

While the number of public EV chargers is growing, drivers, especially those in the rural West need more options besides the one at home. This lack of EV chargers presents a problem for drivers but an opportunity for local business owners.  

Here’s how you can boost your business with EV charging, attract new clients, increase your sustainability efforts and add a new revenue stream. 

Increase Visibility: Get Your Business on the EV Charging Map  

Adding a public EV charging station to your business can significantly enhance your visibility through vehicle charging apps like Electrify America, PlugShare, and ChargePoint. These apps, which are essential for EV drivers, maintain detailed maps of nearby charging locations. By adding your business to these maps, you automatically become a listed destination for EV owners in the area.  

This inclusion increases the likelihood that drivers will choose your business and highlights your commitment to supporting sustainable practices. As a result, your business gains exposure to a targeted audience actively seeking places to charge their vehicles, ultimately driving more traffic and potential revenue to your location.  

Attract a New Set of Customers   

As the popularity of electric vehicles continues to rise, more drivers are seeking convenient places to charge their cars while they go about their day. By offering this service, your business becomes a go-to destination for EV owners. This increased foot traffic can translate into higher sales and more opportunities to showcase your products or services to a new audience.  

Moreover, an EV charging station encourages customers to stay longer and spend more. While waiting for their vehicle to charge, customers are likely to browse, dine, or shop at your establishment. This extended visit not only enhances the chance of additional purchases but also fosters a positive association between your business and modern, eco-friendly practices.  

Commercial EV Chargers Provide a New Revenue Stream 

This can open a valuable new revenue stream for your business as well. Charging stations often generate income through usage fees, which can be set on a per-kilowatt-hour or per-minute basis.  

As EV adoption grows, the demand for accessible charging options will rise, potentially attracting a steady flow of customers who are willing to pay for the convenience of charging while they shop, dine, or use your services.  

This additional revenue stream not only helps offset the costs of installing and maintaining the charging infrastructure but also provides an ongoing financial benefit as more drivers rely on your business for their charging needs. Profit margins for Level 2 charging stations will vary based on factors like location, pricing structure, upfront costs, and utilization.  

EV Charging is Ideal for Local, Small Business Owners 

Out of the 75 prominent retail and fast-food chains, think brands like Costco, Ikea, Walmart, and Target, only 1% of the total 270,000 retail locations provided EV charging facilities according to a 2024 survey conducted by Consumer Reports. 

This presents a big opening for small business owners and customers that would prefer to shop locally anyway. If your business is near a highway or in a rural area, the opportunities to attract new business are massive.  

Investing in an EV charging station is not just about keeping up with technological trends; it’s a strategic move to attract and retain customers while aligning your business with the future of transportation. 

If you are a member of one of our electric cooperatives and interested in installing an EV charger at your home or business, Tri-State has a variety of rebates in addition to federal incentives to help you do so.  

About Tri-State 

Tri-State is a power supply cooperative, operating on a not-for-profit basis, serving electric distribution cooperatives and public power district members in four states. Together with our member-owners, we deliver reliable, affordable responsible and flexible power and services to more than a million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles of the West. For more information, visit www.tristate.coop.