Public Access Charging for Businesses

Public EV Charging

EV Charging Stations for Public Access

Recent surveys determined the top two reported barriers preventing consumers from buying or leasing an EV were charging logistics (61%) and range (55%). Range is the number of miles the vehicle can travel following a single charge. Potential buyers and current owners are concerned about logistics because of perceived limitations in travel routes based on charging network access.

Massachusetts benefits from being a smaller state with EV friendly policies. However, as federal and state incentives increase the popularity of EV ownership for individuals and businesses, there continue to be gaps in the EV charging network in the state.

EV CHARGING NETWORK

The Business Case

Giving people access to a location to park and charge their EV creates revenue opportunities and generates a number of other tangible benefits for your company.

EV Chargers Produce Revenue

Massachusetts EV drivers are currently paying over $0.50 per kWh on average for public access charging, revenue you share. EV owners are more likely to patronize a business adjacent to chargers.

EV Chargers Enhance Brand and Business Image

Patrons and job seekers who own EVs generally seek out companies that provide access for EV charging. Visible sustainability support also influences those who don't own an EV but value environmentally conscious efforts.

EV Charger Incentives Enhance Return on Investment

Depending on the local utility, there are a range of state and federal incentives available to reduce the cost of buying and installing one or more EV charging stations.

EV Charging Network

Access to the public EV charging network is defined by the location of EV chargers, their current availability, and the operating condition. Some charging networks have a negative reputation for reliability and up time. While Massachusetts ranks highly among the states for EV charging station numbers, less that 10% are considered fast chargers. There is a big opportunity for expansion of this type of charging.

Expert Studies Support Business Case for Installing EV Chargers

EV Owners Complain About Network Reliability

Throughout the many charging network apps and third-party public EV charger finders, many posts are made about problems finding a charger both ready and able to charge. In one Harvard Business School study completed in June of 2024, nationwide reliability comes in at a low 78%.
From the study: "Among other things, the deep dive into tomorrow’s gas station network estimates that drivers can successfully recharge their cars using non-residential EV equipment only 78% of the time, highlighting critical issues with reliability. The problems suggest there are business opportunities for entrepreneurs."

Installing a well-established brand with a history of higher reliability and quick response to service needs can make a public charging station stand out.

Public Access Charging Influences EV Buyers

A recent McKinsey study finds that 42% of the public that has not invested in an EV car or truck state that inability to charge at home is a factor. For a variety of reasons, including renting, multifamily living, etc., they report that it is impossible to charge at home.
Similarly, a Pew Survey of EV owners and those interested finds that proximity to public charging is a significant factor in purchase decision. From the study, "Those who live close to public charging infrastructure are also much more likely to consider purchasing an EV in the future. Around half of those within a mile of a public charger say they are very or somewhat likely to consider purchasing an EV, compared with just 27% of those for whom the nearest charger is more than 2 miles away."

Installing public access EV charging stations influences existing and potential future EV owners to support nearby network providers. It may be possible to increase your customer base this way.

Public Access Charging Influences Shopping Habits

Although intuitive, there have been a mulitple studies which find EV owners are both more likely to patronize establishments with public EV charging stations. The are also more likely to spend additional time in a visit and make incrementally more purchases. Up to 61% of respondents say they are more likely to shop somewhere based on EV charging access whether they need to charge during the trip or not.

Installing EV charging stations will bring additional customer visits and generally enhance customer loyatly.

At Cabral Solar, we are always operating with a “customer first” approach. In every stage of the EPC project process, we communicate the essential progress to each client and consult and advise whenever key decisions are needed.

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