As electric vehicle (EV) adoption surges across the U.S., business and property owners are faced with a pivotal question: Should I install EV charging stations — and will it be profitable? The answer is increasingly a resounding yes, supported by a growing body of research, real-world case studies, and data that show how EV charging can become a revenue engine rather than just a cost center.
1. EV Charging is More Than Just Infrastructure — It’s a Foot Traffic Magnet
A recent EVgo survey found that 80% of their customers shop at nearby businesses while charging. Even more compelling? These customers spend more than $1 for every minute they’re plugged in. For a 30-minute charge, that’s an average of $30 spent — per driver.
Pair that with findings from a 2024 Nature study, which revealed that businesses within 100 meters of an EV charging station saw a spending increase of up to 3.2%, and the revenue potential becomes crystal clear. Whether you’re operating a shopping center, grocery store, or a restaurant, EV charging attracts valuable, spending-ready customers.
2. Charging Drives Loyalty and Longer Dwell Times
A report from Electrek dives into the “dwell time paradox” — the idea that faster charging may not always be better for businesses. While ultra-fast chargers serve utility, Level 2 and moderate-speed DC fast chargers offer a sweet spot: long enough for users to shop, dine, or relax, but not so long that it feels inconvenient.
This dwell time translates into greater opportunities for businesses to engage customers, offer promotions, and convert foot traffic into loyal repeat business. The charger becomes a modern amenity — much like Wi-Fi once was — that customers expect and appreciate.
3. EV Charging Sessions Are Rapidly Increasing
According to Electrek, EV charging sessions rose 50% year-over-year during Thanksgiving week in 2024. This is not a blip — it reflects a trend of increasing EV road travel, particularly during holidays and weekends, which are prime times for restaurants, retail, and entertainment venues.
As more EVs hit the road, businesses with chargers will naturally become destinations of choice — not only for convenience but also for reliability and quality of experience.
4. Chargers Improve Property Value and Competitiveness
An MIT study found that EV charging stations have a measurable impact on improving business performance, particularly for restaurants, retail locations, and mixed-use properties. Properties that invest in charging infrastructure often see an increase in lease desirability, occupancy rates, and tenant retention, especially as consumers become more sustainability-conscious.
5. Public Charging Can Be Profitable — Here's How
A McKinsey report lays out the economic pathways to profitability for EV charging infrastructure:
- Revenue Streams: Property owners can monetize chargers through session fees, idle fees, and subscription-based models.
- Ancillary Sales: Increased customer dwell time boosts in-store purchases, food/beverage sales, and other services.
- Brand Value: Hosting chargers enhances ESG credentials and aligns your business with clean, forward-thinking energy trends.
What’s critical is right-sizing your charging solution based on the property’s needs. That’s where Universal EV Chargers comes in — offering customized, turnkey solutions that meet both your business goals and infrastructure realities.
6. Smart Location = Smart Returns
Public charging works best when integrated with the customer journey. Placing chargers in visible, convenient, and walkable locations encourages usage and ensures the property benefits from footfall. The Nature study reinforces this by proving that proximity matters — just 100 meters can be the difference between mediocre and exceptional ROI.
7. Government Support — A Helpful Boost
Federal and state programs, like NEVI and utility rebates, offer a strong financial backbone for property owners investing in EV charging. While not a dependency, these programs can offset a large portion of upfront costs, making it easier to scale your infrastructure faster.
Universal EV Chargers has successfully helped businesses tap into 43+ NEVI awards across the U.S., providing site planning, permitting, installation, and even maintenance — all under one roof.
8. The Bottom Line: Charging is Good Business
At Universal EV Chargers, we’ve seen firsthand how the right charger, in the right place, can transform a property’s value, drive traffic, and enhance customer loyalty. Whether you operate a standalone retail location, a hotel, or a multi-tenant commercial plaza, adding EV charging is no longer a luxury — it’s an expectation.
Ready to Energize Your Business?
Universal EV Chargers offers:
✅ Turnkey EV Charging Solutions
✅ OCPP-Compliant Software
✅ Dynamic Load Balancing and Solar Integration
✅ 24/7 Customer Support
✅ NEVI Program Guidance
Let us help you design a charging solution that works for your customers — and your bottom line.
📞 Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Join the Conversation!
References
- McKinsey & Company. Can public EV fast-charging stations be profitable in the United States?
https://www.mckinsey.com/features/mckinsey-center-for-future-mobility/our-insights/can-public-ev-fast-charging-stations-be-profitable-in-the-united-states - Electrek. EV charging sessions were up 50% YoY during Thanksgiving week.
https://electrek.co/2024/12/07/report-ev-charging-sessions-were-up-50-yoy-during-thanksgiving-week/ - Electrek. Goldilocks and the dwell-time paradox of faster and faster EV charging.
https://electrek.co/goldilocks-and-the-dwell-time-paradox-of-faster-and-faster-ev-charging/ - BTCPower. Driving Revenue: Maximizing the Profit Potential from EV Charging Stations.
https://btcpower.com/blog/driving-revenue-maximizing-the-profit-potential-from-ev-charging-stations - Nature Communications. Spending increased by 3.2% near EV charging stations.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-51554-9 - Car and Driver. MIT Study Suggests EV Chargers Improve Business.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a62371896/mit-study-suggests-ev-chargers-improve-business/
