Is your commercial or retail property ideal for hosting fast charging stations? Connect with us to explore the possibility of hosting a ChargeNet charging station.
Countries across the world are experiencing a boom in electric vehicle usage. New Zealand is no different. Electric vehicle usage is up in Aotearoa, and figures indicate these numbers continue to grow.
The Government’s Clean Car Discount Scheme was introduced in 2021, and drivers responded in droves. In August 2021, monthly registrations of electric vehicles sat at 649. By August 2023, 2,256 electric vehicles were registered in one month alone — a 247% increase. National fleet numbers reached 92,870 vehicles in October 2023. The Government’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2025 is one that many Kiwis are on board with.
To reach our carbon-neutral goals and decarbonise our transport section, EECA (the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) estimates annual sales of electric vehicles will need to reach 150,000 per year by 2050. Such growth will mean New Zealand needs an EV charging network to keep pace. This gives businesses a unique opportunity to enter the electric charging industry on the ground floor, reap the benefits and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Why invest in or host EV charging stations?
If your business has nothing to do with transport, you may hesitate to branch out into an area that feels somewhat ‘unknown,’ but joining the electric revolution right now makes good business sense and here’s why. EV adoption is increasing year on year, and electric vehicle infrastructure is no longer considered a technology of the future.
Many drivers are changing their habits based on access to electric charging stations. EV drivers are incorporating charging into their daily lives and frequently spend more time at businesses that offer EV charging. An EECA survey showed that eating, drinking and shopping are the top two preferred activities EV owners like to engage in while charging their vehicles. This change in driver behaviour will only continue to grow as EV adoption grows.
Regardless of your industry, your business will benefit from supporting the EV movement sooner rather than later. Companies have a rare opportunity to capitalise on this growing market, diversify their income, and gain a competitive edge. Over the next few years, businesses that support or invest in electric vehicle charging stations will set themselves up for decades of growth.
The benefits of EV charging stations for Kiwi businesses
From increasing traffic to creating repeat customers, here are six advantages to installing electric vehicle charging stations at your place of business…
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Boost your business’ revenue
Supporting or investing in EV charging stations is a great way to diversify your income. You’ll benefit from additional revenue earned from empty car parking bays. What’s more, electric vehicle charging is an essential service. Even when spending is down in other areas, drivers will always need to charge their electric vehicles.
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More recurring customers
Installing EV charging stations at your business will attract repeat customers. Repeat customers add significantly more value to any business than new customers. They usually require less marketing to purchase from you and are more likely to promote your business through word of mouth. Attracting repeat customers will take little effort if your business is located in a high-traffic area or near other amenities.
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Attract more visitors
With EV charging stations installed, you’ll find that new customers are automatically attracted to your site. The availability of EV chargers influences where drivers decide to stop. Drivers may skip areas with no public EV fast charging in favour of locations that provide charging stations. By offering EV charging, you’ll attract new demographics of visitors to your site. With more visitors in the area comes an opportunity to offer additional products or services that may appeal to new customers.
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Greater visibility
EV drivers utilise their smartphones and in-car navigation systems to locate places to charge their vehicles. Your business will also appear under multiple search results. New consumers who have not visited your location are now looking for you and changing their travel plans to stop and charge at your charging station.
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Visitors spend more time at your site
Charging an electric vehicle at a fast charger generally takes around 30 minutes, depending on the battery’s size and the charging point’s speed. Most drivers top up their batteries rather than recharge from empty to full. Even so, with more time to kill than a petrol pit stop, many drivers and passengers will be looking for locations they can charge at where they can also buy a meal, shop, entertain their kids, walk around and enjoy the surrounding amenities. Installing or hosting electric vehicle charging stations increases a driver’s time at your business.
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Meet your climate goals
Meet your climate goals with every charge! Hosting EV charging stations benefits your business and aligns with sustainability objectives. By supporting electric vehicles, your business actively contributes to reducing carbon emissions and fostering a cleaner, greener future for all.