The EV revolution is accelerating. Restaurants and retail stores with charging stations could kick the movement into high gear.
Hear more about the state of EV charging at restaurants and shopping centers, and learn about the business perks that result from installing EV plugs. BlastPoint CEO Alison Alvarez explains, in this reprint of her contributed article for the Retail & Restaurant Facility Business weekly newsletter, which appeared in their June 9, 2021, edition.
| How Retail & Restaurants Could Open the Door to Wider EV Adoption |
| The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is accelerating, and restaurants and retail stores that offer charging could kick the movement into high gear. Americans still have range anxiety and worry about EV prices, but attitudes toward driving electric continue to progress. Before installing an EV station at any business, however, commercial tenants need landlords’ buy-in to make required infrastructure investments. Sharing the perks that come with charging helps owners decide whether EV charging is right for their location. Higher customer satisfaction, better employee recruitment and environmental benefits are just some of those perks. As consumers go electric, they look for charging stations at their favorite businesses. Data shows they spend more time — and money — at establishments while their EVs charge. Some chains like Dunkin Donuts and McDonald’s offer EV stations, especially at highway junctions, making them essential stops between cities for EV drivers needing a recharge: for both battery power and coffee. What could spur American EV adoption even further is the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. Until now, there has been no fully electric pickup available in the U.S., which has kept truck-loving Americans relatively disengaged from electrification. Truck buying rarely aligns with the desire for fuel efficiency. But rising gas prices, worry over diminishing oil supply, and rising interest in off-grid living is causing some to consider EV. What’s more, we learned during the Texas freeze that some EV owners powered their homes and kept the heat on during outages using EV batteries. Self-sovereignty is a boon to consumers valuing independence. The Lightning will cost about $40,000, and buyers can access federal rebates of up to $7,500, which could incentivize truck owners to go electric sooner rather than later. Most states, municipalities and electric utilities offer rebates for EV purchases and/or home charging equipment, too, which would reduce the price further, putting the Lightning within reach of average consumers. Truck ownership often correlates with residency in remote locations. Stores like Dollar General and Family Dollar frequently serve rural communities but can be reluctant to invest in their facilities. Even if they themselves are unlikely candidates for EV charging, they might make good partners for enterprises looking to collaborate with local businesses to offer it. Additionally, hardware or tractor supply retailers who offer EV stations could attract contractors, landscapers and construction crews needing a power boost between jobs. — Alison Alvarez is CEO & co-founder of BlastPoint. |
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