Electric vehicles are the future, which means that anyone out there operating a gas station needs to think forward, not back. You can prepare your business for the future and start making more in the today all by being proactive in your approach. People will always need personal vehicles, and as a gas station, you have the chance to supply those personal vehicles with what they need to keep going.
Today, that’s gas; tomorrow, it’s electricity. If you were thinking of adding EV charging stations to your business, then you’ve come to the right place. This guide will outline the key things you’ll need to think about before making the leap:
Do You Have the Space?
Space is a crucial element when it comes to whether or not you can add EV charging stations, as well as how many. Unlike with traditional pumps, after all, drivers need to stay and wait while their cars charge up. They won’t be just there for the amount of time it takes to fill a tank and go. Charging up a battery takes longer, but there is actually a lot of business opportunity in that.
Before getting into those opportunities, it’s critical you think about the space. How many full-sized parking spots can you spare? You’ll need space for the charging unit itself and will also need EV charging bay markings to ensure drivers are parking as economically as possible.
How many charging units you install will also depend on how popular electric vehicles are in your area. If you see plenty of electric models on the road, then you can splurge on the investment. If it’s still a new venture in your town, you may want just to get one for the time being.
What Type of Chargers Do You Want to Install?
Currently, there are two types of chargers. The first is the Level 2 charger. This charger is cheaper than its counterpart but also charges more slowly. The faster DC chargers are more expensive, but as a gas station, you’ll have limited entertainment options for the drivers in question. Since you are a pit stop, you may find it more useful to invest in the faster charging option since it means more potential electric vehicles.
EV chargers can cost anywhere between $1000 and $10,000 to install, so get a few quotes so you understand what you’re realistically looking at. This may seem like too high a cost, but it can be a great business investment. For example, you can start to offer seating and even a more substantial meal service to attract electric vehicle owners. Give them a place to stay, and they’ll buy food and drink from you, charge their vehicle up more, and rack up their bill.
What Grants and Incentives Are In Your Area?
You likely won’t need to cover the full cost yourself, either. Many governments offer grants and other incentives to help build the necessary network to allow for this next generation of vehicles. It can never hurt to check the Department of Energy or the Department of Transportation to see what incentives exist to help you out.
