3.12.25
1:34 pm
Businesses, Electrification
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly prevalent, and offering EV charging at your business is a strategic move that can attract new customers, enhance employee benefits, and boost your bottom line. Whether you operate a retail store, restaurant, or office building, installing EV chargers can provide a significant advantage. Let's explore the exciting benefits and essential considerations for offering EV charging at your location.
Why EV Charging is a Smart Business Investment:
- Attract New Customers: EV drivers are actively seeking businesses that offer charging. By providing this valuable amenity, you can attract new customers who are likely to spend money at your establishment while their vehicles charge.
- Enhance Your Brand Image & Sustainability Profile: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability is increasingly important to customers and stakeholders. By installing EV chargers, you're showcasing your dedication to environmental responsibility and reducing your carbon footprint.
- Generate Revenue Opportunities: Depending on your business model, you can potentially generate revenue by charging fees for EV charging. This can be a direct source of income and help offset the costs of installing and maintaining the charging infrastructure.
- Boost Employee Morale & Attract Top Talent: Offering EV charging at the workplace is a significant draw for employees who own or are considering purchasing an EV.
Unitil Electric Vehicle Programs for Businesses:
We’re here to help with programs for commercial electric customers that support the switch to electric vehicles.
- MA Ready2Charge Program: Receive a rebate on the cost of installing the required electrical infrastructure for public EV chargers. Learn more about the Ready2Charge Business Rebate Program.
- MA Rates: Business customers may be eligible to participate in Electric Vehicle (EV) Demand Charge Alternative rates. Email ev@unitil.com to learn more.
- NH Rates: Our EV Time-of-Use (TOU) rate offers lower rates for charging during off-peak hours. Learn more about EV TOU.
Key Considerations Before Installing EV Chargers:
Before proceeding, here are a few key factors to consider to ensure your success:
- Electrical Capacity & Infrastructure Assessment: The first step is to assess your building's electrical capacity to determine if it can support the desired number and type of EV chargers. This may involve a consultation with a qualified electrician. If your current capacity is insufficient, you may need to upgrade your electrical service. If you’re a commercial electric customer in Massachusetts and are installing a public EV charger, our Ready2Charge rebate program can help offset some of these costs.
- Charging Level & Charger Placement: Choose the appropriate charging level (Level 2 or DC Fast Charging) based on your needs. Level 2 chargers are ideal for workplaces or businesses where customers spend a longer time, and are more cost-effective to purchase and install. DC Fast Chargers are better suited for locations where rapid charging is essential. Strategically place chargers to maximize convenience for users.
- Cost, Incentives, & Revenue: It’s important to understand the overall financial impact of installing EV charging. Calculate the costs associated with installation, equipment, ongoing maintenance, and electricity consumption, consider available incentives to lower up-front installation costs, and factor in potential increases to revenue.
Key Takeaways:
- Offering EV charging at your business is a strategic move that can attract new customers, enhance employee benefits, and boost your bottom line.
- Unitil is here to help with programs for commercial electric customers that support the shift to electric vehicles.
- Be sure to consider costs, available incentives, and potential revenue increases when evaluating the financial impact of installing EV charging.