There are many advantages to having charging stations at your business, whether you own a shop or are a service provider. Here are a few.
Attract customers or serve visitors
EV drivers often pause for half an hour to a few hours to charge their electric car. Installing an EV charger can help companies like shops and supermarkets attract more customers. And for other types of businesses it is a good service to visitors.
It puts your business on the map
EV drivers rely on apps to locate charging points, and if you want, your business can be listed publicly. EV drivers who have time to spare while charging are likely to look at what your business has to offer.
Offer something your competitors don't
A large percentage of physical shoppers will come by car. Many EV drivers will probably want the option to charge while they shop. Therefore, offering charging points can mean that you are chosen over competing businesses. And with many businesses struggling to compete with online offerings, it becomes increasingly important to provide a superior shopping experience.
Increase customer connections
Smart charging with EVs can enable drivers to contact a business when they stop to charge, meaning businesses can gain greater insight into their customers and even communicate deals and offers - increasing the likelihood of a repeat visit.
Support a green business initiative by reducing your carbon footprint
If the Netherlands is to meet its goal of becoming carbon neutral, a major cross-industry effort is needed to encourage widespread adoption of EVs. It is important to be aware of the intensive scrutiny of how companies contribute to such efforts.
Support your corporate values and CSR commitments
If your brand or CSR policy is focused on sustainability and green business initiatives, the absence of EV infrastructure is likely to undermine such efforts, leading to a lack of trust from your customers. If you are committed to sustainability as a business, you need to demonstrate it in all aspects.
Attract and retain customers and employees
Having an EV infrastructure demonstrates a proactive approach to innovation and a modern culture - and can tip the balance in attracting employees and retaining your workforce. After all, EV driving is not only a very sustainable way for them to get around, it's also fiscally attractive. And if they are able to charge while at work, they do not need to buy a home charger and have no energy costs for their EV. And right now that makes a difference compared to their colleagues who have to fill up their car with diesel or petrol every time!
Change is coming and it pays to be ahead of the game
With the introduction of low and ultra-low emission zones and a forthcoming ban on new petrol and diesel passenger cars and vans, the pressure on companies to upgrade their fleets is increasing. And with the market for EVs growing, widespread adoption and the expectation that charging facilities at the workplace will be standard practice is no longer a pipe dream. Companies can gain a competitive advantage by being ahead of the curve and can currently take advantage of existing subsidy schemes for installing charging points or purchasing certain new EVs for their fleet.