EV Charging Stations Demand is a Great Marketing Opportunity!
Everyone is aware of the transition from gas powered cars and trucks to electric vehicles, but does everyone understand the importance of having enough EV charging stations to support them?
The clock is ticking, Ford, General Motors, Mercedes, Toyota, Lexus, Honda have all announced that they will be phasing out production of gas combustion cars anywhere between 2025 and 2035. This dramatic change means less gas stations and more EV charging stations. Currently the U.S. has 104,000 public charging plugs available today, just 18% of which are so-called "Level 3" or "DC fast chargers," which can replenish an EV battery in an hour or less according to AXIOS.
A Marketing Opportunity Arises:
While federal, state, and local municipalities need to plan for this increased need for charging stations, so too are most businesses. Think about it, if there is an increased demand for something wouldn’t you want to be on the supply side of the equation. Businesses of every type are quickly adding one if not more charging stations at their location to help attract electric vehicle owners. Why not charge your car while you shop, eat, attend class, golf? Right now, hotels, shopping centers, amusement parks are quickly planning and installing more charging stations as a way to entice electric car owners to come to their business because they offer a charging station.
Getting Started:
So how should businesses get onboard with EV Charing Stations? First you need to find an EV charging station manufacturer, then determine how many and of which models to purchase, then there is the need for permits, installation, training, maintenance just to get them up and running.
Most manufacturers are in the business of designing and producing the units, not in installing them. Most installation companies don’t have the experience or the direct relationship with the manufacturer, so the costs and complications increase. One option is to work with a manufacturer’s representative agency that provides consulting, purchasing and turn-key solutions. One company, BizReps does just that, they are an EV Charging Station Manufacturer’s Rep for PowerCharge. The manufacturer doesn’t sell directly, and Biz Reps fill that role but also partner with other third parties to handle everything from permits to installation and training. This makes the entire process easier to the customer and in most cases reduces the overall costs because it is all handled through one company.
However, you choose to implement your strategy, it is something to consider, and soon. Do you want to be the business that offers charging stations or let you competitor take that off your hands?
Author: Neal Rabogliatti, Editor Manufacturing.Posthaven