For many businesses, the main value of an EV charger is not the revenue from electricity. It is the customers it brings in. A driver who needs 45 minutes of charging will spend those 45 minutes somewhere, and businesses with chargers are making sure it is with them.
Why charging changes behaviour
- Drivers plan around chargers: EV owners check charging apps before choosing a restaurant, mall or hotel, especially on trips.
- Longer visits: charging gives visitors a reason to stay, browse and spend more.
- Loyalty: a reliable charger becomes a regular stop on a driver's routine.
- Positive image: charging signals a modern, sustainability-minded business.
Matching charging to the business
| Business | Typical visit | Charging that fits |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants and cafés | 30–90 minutes | 60–120 kW DC |
| Malls and cinemas | 1–3 hours | A mix of 30–60 kW and faster DC |
| Hotels and resorts | Overnight | 30–60 kW chargers spread across bays |
| Supermarkets | 20–60 minutes | Fast DC near the entrance |
Making it work
Place chargers where drivers can see them and close to the entrance. List them on popular EV apps and maps. Keep them working: a charger that is out of order sends a driver, and their spending, to a competitor. Consider offering a discount or loyalty reward for customers who charge.
Measure the effect. Compare spending and visit length for charging customers with other visitors to see the real value of the chargers.
How PxT can help
PxT Energies helps site owners assess their location, choose the right chargers and pick a business model, then installs and runs the site. Talk to us about a free initial site assessment.