Consumer Reports states over 70 percent of drivers are interested in purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) in the future. However, the survey indicates two factors are holding these drivers back.

• Drivers have questions about electric vehicles due to a lack of knowledge
• There is a shortage of public charging stations in their area

Even though the transition to electric vehicles is well underway with governments, businesses, and automakers investing in EVs, it still presents challenges. The switch to EVs also presents dealerships with opportunities to showcase their inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles, while helping to bridge the charging gap. Offering EV charging stations at dealerships has its benefits. It can help boost EV sales, reduce operating costs, and lower carbon emissions. Here’s a look at the EV charger benefits for dealerships and how you can supply the EV charging equipment to your customers.

Three Types of EV Chargers for Dealerships

Electric vehicles require charging to stay on the road. Dealerships can offer three types of charging stations to their customers. Here’s a brief look at the various charging stations.

Level 1 Chargers

Level 1 trickle chargers are typically included with the purchase of an EV. These are the least expensive chargers, but they are also extremely slow. The unit plugs into any standard 120-volt outlet and provides around four to five miles of range for every charging hour. As an initial charger to get your clients going, a Level 1 trickle charger is a good option. For long term charging it has sever limitations due to its charging speed.

Level 2 Chargers

Level 2 chargers are more expensive but also deliver faster charging speeds, around 12 to 60 miles of range per hour charging. The chargers plug into 240v outlets. Think of the ones your dryer and washer use. It’s a little different for your commercial property with three-prong 208v outlets. Some electrical work may be necessary to install the chargers. For your at home clients, it’s a good idea to have them check with a professional before purchasing or installing Level 2 chargers.

Level 3 Chargers

Level 3 or DC fast chargers are the most expensive. They can also provide between 3 to 20 miles of range per every minute of charging. These chargers use a direct current, unlike Level 1 and 2 stations. These units use alternating current which is converted to DC by the EV battery.

While the faster charging speed is a benefit, these chargers are often expensive to install. It’s a good idea to check with your utility provider to ensure the grid can support faster charging rates.

EV Charger Benefits for Dealerships

Offering EV chargers at dealerships has benefits for everyone. Some of these benefits include the following.

Customer Education

Offering EV charging solutions is a great way to educate customers about electric vehicles. Dealerships can inform customers about the benefits of electric vehicles and smart chargers. Consumers can learn about the various charging requirements, along with understanding the convenience of charging at home. It’s also a good time to remind your customers about the environmental benefits associated with driving an electric vehicle.

Increase Revenue

With EV popularity increasing among consumers, dealerships offering EV charging can increase their revenue. It can draw new customers in, show them how to charge their vehicles, and prompt them to purchase additional products like a Level 2 home charger.

Boost Repeat Business

Dealerships that provide education and additional support for their electric vehicles are more likely to see repeat customers. It allows dealerships to improve and strengthen their customer relationships, increasing retention for future purchases.

Financial Incentives

Offering EV charging at the dealership provides an opportunity to inform customers about potential financial incentives. It can help offset their purchasing costs, making electric vehicles and charging equipment more affordable.

Dealerships can also take advantage of financial incentives. For example, a U.S. Federal Tax Credit pays dealerships 30% of the total cost to purchase and install an EV charging station.

Dealerships are Planning for the Future

Electric vehicles are the future and dealerships need to be ready. In 2020 the International Energy Agency stated about 370 EV models were made available, amounting to a 40% increase in demand from 2019. Additionally, many car manufacturers such as GM, Ford, and others have made pledges to only sell zero-emission vehicles by 2040.

Offering EV charging at the dealership is an effective way to embrace the future.

Dealership Charging with Apogee Charging Solutions

EV charging is a necessity for electric vehicle owners and a lack of public infrastructure is one of the biggest hurdles drivers still face.

Dealerships can help fill the void by offering EV charging, along with the necessary equipment. To learn more about EV charging for dealerships or our Dealership Partnership Program, contact us today! Call 484-816-2076, email [email protected], or you can schedule a call that fits your needs by clicking the button below.