The Best Commercial Locations for EV Charging Stations
Location Is Everything in EV Charging
Just like real estate, the success of an EV charging station comes down to location, location, location. The best-performing chargers share a few key characteristics:
- They're located where people already go and already spend time
- They're visible from major roads and easy to access
- They're in areas with high EV adoption or growing demand
- They offer amenities that make the charging wait enjoyable
Retail & Shopping Centers
Retail locations consistently rank among the top-performing EV charging sites. Here's why:
- Shoppers typically spend 30-90 minutes at a shopping center — perfect for a charging session
- High foot traffic means more potential charging customers
- EV drivers actively seek out businesses with charging available
- Studies show EV drivers spend more per visit than average customers
Shopping centers, strip malls, and big-box retail parking lots are excellent candidates for both Level 2 and DC fast charging installations.
Hotels & Hospitality
Hotels are a natural fit for EV charging because:
- Overnight stays provide 8-12 hours of charging time — ideal for Level 2 chargers
- Business travelers increasingly drive EVs and expect charging at their hotel
- Charging amenities improve guest satisfaction and online reviews
- Hotels in tourist destinations see especially strong demand
Many hotel brands are now requiring EV charging at properties as part of their brand standards.
Restaurants & Cafes
Restaurants and cafes benefit from the "dwell time" factor:
- Diners spend 45-90 minutes at a sit-down restaurant — enough for a meaningful charge
- Fast-casual spots with 20-30 minute visits pair well with DC fast chargers
- Charging attracts new customers who might not otherwise visit
- Coffee shops are particularly popular charging stops for road-trippers
Office Buildings & Workplaces
Workplace charging is one of the fastest-growing segments:
- Employees park for 8+ hours daily, perfect for slow Level 2 charging
- Offering charging is a powerful employee recruitment and retention tool
- Corporate sustainability goals increasingly include EV infrastructure
- Workplace charging can be offered as a subsidized perk or at market rates
Gas Stations & Convenience Stores
Traditional fuel stations are rapidly adding EV charging as they prepare for the energy transition:
- Existing highway and arterial locations have high visibility and easy access
- Convenience store revenue from food and beverages during 20-30 minute fast charge sessions
- Many gas station owners are future-proofing their businesses by diversifying into EV charging
Is Your Property a Good Fit?
The best way to find out if your property is ideal for EV charging is to request a free site assessment. We'll evaluate your location, local EV demand, and available incentives.
Check your property's potential — enter your address on our homepage.
