The more electric vehicles we see on the road, the more businesses should be considering adding EV charging infrastructure. Few locations are better fit for charging stations than event centers. Stadiums, music venues, cinemas, and just about every other kind of venue possess a unique combination of extant qualities and opportunities that makes installing event charging stations a brilliant business move.
Here, we’ll tackle why by explaining why charging stations for events require less risk and initial investment, and then by talking about the myriad benefits these chargers can rake in after installation.
You’re Halfway There
Businesses interested in installing EV Charging are anxious about the installation costs. A barrier to EV charging installation is often the cost to modify or upgrade existing physical or electrical infrastructure in order to “make room.” This is particularly true if a business plans on installing DC Fast (or “Level 3”) chargers. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the installation of Level 2 chargers averages around $3,000 per charger… while DC Fast Chargers can run well over $18,000.
However, event centers are unlikely to incur such high charges for charging stations.
Unlike many businesses, power usage is already top of mind for venues. Newer event centers are likely built with infrastructure and power to spare, while older ones are well-practiced at making updates to meet demand. Event centers likely already have some of the infrastructure necessary for EV charging. While venues will likely incur some additional costs to install charging stations for events, the existing power infrastructure drastically reduces financial obstacles.
Additionally, event centers generally have the parking space necessary to make adding charging stations an easy prospect.
The Benefits of Charging Stations for Events
So, adding charging stations is likely to be easier for event centers than it would be for others. That’s great, but what are some of the benefits? Turns out, there are a lot of them, ranging from simple profit to helping event centers do what they do best. Let’s start with profit.
EV Chargers Provide a Constant Stream of Revenue
EV Chargers are profitable. What’s more, they’re always profitable.
One of the biggest difficulties for event venues is the dependency on events for revenue. Often, they live and die by their ability to host appealing events that bring in customers. But, installing EV chargers on the premises changes that. It gives event centers a constant stream of revenue between events, as well as a big boost on days when the center’s in use.
This is increased by the fact that…
Event Centers are Centrally Located
This is particularly true for stadiums and cinemas, but event center locations are often chosen for their centrality. They’re easy to reach. What’s more: people know about them.
The result: if people need to charge their EVs while going about town, they’re likely to pass by your event center. As a result, your location will help you bring in much of the potential clientele for EV charging stations.
Considering that event centers often have plenty of space, customers won’t need to search hard for a plug. Which means…
You’ll Build Brand Awareness
Venues need awareness. If you have drivers coming in and out of your parking lot to charge their vehicles, they’ll become more aware of your venue and the events it hosts. This is a great opportunity for your event center to post upcoming events near chargers in order to attract customers to your primary business.
On top of that, having people consistently on a property with plenty of space could attract other kinds of businesses. Food trucks, farmers markets and other events could wind up coming to you to ask if they could rent out your parking lot… which offers you an additional source of income.
It’s an Appealing Amenity
The march towards electric vehicles is slow but unstoppable. And, as time goes on, drivers will likely decide where they go according to whether that place has a charger. Even now, EV drivers will pick one venue over another if one has chargers available. For venue owners, having charging stations for events is a good way to ensure you’re pulling in customers, instead of scaring them away.
It’s the Right Thing to Do
The last decade has produced a harsh, but much-needed awakening for the business world: ethics and business are not separate. Rather, your ethics could attract—or scare away—potential clients. Moreover, recent hardships have left people more aware of the impact they leave on the world.
With climate change and fossil fuel pollution as some of the greatest issues of our time, it’s imperative that business owners—from a personal and a PR perspective—do what they can to hurry along the transition to electric vehicles. What better way to do that than to ensure drivers will have access to the charging infrastructure they need?
In Conclusion
Event center owners are uniquely qualified to install EV chargers. They already have much of the space and infrastructure they need. What’s more, the presence of charging stations for events helps shore up the weaknesses inherent in the event business and enhance the main business, itself. Beyond that, it’s the right thing to do, and your customers will be aware of that.
So, really, the question you should be asking isn’t “why should I install charging centers at my venue?” It’s “how do I get started?“
