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Conquering the EV Charging Conundrum: Three Challenges Parking Operators Face (and How to Overcome Them)

Parking Lot with EV Chargers
Alan Kahn headshot
Alan Kahn is XLR8 America’s President of Emerging Markets.

This post is the second in a three-part series by XLR8 America President of Emerging Markets Alan Kahn. Read the first post in the series here.

The EV revolution is electrifying the parking industry – literally – presenting both incredible opportunities and some significant hurdles. As parking operators, you’re at the forefront of this transformation, tasked with not just providing parking spaces, but also meeting the growing demand for EV charging. Navigating this new landscape can be complex. I’ve spent decades in this business and have seen firsthand the challenges parking operators face when adopting new technologies. Let’s break down the top three EV charging conundrums and explore practical solutions.

  1. The Upfront Cost Hurdle: Breaking Free from Budget Blues

One of the biggest roadblocks to EV charger adoption is the perceived high upfront cost. I’ve sat in countless meetings with parking owners, and the initial investment is always a major concern. It’s understandable. You’re running a business, and every dollar counts. You need to see a clear return on your investment.

I remember one conversation with a property owner who was hesitant about installing EV chargers. He said, “Alan, I get it, it’s the future, but the cost is killing me.” He was worried about the capital outlay and potential risk. That’s when I explained XLR8 America’s “owned and operated” model – It was a lightbulb moment for him. He realized he could offer EV charging without the financial burden of buying and installing the equipment himself. That’s the power of our model – removing the financial barrier and making EV charging accessible to everyone.

  1. The Reliability Riddle: Keeping Chargers Online and Customers Happy

Another major concern for parking operators is the reliability of the charging infrastructure. What happens when a charger goes down? You’ve got frustrated customers, lost revenue, and a tarnished reputation. Downtime is a killer in this business. You need chargers that are efficient and dependable.

At XLR8 America, we understand the importance of reliability. That’s why we use solid-state technology in our chargers. It’s a game-changer. It significantly reduces maintenance issues and keeps your chargers up and running. We also have a robust support system in place to address any issues quickly and efficiently. Because in the parking business, reliability is everything.

  1. The Customer Experience Equation: Creating Raving Fans

Finally, let’s talk about the customer experience. EV drivers are looking for a seamless, convenient charging experience. They want reliable chargers, easy-to-use payment systems, and clear communication. If you can provide that, you’ll not only attract EV drivers, but you’ll turn them into loyal customers.

I’ve always believed that customer experience is the key to success in the parking industry. It’s not just about providing a space to park; it’s about providing a service. With EV charging, that service is more important than ever. At XLR8 America, we’re committed to creating a world-class charging experience. From our user-friendly technology to our 24/7 customer support, we’re focused on making EV charging as easy and convenient as possible.

Within EV charging, the winners will be those who prioritize reliability, customer experience, and smart financial planning. 

The recent suspension of the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program has prompted property owners to seek alternative solutions for deploying EV charging stations. In response, XLR8 America offers a Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS) model that enables businesses to implement EV charging infrastructure without relying on federal funding. This approach allows clients to install charging stations with no upfront costs, as XLR8 America manages all aspects of design, installation, maintenance, and operation. By adopting this model, businesses can support the growing demand for EV charging, even amidst changes in federal funding policies.

The EV revolution is here, and it’s transforming the parking industry. By addressing these three key challenges – upfront costs, reliability, and customer experience – you can not only survive, but thrive in this new landscape. At XLR8 America, we’re here to help you navigate this exciting journey and turn your parking facility into a profitable and future-ready charging hub. Let’s power the future of mobility, together.

At XLR8 America, we’re here to help you navigate this exciting landscape and turn your parking facility into a profitable and future-ready charging hub. Let’s build the future of transportation, one parking space at a time.

Looking for an EV strategy and solution for your parking portfolio? Let’s talk.

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