Remember a time before Wi-Fi? When getting online meant hunting for a coffee shop with an ethernet port, or tethering to a slow, expensive mobile connection? It was inconvenient, often costly, and it fundamentally limited where and how you could work, learn, or connect. Today, Wi-Fi isn’t a luxury; it’s an invisible, ubiquitous utility, as essential as electricity and water.
This historical shift from hunting for a connection toward connecting where you are offers a powerful parallel for the future of electric vehicle charging. For too long, the gas station mindset has dominated EV charging: drivers hit the road, deplete their battery, and then embark on a dedicated trip to a fast-charging station. This “park where you charge” model, while necessary for long journeys, is fundamentally outdated and inconvenient for daily driving. Relying on public fast chargers for daily EV needs is costing businesses, property owners, and drivers more than they realize – in both time and money.
The Hidden Costs of the “Gas Station Mindset” for EVs
For many, public DC fast chargers are seen as the silver bullet for EV charging. But for daily commutes and errands, they present several often-overlooked drawbacks:
Economic Inefficiency: Public fast chargers can carry a significant premium, sometimes 2-3 times more expensive per kilowatt-hour than Level 2 charging. This higher cost directly impacts the EV driver’s wallet, potentially offsetting the savings of going electric. For businesses and properties providing DC but not Level 2 charging, this indirectly makes EV adoption less attractive to tenants and employees, eroding your competitive edge.
Time as a Lost Amenity: Every minute an EV driver spends on a dedicated trip to an offsite fast charger is time they are not spending on your property. This translates to lost dwell time in retail, reduced convenience for office tenants, and a diminished residential experience. If your phone battery were low, would you drive to a dedicated phone charging station? The idea is absurd, yet, many still expect EV drivers to do just that for their vehicles.
Logistical Headaches: Public fast chargers can be unreliable (as we’ve explored in our Broken Chargers mythbuster post), suffer from long queues during peak hours, or present compatibility issues. These factors all contribute to “charger anxiety” and add unnecessary stress to an employee’s day or a tenant’s routine.
These inefficiencies are not just personal burdens; they are missed opportunities for businesses and property owners to create value, attract customers, and retain talent.
The “Charge Where You Park” Revolution: Why Ubiquity is Key
The real opportunity, and the significant shift in thinking, lies in integrating charging into the 95% of the time a vehicle is stationary – right on your property, whether it’s an office building, a retail center, a multi-family residence, or a mixed-use development. This is the essence of “charge where you park.”
Just like Wi-Fi became indispensable, EV charging is poised to become a fundamental, expected utility. It seamlessly blends into the background of daily life: employees plug in while at work, shoppers top off while picking up essentials, and residents charge overnight in their parking spots.
Consider the parallels:
From Dial-Up to Broadband (Fast Chargers vs. Level 2): Fast chargers are like the early, expensive broadband connections – great for quick, burst needs (road trips), but not practical or economical for constant, everyday use. Level 2 “charge where you park” solutions are the ubiquitous, reliable Wi-Fi, providing steady, affordable power over longer dwell times.
From Hotspots to Home & Office Networks: Early internet access relied on public hotspots. Today, we expect seamless connectivity at home and in the office. Similarly, EV drivers increasingly expect seamless charging where they live and work, not just at dedicated “charging parks.”
Enhanced Experience & Value: Just as a property without Wi-Fi would be unimaginable today, a commercial or residential property without EV charging will soon be viewed as outdated. Providing onsite charging creates a distinct competitive edge, helping you attract and retain valuable tenants and customers who prioritize convenience and sustainability. This directly impacts your property’s marketability and long-term asset value.
The Opportunity: Filling the Need in a Dynamic Market
As the EV market continues its impressive growth trajectory, the emphasis on infrastructure development is increasingly shifting to market-driven solutions. This means businesses and property owners have a clear opportunity – and indeed, a growing responsibility – to provide the infrastructure that fuels this transition.
By embracing the “charge where you park” model, you’re not just providing a service; you’re making a strategic investment that aligns your property with the future of mobility, enhances its appeal, and contributes to a stronger bottom line. It’s about turning your parking assets into active revenue generators and powerful tools for tenant attraction and retention.
Ready to transform your property’s potential and meet the demands of the electrified future?
Embrace the Charge Where You Park revolution. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
Remember a time before Wi-Fi? When getting online meant hunting for a coffee shop with an ethernet port, or tethering to a slow, expensive mobile connection? It was inconvenient, often costly, and it fundamentally limited where and how you could work, learn, or connect. Today, Wi-Fi isn’t a luxury; it’s an invisible, ubiquitous utility, as essential as electricity and water.
This historical shift from hunting for a connection toward connecting where you are offers a powerful parallel for the future of electric vehicle charging. For too long, the gas station mindset has dominated EV charging: drivers hit the road, deplete their battery, and then embark on a dedicated trip to a fast-charging station. This “park where you charge” model, while necessary for long journeys, is fundamentally outdated and inconvenient for daily driving. Relying on public fast chargers for daily EV needs is costing businesses, property owners, and drivers more than they realize – in both time and money.
The Hidden Costs of the “Gas Station Mindset” for EVs
For many, public DC fast chargers are seen as the silver bullet for EV charging. But for daily commutes and errands, they present several often-overlooked drawbacks:
These inefficiencies are not just personal burdens; they are missed opportunities for businesses and property owners to create value, attract customers, and retain talent.
The “Charge Where You Park” Revolution: Why Ubiquity is Key
The real opportunity, and the significant shift in thinking, lies in integrating charging into the 95% of the time a vehicle is stationary – right on your property, whether it’s an office building, a retail center, a multi-family residence, or a mixed-use development. This is the essence of “charge where you park.”
Just like Wi-Fi became indispensable, EV charging is poised to become a fundamental, expected utility. It seamlessly blends into the background of daily life: employees plug in while at work, shoppers top off while picking up essentials, and residents charge overnight in their parking spots.
Consider the parallels:
The Opportunity: Filling the Need in a Dynamic Market
As the EV market continues its impressive growth trajectory, the emphasis on infrastructure development is increasingly shifting to market-driven solutions. This means businesses and property owners have a clear opportunity – and indeed, a growing responsibility – to provide the infrastructure that fuels this transition.
By embracing the “charge where you park” model, you’re not just providing a service; you’re making a strategic investment that aligns your property with the future of mobility, enhances its appeal, and contributes to a stronger bottom line. It’s about turning your parking assets into active revenue generators and powerful tools for tenant attraction and retention.
Ready to transform your property’s potential and meet the demands of the electrified future?
Embrace the Charge Where You Park revolution. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
Why You (and Your Landlord) Should Pay for Employee Commutes: The Critical Role of Workplace Charging in the Charge Where You Park Ecosystem
Unlocking Cities: How “Charge Where You Park” Solves Urban EV Charging Dilemmas