From Trendy to Essential: How EV Charging Drives Business
Electric vehicles are no longer a niche experiment—they’re a growing share of the U.S. market, even as adoption steadies from its early surge.
While concerns about grid capacity and shifting government incentives still surface, one reality is undeniable: EV adoption is here to stay. Businesses that invest in commercial EV charging stations are already reaping the benefits, as public chargers that once sat idle are now experiencing consistent year-over-year growth in usage.
For businesses, this shift represents more than a sustainability milestone: commercial EV charging has become a practical way to attract tenants, build customer loyalty, and strengthen property value.
For commercial property owners—whether retail centers, hotels, logistics hubs, or corporate campuses—installing EV charging stations is no longer just a “green” gesture. It’s a strategic investment that enhances competitiveness and creates new revenue opportunities. Rows of chargers that once felt futuristic are now income-generating assets, drawing drivers who spend more time (and money) at the properties where they plug in.
In this guide, we’ll cover what you need to know about commercial EV charging station installation—from charger options and electrical requirements to costs and contractor selection. Along the way, we’ll share insights from our experience delivering turnkey electrical and IT infrastructure projects, including structured cabling for enterprise-scale sites and multi-location IT field services.
Understanding Your EV Charging Options
Not all EV chargers are created equal, and for businesses, choosing the right type is critical. While Level 1 chargers (120V) can be useful for small-scale employee use, they’re painfully slow—adding just 3–5 miles of range per hour. For most commercial EV charging stations, Level 2 charging stations (typically 220–240V) are the sweet spot.
A Level 2 commercial charger can deliver 12–80 miles of range per hour, making it ideal for retail parking lots, hotels, and office campuses where dwell times range from 30 minutes to several hours. These systems can be pedestal-mounted (“EV charging podiums”) or wall-mounted, giving property owners flexibility in how they design their charging areas.
For high-traffic locations or fleet depots, some businesses explore DC fast charging (Level 3), which can add hundreds of miles of range in under an hour. However, these systems come with hefty infrastructure requirements and costs, often requiring utility upgrades, dedicated transformers, and significant permitting.
How to Install Commercial EV Charging Stations
Installing EV chargers isn’t as simple as running a few wires. Each project starts with a site assessment to evaluate the property’s electrical capacity, available parking, and traffic flow. Our teams often inspect existing breaker panels and calculate whether the infrastructure can handle additional load—or if upgrades, new panels, or even new transformers are needed.
From there, we coordinate permitting and compliance, ensuring the installation meets all local codes, ADA requirements, and utility company standards. For larger projects—like hotel chains or logistics hubs—this can mean working closely with the local power company to secure approvals for new service connections.
The installation timeline varies, but a typical Level 2 deployment can be completed in a matter of weeks once permits are secured. Work may involve trenching through landscaping, directional boring under parking lots, or cutting sidewalks to run conduit. In one recent large-scale deployment, our team managed everything from the panel upgrades and dedicated circuits to painting parking spots and installing signage, creating a true turnkey solution.
Learn more about our Electrical Services that support large-scale EV charging deployments.
What Does It Cost to Install a Commercial EV Charging Station?
Costs can range widely depending on the number of chargers, the electrical upgrades needed, and the property type. For most Level 2 commercial EV charging station installations, property owners can expect to invest anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000 per charger, including equipment and installation.
Complex projects—those requiring new transformers, service upgrades, or extensive trenching—can exceed $100,000, especially when multiple chargers or fast-charging systems are involved. The good news? Many properties see strong returns through increased tenant satisfaction, longer customer dwell times, and even direct revenue from pay-per-use charging models.
In some cases, utility incentives or tax credits can offset upfront costs, further improving ROI. Businesses that act now can also position themselves ahead of competitors as EV adoption continues to climb.
Finding the Right EV Charging Station Contractor
Choosing the right partner is critical. EV charging projects require a blend of licensed electrical expertise, project management, and familiarity with IT integration—since many chargers now connect to cloud-based monitoring and payment systems.
At ServicePoint, we combine electrical know-how with deep experience in IT infrastructure deployments, allowing us to deliver charging solutions that work seamlessly with your property’s broader technology ecosystem. Our teams don’t just handle the install; we manage every phase, from coordinating with utilities to ensuring the chargers integrate smoothly with on-site systems like Wi-Fi and building management tools.
Tailored EV Charging Solutions for Commercial Properties
Every property type has unique needs when it comes to EV charging station deployment:
- Retail & Office Buildings: Charging stations increase customer dwell time and can serve as an added incentive for tenants evaluating lease options.
- Hotels with EV Charging Stations: For hospitality, chargers are no longer a differentiator—they’re an expectation. Guests increasingly filter booking choices by EV-friendly amenities.
- Workplace Charging: Workplace EV charging stations boost employee satisfaction and can support corporate sustainability goals, particularly for companies with hybrid or fully on-site staff.
- Fleet & Logistics Hubs: Charging solutions for delivery and service fleets require careful planning around power capacity and scheduling to keep vehicles operational around the clock.
By tailoring each installation to the property’s usage patterns and audience, businesses can ensure their EV charging stations for commercial properties deliver both convenience and value.
Electrical and Technical Considerations
One of the biggest hurdles in EV charging station deployment is the electrical backbone. Multiple chargers can place heavy loads on existing systems, often requiring panel upgrades, new circuits, transformers, or even a new service line altogether.
For example, at one logistics facility, our electrical team installed a new transformer and panel, then ran dedicated conduit and circuits to each charger location. In some cases, we use directional boring to avoid disrupting landscaping or paved areas—minimizing the project’s impact on day-to-day operations.
These upgrades aren’t just about compliance; they’re about ensuring reliability. A charger that trips a breaker every time two cars plug in won’t help your property’s reputation. That’s why our approach always starts with a detailed power load assessment to right-size every installation.
Who Installs EV Chargers?
While some property owners attempt a piecemeal approach, the most successful projects leverage a turnkey provider that can manage everything from permitting to electrical upgrades and IT integration. At ServicePoint, our Business EV Charging Installation Services bring together licensed electricians, experienced project managers, and IT specialists, ensuring each installation meets safety standards, integrates seamlessly, and is delivered on time.
Ready to Bring EV Charging to Your Business?
The era of empty charging stations is over. With EV adoption accelerating, commercial EV charging stations are quickly becoming as essential as Wi-Fi or high-speed connectivity in keeping properties competitive and future-ready.
If you’re ready to explore EV charging solutions for your commercial property, contact us for a site assessment. Our team will help you design, install, and manage a charging strategy that not only meets today’s needs but scales with tomorrow’s growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does it cost to install a commercial EV charging station?
Costs typically range from $6,000 to $15,000 per Level 2 charger, including installation. More complex projects with utility upgrades or multiple fast chargers can exceed $100,000.
2. How long does it take to install EV charging stations for a business?
Most Level 2 commercial installations can be completed in a few weeks, though timelines can extend if utility upgrades or permitting delays occur.
3. What electrical upgrades are needed for EV charging stations?
Many properties require panel upgrades, new circuits, or even a new transformer to handle the increased load. A site assessment is essential to determine needs.
4. Can EV charging stations generate revenue for my business?
Yes. Beyond attracting tenants and customers, businesses can charge per use, creating a new income stream and justifying the investment.
5. Who installs EV charging stations for commercial properties?
Turnkey providers like ServicePoint manage the entire process, from permitting and electrical work to IT integration and site finishing.
6. Are there incentives or rebates for installing EV charging stations?
Many states and utilities offer rebates or tax credits, which can significantly reduce upfront costs for businesses installing chargers.