The modern retail chain or commercial park customer expects more from a shopping destination than just a wide range of products and a spacious parking lot. Along with the dynamic growth of electric cars on Polish roads, the availability of fast electric vehicle (EV) charging stations is becoming a strategic amenity.
Investing in charging infrastructure in large-surface parking lots is nowadays not only a response to tightening legal regulations, but above all a well-thought-out sales leverage. It allows extending the customer's visit time in the store and building an advantage over local competition.
Why does a retail chain need EV charging stations?
The presence of car chargers at a discount store, DIY store, or shopping mall brings direct commercial benefits to commercial facilities.
1. The "Destination Shopping" effect and a higher average receipt
An electric vehicle owner consciously chooses retail points where they can recharge their vehicle's battery in the parking lot. Charging becomes the main pretext for visiting a specific discount store or mall, and the time needed to replenish energy translates directly into a longer stay in the store and a larger shopping basket.
2. Fulfillment of legal requirements (EPBD Directive)
In accordance with EU directives and national regulations, non-residential buildings with large parking lots (over 20 parking spaces) are required to install charging points and prepare ducting infrastructure for subsequent positions. Early implementation of appropriate solutions protects the retail chain from the risk of penalties and installation chaos in the future.
3. E-mobility tied to a loyalty program
Modern charging stations can be integrated with a mobile application or the loyalty program of a given retail chain. Awarding free kilowatt-hours for purchases of a specified value is an excellent marketing magnet that builds customer return rates.
What charging station power should be chosen for a commercial facility?
The selection of the appropriate technology depends on the specifics of the store and the average time the customer spends on shopping:
- Supermarkets and grocery discounts (visit time: 20–40 min): Fast DC (direct current) charging stations with a power from 50 kW to 150 kW work best here. They allow charging the battery to an optimal level during daily grocery shopping.
- Malls, shopping and furniture centers (visit time: 1–3 hours): In such places, a good solution is both ultra-fast DC hubs and cheaper-to-install AC stations with a power of 11–22 kW, intended for customers planning a longer movie screening, restaurant visit, or comprehensive shopping.
Financing methods and business models for retail chains
The installation of charging infrastructure does not have to mean freezing your own capital. An experienced technological partner offers flexible cooperation models:
- Own investment (CapEx): The retail chain buys the stations outright, maintaining full control over the charging price list and deriving 100% of the profits from the delivered energy.
- Operator model / Space lease (OpEx): The operator installs the station at their own expense and manages the charging service, paying the parking lot owner a fixed rent for leasing the parking spaces.
- Co-financing and subsidies: Enterprises can apply for co-financing from NFOŚiGW funds and EU funds for the construction of publicly accessible charging points.
Transform your parking lot into a source of competitive advantage
Installing electric vehicle charging stations at retail facilities is a well-thought-out investment that builds the image of an ecological brand, generates additional foot traffic in the passage, and responds to upcoming legal regulations.
Are you planning to expand the charging infrastructure in your chain of stores or commercial park? Contact us.
