Could EVs Drive Business for Retail?

A new study released by Consumer Reports suggests that retailers could benefit from the installation of EV chargers at their locations. Currently, only 1 percent of retailers across the U.S. offer EV charging stations but they could offer benefits through government incentives that may offset installation costs, reports NBC WFMJ.

The study analyzed roughly 270,000 store locations across the retail industry, from grocery to drugstores to departments stores and more: According to the findings, one out of every 14 big box stores offer EV charging stations; one out of every 40 department stores; and one out of every 15 grocery stores.

IKEA was found to be the only retailer who had charging stations at nearly all of its U.S. locations. In terms of convenience stores, Wawa and Sheetz are leading the charge with more than 10 percent of their locations offering EV charging stations.

Consumer Reports Sustainability Campaign Manager Drew Toher says, “Companies can attract more shoppers, elevate their brand and leverage federal incentives while consumers benefit from the convenience of integrating EV charging into their routine stops.”

Consumer Reports urges retailers to:

• Educate consumers and your employees regarding EV charging
• Be open about which of your locations offers EV charging
• Follow through on timelines when installing EV equipment
• Don’t exclude low-income neighborhoods or communities when it comes to installing EV equipment
• Properly maintain existing chargers