Commercial EV Infrastructure

EV Charging for Retail & Shopping Centers: Drive Dwell Time & Revenue

Retail EV charging is a proven strategy to attract high-income shoppers and increase the time they spend in your stores. Here’s how California retail centers are monetizing their parking lots.

The Retail “Dwell Time” Advantage

Data from major charging networks shows that EV drivers spend an average of 50 minutes longer at retail locations with charging stations compared to those without. Because charging takes time, customers inevitably enter the adjacent stores, restaurants, or cafes while they wait, driving direct retail revenue.

Level 2 vs. DC Fast Charging for Retail

Charger Type Dwell Time Best Retail Fit
Level 2 (11 kW) 2-4 hours Malls, movie theaters, sit-down restaurants.
DC Fast Charge (50-150 kW) 20-45 mins Grocery stores, fast-casual dining, convenience stores.

Monetize Your Retail Parking Lot

GridReady Pros connects retail property owners with commercial EV infrastructure specialists to design profitable charging networks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do retail centers make money from EV chargers?

There are two models: 1) Owner-operator, where you buy the equipment and keep all charging revenue. 2) Host model, where a charging network (like Electrify America) installs the equipment for free and pays you rent for the parking spaces.

What is CALeVIP?

The California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) provides massive funding for commercial EV charger installations in California, often covering up to 80% of hardware and installation costs for retail locations.