While medical centers and hospitals may lead the way in adopting new technology for medical facilities, independent and non-acute healthcare facilities are finding new ways to serve more patients. Electric vehicles are now making their way from city centers to communities, which means more patients who drive EV. Let’s dig into why independent doctor’s offices, dentists, and other types of non-acute healthcare facilities should consider installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
EV chargers help you maintain competitiveness
The United States has an estimated 4 million EVs on the road now, according to EV advocacy organization Veloz, and that number is only going to grow in the future. And with the transition to EVs comes a change in how people fuel their vehicles. No longer will drivers go to the gas station to fill up every week. With EVs, drivers will charge their vehicles largely at home or work, but will also top up their batteries when they are out and about at appointments, such as at the doctor or dentist. Patients choose medical providers for various reasons, and with more Americans switching to EVs, not having the ability to top up their battery during an appointment may lead to some of them choosing a different clinic. One study by the Southwest Rural Health Research Center found that 36.7% of urban residents and 45% of rural residents stated that travel was a financial burden when seeking healthcare. These numbers increased when asked about gasoline costs, with 45% of urban residents noting this barrier, and over 55% of rural residents agreeing that the “price of gasoline affects travel.” As researchers noted, “higher travel burden has been associated with reduced access to preventive care, greater disease burden, exacerbation of pre-existing chronic conditions, later-stage diagnoses of cancers, poorer treatment outcomes, and reduced quality of life.” Adding EV chargers to your office allows you to attract and retain patients who drive electric vehicles. In addition, in some regions, building codes already require new structures to include EV charging, and this practice is likely to become more common. By installing chargers now, you can get a head start on keeping up with potential new building requirements.
EV chargers show your business’s environmental leadership
A full 66% of consumers in the US (and 80% of US adults aged 18-34) would pay more for sustainable products over less sustainable products, according to the 2023 Business of Sustainability Index from PDI Technologies. Furthermore, 78% of the people surveyed said they did not know how to identify sustainability-minded companies. EV charging stations are a fantastic visual cue to consumers that your business is environmentally friendly. In addition, charging stations can be included in sustainability accreditations like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and organizations that provide carbon credits. Installing EV charging equipment on site may also make you eligible for various financial incentives. You may qualify for a federal incentive program such as the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, or the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit if your business meets certain criteria, like being located near a designated highway or in an underserved community.
EV chargers help attract sustainability-minded talent
Customers aren’t the only ones who are more likely to choose a company that demonstrates a desire to be more environmentally friendly. Seven in 10 workers would be more likely to stay with an employer that has a positive reputation for environmental sustainability, according to the Sustainability at a Turning Point report from IBM’s Institute for Business Value. Furthermore, nearly 3 in 4 employees expect their employers to take action on social responsibility issues. To hire the best talent for your practice, it’s essential to show a commitment to sustainability, such as with EV chargers.
EV chargers add an extra revenue source
When you buy EV charging stations, it’s up to you whether or not to charge fees for usage. You may decide that allowing patients and employees to use them for free is your preferred. But if you do decide to charge drivers, your chargers can turn into a supplementary revenue source, especially if you open them up to use by the general public. Many businesses with public parking lots charge fees for use by public users, while making them free for employees and clients.
Best EV chargers to install at medical practices
The best type of EV charger for an independent medical practice is a Level 2 charger that has multiple payment options, like the Blink Series 8, which allows drivers to pay via Blink app, RFID, credit card swipe, and more. Depending on the vehicle, Level 2 chargers can fully charge a battery in four to eight hours, making them ideal for places where guests may be parked vehicles parked for an hour or more. Plug-in hybrids and fully-electric vehicles can easily charge at a Level 2, meaning that patients with older EVs can use the standardized J-1772 plug and electricity level to tap off their batteries using your charging stations. Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFCs) like the Blink Series 9, on the other hand, can charge a vehicle in under an hour, but they are more costly to install and are not compatible with all EVs. DCFCs are mostly installed for fleets or near highways.
Getting started with installing EV charging infrastructure
The first step to having EV charging infrastructure installed is to choose an installation partner. After that, your business will need to undergo a site assessment to ascertain if you have enough available electrical power to accommodate the chargers you want to install. Blink walks you through the process of selecting a station location, hiring a contractor, and searching for funding options. Ready to get started? Contact Blink Charging today and get started with your EV infrastructure installation.
EV charging for Provista members
Is your medical office or clinic a member of Provista? Blink Charging is now an approved supplier with Vizient and Provista members! Now acute and non-acute healthcare organizations can access negotiated rates on Blink Level 2 and DC fast charging stations using the Vizient contract. Click here to learn more.