According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global EV Outlook 2023, EV sales in the US increased by 55% in 2022, and analysts predict a 35% year-on-year increase by the end of 2023. With millions of electric vehicles on the road now and in the future, commercial parking facilities must be prepared for the needs of this rapidly expanding vehicle segment. EV charging stations add value to your facility and are essential for the next generation of vehicles. Here’s what parking owners and managers should know about charging at leased, valet, and public parking.
Leased Parking for Commercial Offices and Multifamily
Commercial and multifamily tenants are increasingly looking for smart charging stations. The most popular place to charge an EV has always been at home, followed by the workplace. Commercial tenants now want charging stations as an employee amenity or recruiting tool. Multifamily tenants and homeowner’s associations are looking to charging stations as an amenity that will attract new residents. Now, many building owners are asking their parking management companies to install EV charging stations to better respond to tenant demand and compete with other nearby commercial buildings. For parking operators, EV charging stations in parking garages and parking lots are essential for lease renewals and contract renewals. EV charging stations are even being added to new building codes!
Valet Parking
Some parking companies have already added valet services as a value-add at airports, hospitality, and retail properties. For EV drivers already paying for valet services, electric vehicle charging is the next requirement. Some valet service providers may wish to charge drivers for energy. Others, such as airport valets, may prefer to offer charging as an add-on. A traveler can drop their Tesla off on Monday at the airport valet, knowing that their vehicle will have a full charge when they return on Friday. The valet service can schedule a valet driver to shuffle vehicles around as the vehicle completes charging, maximizing charging turnover and valet revenues.
Public and Municipal Parking
Unlike leased or valet parking, public parking will more likely need to win EV drivers from other parking facilities. In this situation, drivers might pay a facility entrance fee or a fee at a parking meter. Parking managers have the choice to offer free electricity or use the charging station’s payment system. Some parking operators even choose to use the Blink Charging Network as a metered parking unit, rather than requiring payment at both a parking meter and charging station! An interactive LED light easily shows if a vehicle is charging, and the network puts your parking facility on the map. For EV drivers looking for a place to charge, the ability to view your stations online is reason enough to choose your parking facility.
Blink EV Charging Solutions for Parking
Whether you’re looking for public, private, or valet charging solutions, Blink Charging has the right commercial charging stations for your unique needs. Our Level 2 and DC fast charging stations connect to the Blink Network, a robust cloud-based portal that gives you more visibility into your charging program. And for parking companies that require flexibility, we offer four business models to make it easier to expand your charging program. For parking operators looking for new ways to set themselves apart and attract new customers, networked EV charging stations are the best solution. Ready to get started with EV charging at your parking facility? Click here to learn more about the Blink Charging EV charging solutions for your parking facility.