How to monetise your EV charger for your business

As the world continues to embrace electric vehicles (EVs), more and more businesses are looking to install EV chargers to attract environmentally conscious customers. If you're a restaurant owner interested in installing an EV charger, you're on the right track to not only attract new customers but also generate some additional revenue. In this post, I'll guide you through the best ways to install and monetise an EV charger for your restaurant, with a touch of fun!

1. Installing an EV Charger The first step in installing an EV charger is to choose the right charger and installation location. Depending on your budget, you can choose between a Level 2 charger or a DC fast charger. A Level 2 charger can fully charge an EV in 4-8 hours, while a DC fast charger can do so in 30-45 minutes. Keep in mind that DC fast chargers are more expensive to install and require a higher voltage, so you'll need to check if your electrical infrastructure can handle it.

Next, you'll need to choose the right location for your charger. Ideally, it should be visible from the road and easily accessible for customers. You can choose to install it in your parking lot or even on the street if you have permission from your local council. Finally, you'll need to hire a licensed electrician to install the charger and ensure it's up to code.

1. Monetising an EV Charger Once you have your EV charger installed, you'll want to start monetising it to generate some additional revenue. Here are some ways you can do that:

• Charge a fee: You can charge customers a fee to use your EV charger. In Australia, the average cost for a Level 2 charger is around $1.50-$2.50 per hour, while a DC fast charger can cost $0.40-$0.70 per kWh.

• Offer free charging with a purchase: You can offer free charging to customers who make a purchase at your restaurant. This will encourage them to spend more time at your establishment and potentially order more food and drinks.

• Partner with a charging network: You can partner with an EV charging network like Chargefox or EVie to offer your customers access to a larger network of chargers. This will also allow you to generate revenue from the charging fees paid by non-customers who use your charger.

1. EV Charging Trends in Australia Before you install your EV charger, it's worth noting some trends in the Australian EV market:

• EV sales are growing: In 2021, EV sales in Australia increased by 165% compared to the previous year, with over 22,000 EVs sold.

• More charging infrastructure is needed: As EV sales continue to grow, the need for more charging infrastructure will increase. By installing an EV charger at your restaurant, you'll be helping to address this need and attract more EV drivers.

• Public charging is becoming more common: In addition to home charging, more and more EV drivers are relying on public charging infrastructure. By offering an EV charger at your restaurant, you'll be tapping into this growing market and potentially attracting new customers.

In conclusion, installing an EV charger at your restaurant can not only help you attract environmentally conscious customers but also generate additional revenue. By choosing the right charger and installation location, and implementing a monetisation strategy, you can make the most of this opportunity. With EV sales on the rise in Australia and public charging infrastructure becoming more common, there's never been a better time to invest in an EV charger for your restaurant.