The future of the automotive industry is electric, and it’s arriving faster than many expected.
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain market share across the U.S., dealerships must act quickly to stay competitive. With more manufacturers launching EV models and consumer demand growing, installing EV chargers for dealerships is no longer optional, it’s essential.
In this article, we explore the growing demand for EV chargers in car dealerships, the operational and financial benefits, and how your dealership can get started with a reliable EV charging station installation today.
The EV Surge: Why Dealerships Can’t Afford to Wait
Between federal tax credits, rising gas prices, and advancements in battery technology, more Americans are choosing electric. In fact, EV sales in the U.S. reached over 1.5 million in 2023 alone, and projections show continued rapid growth.
Automakers are responding accordingly:
- Ford has committed over $50 billion to EV production by 2026.
- GM plans to sell only zero-emission vehicles by 2035.
- Toyota, Hyundai, Volkswagen, and others have expanded their EV lineups significantly.
This shift puts pressure on dealerships to be ready, not just to sell EVs, but to support them on-site with EV chargers for dealerships and modern infrastructure.
Want to see how many EV charging stations already exist near you? Explore the U.S. Department of Energy’s EV Charging Station Locator to see how fast the landscape is evolving and why now is the time to act.
Why Your Dealership Needs EV Chargers
1. Power Your Electric Inventory
EVs on your lot need to be fully charged for test drives, vehicle delivery, and demo purposes. Customers expect a seamless experience, they don’t want to test drive a car with low battery or wait for it to charge. Having EV chargers for dealerships in place ensures your electric inventory is always ready.
2. Attract a New Type of Buyer
EV buyers are typically early adopters, tech-savvy, sustainability-minded, and well-informed. They research extensively before visiting a dealership, and if your location is equipped with EV charging solutions for dealerships, you’ll stand out as a forward-thinking brand they can trust.
3. Boost Fixed Operations Revenue
Installing EV charging stations for dealerships can bring more traffic to your service department. Many EV owners look for reliable locations to charge while taking care of maintenance or upgrades. Even those who didn’t purchase their car from you could become loyal service customers.
4. Meet OEM Requirements
Some automakers now require their authorized dealers to install certified EV charging stations as part of their brand standards. Not complying could jeopardize your status or limit the EV models you’re allowed to sell.
5. Future-Proof Your Dealership
This isn’t a passing phase, it’s a permanent shift. By installing EV chargers for car dealerships now, you position your business to handle increasing EV demand for the next decade and beyond.
What Type of EV Chargers Do Dealerships Need?
Level 2 Chargers
These are the most common chargers installed at dealerships. Level 2 EV chargers offer a great balance of speed and affordability, they can fully charge most EVs in 4–8 hours, perfect for overnight charging or regular day-to-day use. They’re ideal for EV charger installations for dealerships managing moderate traffic.
DC Fast Chargers
For high-volume dealerships or those running a busy EV test drive program, DC fast chargers can recharge EVs up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes. These are ideal for rapid turnaround between test drives or vehicle deliveries at electric vehicle-ready dealerships.
Installation Process: What Dealerships Can Expect
Installing EV chargers for dealerships may seem complex, but with the right partner, the process is smooth, efficient, and scalable. At National EV, we manage the entire installation from start to finish, so you can focus on running your business.
Here’s what the typical installation process looks like:
1. Site Evaluation
We begin with a full assessment of your location, including parking layout, electrical capacity, and customer flow. This helps determine the best placement for EV chargers in your dealership and whether upgrades are needed.
2. Hardware Selection
Based on your dealership size, EV inventory, and usage goals, we help you select the right mix of Level 2 and DC Fast Chargers. We’ll also recommend smart charging options for load balancing and data reporting, optimizing your EV charger investment.
3. Permitting and Compliance
We handle all necessary local permits and utility coordination, ensuring your installation complies with city, state, and federal EV infrastructure requirements for dealerships.
4. Professional Installation
Our certified technicians install and test the chargers to ensure safety, performance, and compatibility with your vehicles and site needs.
5. Training and Support
Once installed, we provide training for your sales and service teams so they can use and explain the chargers with confidence. We also offer ongoing maintenance packages to keep everything running smoothly.
Whether you’re installing one charger or building out a complete EV charging station for dealerships, National EV handles it all with turnkey professionalism.
Real-World ROI: How EV Chargers Pay Off for Dealerships
One of the most common questions we hear is: “Will EV chargers really pay off for my dealership?” The answer is yes, and often in multiple ways.
Increased Service Revenue
Offering EV charging at dealerships helps attract a wider range of service customers, including those who didn’t buy their car from your lot. Many EV owners look for trusted places to top off their battery while taking care of maintenance. This creates upsell opportunities for tire rotations, alignment, brake checks, and more.
Improved Inventory Turnover
With reliable EV charging infrastructure for dealerships, your EV inventory is always ready for test drives and deliveries, no delays, no excuses. A seamless test drive experience makes a stronger impression and leads to faster closes.
OEM Incentives and Certification
Some automakers provide financial incentives or preferential EV inventory allocation to dealerships with certified EV infrastructure. Installing chargers could qualify you for more in-demand EV models, giving you a competitive edge.
Rebates and Incentives
Today’s consumers want to support environmentally responsible businesses. By being among the first in your area to offer EV chargers at your dealership, you build a stronger, more modern brand that draws positive attention and builds trust with a new generation of buyers.
Brand Positioning
Today’s consumers want to support environmentally responsible businesses. By being among the first in your area to offer EV charging for customers, you build a stronger, more modern brand that draws positive attention and builds trust with a new generation of buyers.
Ready to Electrify Your Dealership?
The electric future is here, and it’s already changing the way consumers shop for cars. By installing EV chargers for dealerships now, your business sends a clear message: you’re ready for what’s next.
Let National EV help you take the next step.
Contact us today for a free site evaluation and customized EV charging solution for your dealership.
