Why Grocery Stores Are Plugging In: The Business Case for EV Charging

june7668
6 days ago
2 min read

As electric vehicles (EVs) move from early adoption to mainstream reality, grocery stores are emerging as one of the most strategic locations for charging infrastructure. The logic is simple but powerful: shoppers already spend 30–60 minutes in-store — the perfect amount of time for a charge.

Forward-thinking retailers are discovering that EV charging isn’t just an environmental initiative. It’s a high-ROI business investment that drives traffic, boosts customer loyalty, and turns parking lots into profit centers.

The ROI is Real

Integrating EV chargers can transform a grocery store’s parking lot from a passive asset into an active revenue driver.

$50–$75 in incremental in-store sales per charging session
61% of EV owners are more likely to shop where chargers are available
12% higher average spend among customers who charge while they shop

Retailers benefit twice: first through direct charging income, and again through higher basket sizes and longer dwell times. The simple act of electrifying a few parking spaces creates measurable increases in both foot traffic and revenue velocity.

Federal Incentives Sweeten the Deal but the Clock is Ticking

The timing to invest couldn’t be better. Under the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit, businesses installing EV chargers can claim up to 30% of project costs as a federal tax credit — but this incentive is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2026.

When layered with potential state, utility, or make-ready incentives, many installations achieve paybacks within three to five years — well within a typical commercial lease cycle.

Grocery Shopping Time = Charging Session Time

A standard grocery trip lasts about as long as it takes to meaningfully charge an EV.

This natural overlap makes supermarkets one of the most convenient and contextually relevant charging environments. Level 2 chargers can top off most vehicles during a single shopping session, while Level 3 DC fast chargers can deliver a full charge in roughly the same timeframe.

That means EV drivers can leave the store with both a full cart and a full battery — and that’s convenience customers remember.

Brand Visibility and Digital Discovery

Every EV charger becomes a digital beacon.

Chargers are automatically listed on Google Maps, Apple Maps, and PlugShare — platforms that EV drivers use to plan routes and choose destinations. That means your store gains visibility to an entirely new audience, often before they even start their car. Charging availability can be the deciding factor between your store and a competitor down the street.

The Next Frontier of Convenience

As EV adoption accelerates, charging access will become as expected as free Wi-Fi or mobile checkout.

For grocery stores, it’s not just about keeping up — it’s about leading. Offering charging demonstrates innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric thinking. It shows shoppers that your brand understands how they live, travel, and spend.

Electrifying your parking lot today positions your store for tomorrow’s customer expectations.

Plug Into the Opportunity

EnergiSpot partners with retailers to design and deploy scalable, revenue-ready EV charging solutions. From concept to commissioning, we help grocers capture new revenue streams, optimize charger utilization, and ensure every installation aligns with brand and business goals.