EV Charger
Installation at Retail Sites

Level 2 Charging

On average, installing Level 2 commercial EV charging stations will cost anywhere from $3,500 to $15,000 per port. The price will depend on various factors such as the complexity of the installation, distance from the chargers to a power source or electric panel, and any other service or infrastructure upgrades required to support the charging stations.

DC Fast Charging

On average, installing DC fast chargers will cost anywhere from $18,000 to $350,000+ per port. The price will depend on various factors such as the complexity of the installation, features of the charging stations selected, their proximity to a power source or electric panel, and any other service or infrastructure upgrades required.

Visit the Qmerit blog to read more about commercial EV charging installation cost factors.

Level 2 Charging

Level 2 charging is ideal for retail settings like shopping centers where customers typically stay for 1-4 hours, providing 10-75 miles of range per hour—sufficient for topping off batteries during shopping or dining. Level 2 chargers are significantly cheaper to install and require less complex electrical infrastructure than DC fast chargers.

DC Fast Charging

DC fast charging is designed for high-speed charging in under an hour. DC fast chargers are often strategically deployed at retail locations near highways or for quick-turnover visitors, such as convenience store or gas station customers. They cater to long-distance travelers or high-mileage drivers needing rapid charging, adding up to 180-240 miles of range per hour, but their high installation and maintenance costs make them less prevalent.

Most retailers install a combination of Level 2 and DC fast charging stations, with a stronger emphasis on Level 2 chargers for cost-effectiveness and suitability for longer dwell times.

To learn more about the differences, check out our guide to levels of EV charging.

On average, installing Level 2 EV charging stations at a retail location will cost anywhere from $3,500 to $15,000 per port. The price will depend on various factors such as the complexity of the installation, distance from the chargers to a power source or electric panel, and any other service or infrastructure upgrades required to support the charging stations.

Visit the Qmerit blog to read more about commercial EV charging station cost factors.

On average, installing DC fast charging stations at a retail location will cost anywhere from $18,000 to $350,000+ per port. The price will depend on various factors such as the complexity of the installation, features of the charging stations selected, their proximity to a power source or electric panel, and any other service or infrastructure upgrades required.

Visit the Qmerit blog to read more about commercial EV charging installation cost factors.

Yes, various rebates and tax credits may be available to offset installation costs. These may include but are not limited to a 30% federal tax credit, additional state tax credits and utility rebates ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per each new EV charging port.

To learn more, check out our guide to EV charging rebates and incentives by state.

The 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit is a federal tax credit worth 30% of the cost of installing electric vehicle charging equipment (up to $100,000). It’s available for businesses and commercial property owners that install EV charging stations in qualified locations, with prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

Level 2 Charging

Hosting Level 2 EV charging stations at a shopping center can generate modest but steady revenue while attracting new and repeat customers. With Level 2 chargers, which add 10-75 miles of range per hour, property owners typically charge $0.20-$0.50 per kWh, earning approximately $1-$3 per charging session (assuming 2-4 hours of use at 6-7 kW).

Revenue depends on local demand and pricing strategies. For a shopping center with 4-8 chargers, each used 2-3 times daily, this could yield $1,500-$4,500 per month, based on 30% utilization.

Additional income may come from increased foot traffic, as recent data shows 80% of EV drivers shop while charging.

DC Fast Charging

DC fast charging stations offer higher revenue potential but come with greater upfront costs. At $0.30-$0.60 per kWh, a single session can earn $6-$30.

Again, revenue depends on local demand and pricing strategies. 2-4 daily sessions per charger can generate $3,600-$7,200 monthly for a set of 2-4 chargers at 30-50% utilization.

DC fast chargers attract high-mileage drivers and travelers, which can lead to increased dwell time and retail spending. Strategic placement near highways or high-traffic areas maximizes usage, making DC fast chargers a premium option for revenue-focused property owners.

Commercial EV charging station maintenance is crucial for reliability and cost-effectiveness, involving a mix of regular inspections, cleaning and professional maintenance checks. Preventive maintenance—including visual inspections, testing and firmware updates—helps minimize downtime and extend the lifespan of the equipment.

Qmerit provides comprehensive EVSE maintenance and warranty support packages, including proactive monitoring, rapid repairs by certified electricians, and data analytics to predict maintenance needs. Qmerit’s focus on preventive maintenance helps retailers avoid costly downtime, enhance charger reliability, and ensure customer satisfaction.

Visit the Qmerit blog to read more about maintenance of commercial EV charging stations.

EV owners are more likely to frequent businesses that offer reliable charging stations, and recent data shows that 80% of EV drivers shop while charging. Opportunities exist for retail businesses to differentiate themselves by providing convenient and reliable charging options for customers.