Attract More Customers: How Public EV Charging Stations Drive Foot Traffic to Local Indianapolis Businesses

Feel like you've been seeing more electric vehicles driving around Indianapolis? You have, EVs are quickly becoming a normal sight, and as EV adoption continues to grow, so does the need for convenient and reliable public charging stations.

For local businesses, restaurants, retail stores, hotels, grocery stores, entertainment venues, and community spaces, installing commercial EV chargers is no longer just about sustainability. It’s about increasing customer traffic and staying competitive.

If your business attracts customers who spend time on-site, offering EV charging can directly influence where people choose to shop, eat, stay, and spend their time.

Why EV Charging Stations Drive Foot Traffic

1. EV Drivers Plan Their Stops Around Charging Availability

Unlike gas stations, EV charging is often done where a driver plans to stay for a while—such as a restaurant or shopping center.

Many EV owners use apps to locate charging stations, including:

• PlugShare
• ChargeHub
• ChargePoint
• Electrify America
• Google Maps EV filters

If your business appears in these listings, you instantly become a destination.

2. Charge Time = Dwell Time

The time customers spend charging their vehicle often turns into the time they spend at your business.

Typical stay times:

When customers stay longer, they spend more.
In retail studies, even a 10-minute increase in dwell time can significantly increase average cart size.

3. EV Chargers Improve Customer Loyalty

Drivers who find reliable charging tend to return to the same location again and again—especially:

• Commuters
• Apartment residents
• Employees who work nearby
• Travelers staying at hotels

Providing a repeatable, predictable charging experience builds long-term loyalty.

4. EV Drivers Are an Attractive Customer Segment

Statistically, EV owners tend to:

• Have higher disposable income
• Spend more per visit at retail and dining locations
• Be tech-savvy and experience-driven

That makes EV drivers a desirable traffic source for businesses.

Types of Indianapolis Businesses That Benefit Most

Restaurants & Coffee Shops

Charging time aligns perfectly with meal duration or quick breaks.

Hotels

EV charging has quickly become a deciding factor for hotel bookings.
Travelers actively search for hotels with chargers before choosing where to stay.

Shopping Centers & Retail Plazas

Level 2 chargers encourage browsing and increase dwell time.
Level 3 chargers attract travelers who may stop specifically because fast charging is available.

Gyms, Medical Offices, and Wellness Centers

Appointments last long enough to make charging convenient and stress-free.

Workplaces and Office Buildings

Offering employee charging boosts recruitment and retention while supporting sustainability goals.

How EV Charging Enhances Your Brand

Today’s customers care about sustainability. Adding EV charging can:

• Improve customer perception
• Strengthen your environmental brand identity
• Help meet corporate sustainability goals
• Support LEED certification credits

Even simple signage like “EV Charging Available Here” can be a differentiator.

Using Charging Stations as a Revenue Stream

Many businesses install chargers not just to attract traffic, but also to generate charging revenue. Payment structures include:

• Pay-per-kWh
• Pay-per-hour
• Membership or loyalty discounts
• Validation for customers only

Some businesses even offer free charging with purchase to encourage spending.

Available Incentives in Indianapolis

There are rebates, tax credits, and utility incentives that can help cover installation costs.
Depending on the property type, businesses may qualify for:

• Federal EV charger tax credits
• Utility service incentives
• Indiana commercial energy grants

These programs can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs—and, in some cases, nearly cover installation costs.

Public EV charging stations are more than convenient amenities; they’re powerful customer-acquisition tools. They attract new visitors, keep them longer, and build ongoing loyalty while improving your business’s reputation in the community.

If you're an Indianapolis business owner exploring EV charger installation, we can help you evaluate site layout, charging needs, power requirements, and available incentives.

Remember…Installing EV charging stations can:

• Increase foot traffic
• Encourage longer stays
• Boost spending
• Improve customer loyalty
• Strengthen your brand

If your business serves customers who stay on-site for more than a few minutes, EV charging isn’t just a perk anymore - it’s a competitive advantage.

Ready to explore commercial EV charger installation in Indianapolis?
We can walk you through requirements, incentives, and equipment options tailored to your business. Contact us today!