As a property owner considering the installation of electric vehicle (EV) chargers, it’s tempting to focus solely on the equipment and incentives. But success in EV charging—particularly for maximizing utilization and generating long-term value—depends heavily on your understanding of the competitive landscape. What chargers are nearby? Who’s using them? What makes your property stand out?

By assessing what already exists in your area and focusing on driver experience, you’ll be in a much stronger position to make decisions that attract consistent traffic, strengthen tenant satisfaction, and ultimately enhance your site’s value.

1. Know the Chargers: Equipment, Speed, and Compatibility

Not all EV chargers are created equal. Understanding what types of chargers are available at nearby locations is the first step to setting your site apart.

  • Level 2 vs. DC Fast Chargers: Level 2 chargers are common at workplaces, shopping centers, and multi-family housing. They offer charging over several hours. DC Fast Chargers, on the other hand, can charge most EVs up to 80% in 20–40 minutes and are ideal for highway-adjacent properties or destinations where drivers stop briefly.
  • Connector Types: Most EVs in North America use the J1772 connector for Level 2 charging and CCS (Combined Charging System) for DC fast charging. However, Tesla vehicles use a proprietary connector but can also use CCS with an adapter. Recently, many automakers have announced moves toward NACS (North American Charging Standard), Tesla’s connector, which will likely become dominant.

Evaluate nearby stations: Are they CCS only? Do they serve Tesla users natively? Your choice of hardware should reflect what’s missing or underserved in your area. Offering broader compatibility increases your site's attractiveness.

2. Location, Location, Location: Be Where Drivers Need You

Proximity to traffic patterns is critical. Take a close look at where your competitors are in relation to:

  • Major highways or commuting corridors: Chargers near exits or on commuter routes serve people on the go and benefit from high visibility.
  • Urban centers or transit nodes: These areas support dense populations of EV owners with repeat charging needs.
  • Underserved neighborhoods: Some areas have few chargers despite high EV adoption—this is a growth opportunity.

Tools like PlugShare or ChargeHub can help you map out nearby charging locations and spot geographical or amenity-based gaps in the network.

Also assess ease of access: A charger that's hard to find, stuck behind a gate, or buried in the back of a lot will underperform even if technically well-placed.

3. What Else Is On Site? Compete on Amenities

EV drivers don’t just want to plug in—they want to use their time wisely. That’s why the best-performing charging sites are not just well-located, but well-supported.

Look at what your competitors offer:

  • Food and beverage options: Is there a coffee shop, fast food, or full restaurant nearby?
  • Retail or services: Is there a drugstore, dry cleaner, or grocery store where people can run errands while they charge?
  • Restrooms, Wi-Fi, or workspace: Are there comfortable areas for people to wait, especially during longer charges?

If you own or are near these types of businesses, your property has a natural competitive advantage. If not, consider simple additions like benches, vending machines, or partnerships with nearby merchants.

4. The Driver Experience Is Everything

Ultimately, chargers that get used are those that make the experience seamless. That includes:

  • Clear signage and wayfinding so drivers can locate chargers quickly.
  • Good lighting and safety features, especially for nighttime charging.
  • Reliable uptime — working chargers matter more than fancy ones.
  • Payment and app compatibility — ensure that drivers can start a session easily using common apps or tap-to-pay.

If your site delivers a consistently better experience than competitors, word will spread fast among EV drivers. High ratings and good reviews will boost your visibility on driver apps and increase repeat visits.

5. Make the Case: Why Your Property is Best Aligned for EV Charging

As you plan your installation, think through—and be ready to communicate—what makes your property ideal:

  • Are you in a location that sees significant through-traffic or destination visitors?
  • Do you offer amenities that turn charging time into productive or enjoyable time?
  • Can your site scale easily as demand grows?

Use this understanding not only to guide installation, but also to market your site to network operators, EV charging platforms, and even drivers themselves.

Final Thoughts

The path to EV charging success isn’t just about putting hardware in the ground—it’s about knowing what drivers want, where they go, and how your property fits into that journey. With a strategic understanding of nearby competition and a focus on enhancing driver experience, you’ll position your site for long-term utilization and relevance in the growing EV economy.