As electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerates, especially in urban centers, the pressure is mounting to expand public charging infrastructure to meet the needs of drivers without access to home charging. For property owners in cities, this challenge presents a timely opportunity: building EV charging stations isn’t just about serving today’s EV drivers—it’s about attracting tomorrow’s tenants and customers, boosting foot traffic, and adding long-term value to your site.

Urban EV Drivers Need Public Charging

A large portion of EV owners in urban areas live in multi‑unit dwellings—condos, apartment buildings, or rentals—where installing a personal charger may not be feasible. Without reliable access to home charging, these drivers rely heavily on the public charging network. This shift is driving demand for conveniently located charging stations in urban neighborhoods, and commercial property owners are in a prime position to meet that need.

Whether your property is a retail center, mixed‑use building, parking structure, or office complex, integrating EV charging can create an essential service for the growing base of EV drivers in your area. These users are actively seeking charging options—and they’ll choose properties that meet their mobility and lifestyle needs.

Match Charging Speed to Dwell Time

One of the most important planning decisions when adding EV infrastructure is aligning charger type to the typical dwell time of your site visitors. If your location sees short stops—think grocery stores, fast casual restaurants, or convenience retailers—DC fast chargers (DCFC) are ideal. These chargers can deliver 80% of a full charge in 20–40 minutes, matching well with the time customers spend on‑site.

For locations with longer dwell times—like gyms, cinemas, office buildings, or residential complexes—Level 2 chargers may be a better fit. While slower (typically 4–10 hours for a full charge), Level 2 chargers are less expensive to install and well‑suited to users who will be parked for an extended period.

In many urban properties, especially those with mixed‑use tenants or a variety of customer behaviors, a hybrid approach makes the most sense. Offering both DCFC and Level 2 chargers allows you to accommodate a range of charging needs while maximizing the utility of your investment.

A Tool for Customer Acquisition

EV drivers aren’t just seeking a charge—they’re making decisions about where to shop, eat, and work based on the availability of charging. By offering EV charging, your property becomes more appealing not only to current customers but to a whole new group of potential patrons. This is especially valuable in competitive urban retail and commercial markets, where differentiation is key.

Installing EV charging infrastructure also increases the attractiveness of your site to current and future tenants. Businesses are looking for sustainability‑aligned properties to meet their ESG goals, while residents increasingly expect EV readiness as a standard amenity. EV charging can help your property stand out, justify higher lease rates, and improve tenant retention.

Let Utilization Drive Decision‑Making

Before jumping into installation, it’s critical to understand how your site fits into the broader EV charging ecosystem. Are there other chargers nearby? What type are they? How busy are they? Understanding current utilization rates and local EV adoption trends can help you determine whether your property fills a market gap or simply adds to a crowded field.

Utilization data is also the key to right‑sizing your installation. Too few chargers and you risk frustrating drivers and losing potential customers. Too many, and you’re carrying unnecessary capital and operating costs. With access to the right data—whether from public sources or through consultation with an EV infrastructure partner—you can plan for both today’s usage and tomorrow’s growth.

Consider Partnerships

If you’re concerned about the capital investment required to build and maintain charging infrastructure, partnering with a charge point operator (CPO) may be a smart alternative. These companies often fund, install, and operate charging stations in exchange for access to your site. It’s a lower‑risk way to bring charging to your property and tap into the customer acquisition and retention benefits without owning the infrastructure outright.

However, even if you work with a CPO, it pays to come to the table with a clear understanding of your site’s strengths and how charging aligns with your business goals. The most attractive properties to CPOs are those with high visibility, accessible parking, and strong amenity offerings that match EV drivers’ needs.

The Bottom Line

Urban EV charging isn’t just a response to a growing need—it’s a strategic business opportunity. As more EV drivers hit the road without the convenience of home charging, your property can become an essential stop in their daily routine. By thoughtfully planning charger types, analyzing market demand, and considering customer behavior, you can create a charging site that enhances your property's value, strengthens tenant appeal, and positions you at the forefront of urban sustainability.

Whether you build it yourself or partner with a CPO, the time to act is now. EV charging is no longer a future feature—it’s today’s competitive edge.