Are EV Charging Stations Worth It for Your Property? Here’s What You’re Really Worried About (And How to Fix It)
Let’s be real. You know EV adoption is skyrocketing. You’ve heard the pitch, EV chargers attract tenants, increase property value, and future-proof your real estate investment. But deep down, you still have concerns. Is it really worth the hassle? The cost? The unknowns?
You're not alone. Commercial property owners across industries: office, retail, multifamily, and hospitality, are all asking the same questions. And today, we’re going to tackle them head-on.
If you’re thinking about installing EV charging stations but haven’t pulled the trigger yet, here’s what’s probably keeping you up at night and exactly how to solve it.
1. “EV Chargers Are Too Expensive—Will I Actually See ROI?”
The Worry: Installing EV charging stations sounds expensive. Between equipment, electrical work, and potential upgrades, you might be wondering, “Is this just another sunk cost?”
The Solution: Let’s talk numbers.
Properties with EV chargers see up to a 5% increase in value. That’s a direct boost to your asset.
Tenants expect charging stations. If your property doesn’t offer them, they’ll go somewhere that does.
Grants, tax credits, and rebates can offset much of the cost. Programs like Oregon’s Community Charging Rebates Program are pouring millions into commercial EV charging.
How to Take Action:
Don’t pay out of pocket if you don’t have to. Explore local, state, and federal incentives—many properties end up covering most, if not all, of their installation costs through these programs.
Think long-term. Just like high-speed internet, EV charging is shifting from a luxury to a necessity. Investing now means locking in long-term value before competitors catch up.
2. “Who’s Going to Maintain These Chargers? I Don’t Have Time for That.”
The Worry: Property owners don’t want to deal with another operational headache. If chargers break, does that mean you’re stuck handling repairs?
The Solution: You don’t have to manage anything yourself. The right EV charging provider (Charli Charging) will offer:
Full-service maintenance—so you’re not responsible for repairs.
24/7 monitoring to detect issues before they become a problem.
Revenue-sharing models where the provider (us) handles everything, and you still profit.
How to Take Action:
Choose a provider (Charli Charging) that offers turnkey solutions—from installation to maintenance. If they don’t handle support, walk away. While you’re here take a look at what our turnkey solutions look like for some of our clients.
Look for remote monitoring features to ensure chargers stay operational without your involvement.
Charli Charging EV Charger Station
3. “Will My Building’s Electrical System Even Support This?”
The Worry: “What if my property can’t handle EV chargers? Will I have to pay for a costly electrical upgrade?”
The Solution: Most properties won’t need a major electrical overhaul. Smart load management systems distribute power efficiently, ensuring that chargers don’t overload your grid.
How to Take Action:
Get an electrical assessment. A professional (we have partnerships with electricians) can tell you what upgrades (if any) are needed and how to optimize energy use.
Leverage load management technology to maximize efficiency without unnecessary infrastructure costs.
4. “Will There Even Be Enough Demand for EV Charging?”
The Worry: You don’t want to invest in chargers that won’t get used. Will EV drivers actually show up?
The Solution: EV adoption is skyrocketing. Here’s why you won’t regret installing chargers:
45% of new car sales are expected to be electric by 2030. That’s not a maybe—it’s a certainty.
Tenants and customers are already looking for charging options. Many properties are losing business simply because they don’t offer it.
Commercial fleets are electrifying. Businesses leasing office space will need access to charging for company vehicles.
How to Take Action:
Start small and scale up. Install a few chargers first, monitor usage, and expand as demand increases.
Think long-term. In a few years, EV charging will be as expected as WiFi. The earlier you invest, the bigger the competitive advantage.
5. “What About Legal, Compliance, and Liability Risks?”
The Worry: Commercial property owners need to ensure they’re compliant with regulations and not opening themselves up to liability issues.
The Solution:
ADA Compliance: Newer EV charging stations are designed to be ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for all drivers.
Legal Protections: Most property owners pass liability onto the charging provider, reducing legal risk.
Building Codes: Many states already have or are developing requirements for EV infrastructure in new developments—future-proofing now avoids costly retrofits later.
How to Take Action:
Work with a provider who understands compliance (that’s us). They should be able to guide you through permitting and ensure your stations meet all legal requirements.
Review your insurance policy to confirm coverage for EV charging infrastructure.
The Bottom Line: The Time to Act is Now
EV charging isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about getting ahead. If your competitors install chargers first, they’ll lock in high-value tenants, attract new business, and future-proof their properties while you’re left playing catch-up.
The good news? Charli Charging makes it easy. If you haven’t noticed by now, we handle everything—installation, maintenance, compliance, and even helping you secure incentives to reduce costs.
Ready to take the next step? Let’s talk. Schedule a free consultation today and see how simple it is to get EV-ready.
