So, You’ve Installed EV Chargers...Now What?

Make your EV charging signage unmissable, and EV drivers (and likely a few curious gas drivers) will be drawn in to see what it’s all about.

Here’s How to Get EV Drivers Lining Up to Plug In!

As the head of marketing for one of the biggest EV charging providers out there, I get asked all the time: “How do I get more people to use our EV chargers?” 

Let’s be real—whether you’re offering free charging as a perk or planning to make some serious revenue, those chargers aren’t doing much good if they’re just sitting there. So, let’s dive into the fun stuff and explore the best ways to get EV drivers rolling up, plugging in, and turning your stations into the hottest spot in town!

First Off, Congratulations!

By adding EV charging stations to your parking lot—whether it’s at a hotel, apartment complex, office, restaurant, grocery store, mall, municipality, or convenience store—you’re officially part of the forward-thinking, green-energy movement. It likely took a lot of research, planning, and maybe even some serious grant-writing to get here, but now there’s one more step: making sure those chargers get noticed and, more importantly, get used. It’s time to get creative, get bold, and make them an undeniable attraction. 

Here’s your guide to turning your chargers from “just there” to “must-stop here.”

1. On-Site Signage That Shouts, “Charge Here!”

Make your chargers impossible to miss! Use bold, attention-grabbing signage to guide drivers seamlessly from the entrance of your lot straight to the charging stations, ensuring they can plug in effortlessly.

You’ve got those sleek chargers installed—now make them impossible to miss! Bold, eye-catching signs should lead drivers from the entrance of your lot straight to the charging spots, where they can juice up with ease. 

You’d be surprised how many parking lots skip this simple step! Go for bright colors, big fonts, and maybe even a fun message like, “Fuel your car, fuel your day.” Make it unmissable, and trust me, EV drivers (and probably a few curious gas drivers) will be pulling in to see what it’s all about.

2. Make Your Chargers Shine Online.

Let’s make your chargers standout on the internet! Start by updating your Google My Business profile to feature “EV Charging” as a top amenity. Add keywords like “charging station nearby” in the description, and upload eye-catching photos of your chargers in action. EV drivers will see your spot and think, “That’s where I’m charging!” And if you have other perks EV drivers love—like spotless bathrooms, healthy snacks, or a car wash—highlight those too.

3. List Your Stations on EV Apps.

Get your chargers on all major EV apps: PlugShare, ChargePoint, EVgo, EV Connect—you name it! 

List your EV chargers as an amenity everywhere your business is featured—make it easy for drivers to find and choose you!

These platforms are where drivers actively look for places to charge, so make sure your stations are front and center. Add enticing descriptions, showcase nearby perks, and keep your info updated. And don’t forget: encourage reviews! A five-star rating from a fellow EV driver is gold.

Take it a step further by listing EV charging as an amenity on all sites where your business is featured. If you’re a hotel, make sure your charging options are on Booking.com, Expedia, and other booking sites. 

The same goes for restaurants, apartments, and more. Wherever people look for amenities relative to your business, make sure EV charging is on the list!

“Unlike the classic “if you build it, they will come” scenario, simply installing EV chargers doesn’t guarantee drivers will flock to them. But the good news? There are plenty of ways to make sure your chargers get noticed!”

— Margaret-Ann Leavitt, CMO at NCC

4. Social Media: Time for Your Chargers’ Close-Up!

Announce your new chargers with style on social media! Post photos, videos, and stories about why your charging stations are the place to plug in. Got a stunning view? Show it off. An amazing coffee shop next door? Tag them! Create a catchy hashtag like #ChargeAndChill and even launch a contest to get people sharing. Social media is your megaphone—use it to make those chargers the star of the show!

But don’t just tell them what you’ve installed—tell them why. Are the chargers part of your commitment to reducing your carbon footprint? Or is it personal, like a desire for cleaner air for your family and future generations? Whatever your motivation, share it! You’re not just putting up chargers—you’re sharing your brand’s purpose and passion for a cleaner future.

5. Kick Things Off with Sweet Incentives.

Partner with local businesses for joint promotions like, "Charge here, save 10% next door!" Collaboration drives traffic!

Want to create an instant buzz around your new chargers? Offer first-time users something extra!

• Happy Hour Charging Discounts: Offer discounted or free charging during slow hours, like mid-morning or mid-afternoon. It’s a win-win, as EV drivers grab a charge and maybe a coffee, browse your store, or do some work while they wait.

• Discount on Their Next Purchase: Give EV drivers a discount on their next visit to keep them coming back.

• Monthly Giveaways for Frequent Chargers: Host monthly giveaways for loyal chargers. Each session could be an entry to win a prize, building a community of regulars.

Make it clear: the more they charge, the more they get, and watch as your chargers become a favorite stop!

6. Host a Launch Event & Make it a Party!

Turn your EV charger launch into a community celebration! Throw a ribbon-cutting or launch event and invite everyone to join the green revolution. Offer demos so people can see the chargers in action, hand out snacks, and throw in exclusive perks for attendees. Invite local EV clubs and partner with nearby businesses to create a true community moment. 

Don’t forget to spread the word—post on social media, send out a press release, and personally invite local media.

7. Team Up with Local Businesses & EV Groups.

Collaboration is key! Partner with nearby businesses to offer joint promotions for drivers who plug in at your station. Imagine: “Charge up here, get 10% off your coffee next door!” 

Celebrate your new EV chargers with a launch party and/or community celebration!

You could also team up with local EV clubs for a “Charge and Chat” event or partner with a dealership to host an EV test drive event. 

By teaming up, you’re not just supporting EV drivers—you’re strengthening community ties and making your chargers an energy-filled hub.

8. Highlight Your Green Mission—& Mean It!

You’re driving a cleaner future, so let your chargers tell that story authentically! Share your green goals across social media, newsletters, and your website. Add eco-friendly signage near your chargers showcasing your dedication with impact stats, like CO₂ emissions saved. When customers charge at your business, they’re choosing a place that genuinely cares about the planet. Show the community why protecting our planet matters—together, you’re powering a movement!

9. SEO & Blog Magic: Help EV Drivers Find You Everywhere.

At National Car Charging, we’re big believers in using content to spread the word about EV charging. You can (and should) do the same! Create a blog post or landing page on your website to spotlight your EV initiatives. Use SEO-friendly keywords like “EV charging near me,” “electric vehicle (or car) charging,” and “green business” among others to help drivers find you. 

If you have perks EV drivers love when they’re charging—like spotless bathrooms, healthy snacks, or a car wash—highlight those too.

10. Deliver a Top-Notch Experience, Every Time.

First impressions are everything! Make sure your chargers are in perfect working order, the area is well-lit (safety first!), and the setup is a breeze to navigate. Keep the area spotless, well-maintained, and easy to use. Clear signage, maybe a few comfy seats, and a welcoming vibe will ensure EV drivers think of your chargers every time they need to recharge.

Plus, it will spark conversations (and reviews) within the EV community, prompting drivers to share their experiences on EV apps, social media, and in EV forums and chat groups.

Two Final Quick Tips.

• Bring in the Pros.
  If marketing isn’t your jam, bring in the pros. Hire a freelancer or tap into your organization’s marketing team. And if you’re working with us National Car Charging, we’re here to help brainstorm and to help promote your charging project!

• Keep Your Pricing Competitive - this is a BIG one!
  If you’re generating revenue from your stations, keep your pricing competitive. Price gouging is a deal-breaker for EV drivers. They’re savvy and well-connected, and if your rates aren’t fair, they’ll let others know. Keep your pricing reasonable to attract a loyal base that keeps coming back.

Unlike the classic “if you build it, they will come” scenario, simply installing EV chargers doesn’t guarantee drivers will flock to them. But the good news? There are plenty of ways to make sure your chargers get noticed!

These 10 strategies are a powerful way to kick things off. Promoting your chargers doesn’t have to be complex—it just takes a bit of hustle, a spark of creativity, and plenty of personality to turn them into a can’t-miss destination for EV drivers!

Need a marketing cheat sheet? Download one here! Just click the links below.

• Marketing Ideas - Driving Demand: Marketing to increase traffic to Your EV charging stations.

• Digital Marketing - Driving Demand: Maximize the online visibility of your EV charging stations.

About Margaret-Ann Leavitt.

Margaret-Ann is the driving force behind marketing and communications for National Car Charging and Aloha Charge, blending passion with a proven track record of success. With experience at top brands like Mattel, FCB Global, and Disney, she’s a dynamic leader known for her strategic vision and ability to fuel growth. Margaret-Ann spearheaded national campaigns that delivered double-digit growth at Home Instead Senior Care, pushing the company past the billion-dollar mark, and she’s been instrumental in building the brand foundation for Silvernest, a 500 Startups Global alum. A long-time sustainability advocate and EV enthusiast, Margaret-Ann is deeply committed to making a positive impact both professionally and personally. She holds a B.A. in Economics from Colgate University and an M.F.A. in Film Production from the University of Miami. Outside of work, she serves as the board chair of GALS Denver, Colorado’s only all-girls public school, and is a founding member of Denver’s Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk. Originally from the East Coast, she now calls Denver home, where she lives with her family and proudly drives fossil fuel-free.

About National Car Charging.

National Car Charging(NCC) and its subsidiary Aloha Charge strive to make the transition to electric vehicles easy by offering the most reliable EV charging products and services at reasonable prices. Born in Colorado in 2011, today NCC is the nation's most experienced independent and one of the largest EV charging resellers, installers and O&M providers nationwide managing 11,000+ ports across 48 states, 1,100 clients and dozens of business channels. More information about NCC is available on NCC’s About page.