EV charging is the next profit centre for car dealers
Olga Haygood: The shift to electric isn’t just about what you sell, but how you stay relevant.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to account for more than a quarter of all global car sales in 2025. For dealers selling these cars, that means more than just a change in inventory on the lot; it represents a fundamental shift in their business model.
From the showroom to the service bay, EVs are changing the once-predictable lifecycle of a vehicle: sell a new car, service it annually, trade it up in five to seven years, repeat.
While EVs are likely to disrupt that cadence – primarily by reducing the frequency of traditional service visits – they also create new revenue opportunities, from EV-specific repairs to public charging. For forward-looking dealers, these new offerings create an opportunity to become a trusted advisor and a go-to resource for EV drivers in their community.
The (short) history of EV charging at dealerships
When EV chargers were introduced at car dealerships, it was largely because automakers required dealers to install a certain number of Level 2 or DC fast chargers if they wanted access to new EV inventory.
For many car sellers, this was a checkbox requirement to enter the EV market. But as EV sales have grown and more drivers go electric for the first time, on-site charging has become a real strategic advantage.
The dealerships leaning in are better equipped to attract today’s car buyers, deliver a great ownership experience and stay relevant in a shifting market.
While many dealerships have yet to introduce charging...
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