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3 quick thoughts why EV Charging should be part of your business plan

  • August 21, 2023
Trudi Duncan - Founder GYRO-EV

Welcome to the future, where electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming the way we commute and think about our transport footprint. As business owners, we have a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of this revolutionary shift. There is a lot of hesitancy among drivers and businesses about transitioning to the use of EVs until EV Charging facilities are "widespread". But I call bull... it's kind of chicken and egg thinking. Businesses can benefit from being leaders in this space and here is why:

  1. The Power of Sustainable Solutions: EV charging stations have emerged as a key component of any forward-thinking sustainability plan. Transitioning to electric transportation reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves air quality, and mitigates the impacts of climate change. By embracing EV charging, you become a vital catalyst for a greener future. Why is this important for your business? Business as we know it is shifting, more customer and partner interactions require a detailed explanation on what you business ethics, values and operational actions are with regards to sustainability both in an environmental sense and a community sense. Current projections suggest that New Zealand is unlikely to meet the international target of reducing our 2030 net emissions by 50% (below 2005 levels). That suggests that businesses are likely to either be "incentivised" by government bodies to partake in greater sustainable initiatives, or possibly more likely, to be "disincentivised" via some greater form of "polluters tax or fee" for those who cannot demonstrate a plan to reduce emissions. 

  2. Driving Business Success and Environmental Stewardship: Investing in EV charging infrastructure is not only good for the environment but also a smart business move. By providing charging solutions, you attract EV-driving customers, increase foot traffic, and create new revenue streams. Driving sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand and many businesses in high pedestrian zones could benefit from the ability to collect a return on investment at the same time as meeting their other initiatives. High foot traffic may not even be a driver. GYRO-EV is located in an industrial park in Feilding, where there is no foot traffic (well there aren't even any footpaths so that speaks for itself) and in the week post EV Charging facility installation we had been approached by several neighbouring businesses with regards to whether they could charge on our premises.

  3. Reducing Carbon Footprints, One Charge at a Time: There are numerous drivers for reducing your carbon footprint.

    • You will position the company as socially responsible and environmentally conscious, which resonates positively with customers, partners, and stakeholders.
    • Strategies such as energy conservation, waste reduction, and renewable energy adoption, businesses can save on operational costs. This can include lower energy bills, reduced waste disposal expenses, and potential tax incentives or rebates for implementing sustainable practices.
    • By showcasing efforts to reduce your footprint, you can attract eco-conscious customers who are more likely to support and engage with environmentally responsible brands you will be far better positioned to ensure swift compliance with future environmental regulations, avoiding penalties and legal complications and spiralling costs if you had to pivot quickly to resolve a potential issue.
    • You will open doors to collaborations with like-minded partners who share similar sustainability goals as this becomes your competitive advantage.
    • Highlighting sustainable practices will attract top talent, particularly among the younger workforce that places a high value on purpose-driven work. This is important in the context of New Zealand's ageing workforce and ensuring you attract the best skills for your roles. 

In this era of electrification, the demand for EV charging stations is skyrocketing. You have the power to drive change and create a sustainable future. New Zealand's business landscape where over 99% of businesses are defined as a Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) means New Zealand is well placed for rapid and "without red tape" uptake of EV Charging installations.