Electric Vehicles (EVs) are only growing in popularity. With the President of the United States announcing recently that 50% of new cars will be all-electric or plug-in hybrids by 2030, it is time to start planning for a major shift in the auto market.
Consumers are starting to take note of these changes in the car industry, and their habits are expected to dramatically change over the next few years. A recent study by Consumer Reports came out and stated that 71% of American drivers are interested in an EV for their next car. This means that many in-person businesses with parking lots, including wineries, need to cater to this rapidly growing market of high-quality consumers.
Who is the Average Electric Vehicle (EV) Owner?
According to public EV vehicle registration records and demographics, the average EV owner is more affluent and wealthier than the average gas-powered car owner. When it comes to EV owners in the United States, roughly 65 percent are over 40, over 70 percent are college educated, and almost 70 percent make more than a $75,000 annual salary.
Wineries should take note of this group of high-quality individuals, and it is worth their effort and investment to bring in more affluent groups to spend money at their places of business and keep their customers happy.
What is "Range Anxiety" in the EV World?
Charge anxiety is a term used in the EV-community to describe the experience all-electric vehicle drivers share when they find themselves running low on range and in serious need of a charge. With electric vehicles only averaging 200-300 miles on a full charge, EV drivers have to plan their lives around how and when they can plug in to get to their next destination.
Think of the feeling gas-powered car drivers experience when you see your fuel gauge hovering near "E" on a trip. Your next immediate thought is: "Where the heck is the closest gas station? Will I make it?" Imagine how EV driers feel when many businesses and parking lots do not offer EV charging, and unlike gas stations, there often isn't a charging staton for miles.
However, wineries can change this narrative by not only exciting this group of affluent customers by offering them charging, but giving them a reason to stay and explore (and more likely than not, spend money.
Bottom Line: Wineries need to invest in EV Chargers now
When it comes down to it, electric vehicles are here to stay for the long haul. By 2030, it is expected that half of new cars on the road (or more) will be plug-in hybrids or all-electric.
Businesses like wineries that host events where guests stay for multiple hours should be looking to invest now into EV charging infrastructure in order to meet the demands of their clients. This effort on their part will ensure that they are satisfying their expectations upon arrival to their lot.
Are you a winery owner or food & beverage representative looking to increase foot traffic at your place of business? Schedule a free consultation with our TurnOnGreen sales team to learn about our special rates for those in the wine industry.