EV Charging for Commercial Properties: Trends, Incentives, and ROI

Introduction

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a trend—they're a transportation revolution. In 2025, businesses of all sizes are realizing that offering EV charging isn’t just a perk, it’s a smart infrastructure investment. From attracting tenants and customers to unlocking tax credits and preparing for fleet electrification, EV charging is quickly becoming a standard feature of modern commercial properties.

Why EV Charging Belongs at Your Property

There are several reasons commercial buildings are installing EV chargers today:

• Rapid growth in EV ownership among employees, customers, and fleet operators

• Local and state building codes requiring charging readiness in new construction

• Federal and utility funding covering 50–100% of install costs

• Tenant and customer expectations for green infrastructure

• Competitive differentiation for office parks, hotels, retail centers, and warehouses

Adding EV charging future-proofs your site and adds tangible property value.

Types of Commercial EV Chargers

Choosing the right charger depends on your goals, usage, and budget:

• Level 2 Chargers (240V): Most common for commercial use. Adds 10–30 miles of range per hour. Great for workplace, retail, and hotel settings.

• DC Fast Chargers (480V+): Adds 100+ miles of range in 20–40 minutes. Ideal for highway-adjacent locations, logistics centers, and fleet depots.

• Networked Smart Chargers: Allow for load management, user tracking, payment processing, and demand response integration.

Surge helps you match charging infrastructure to your specific property needs.

Key Incentives and Tax Credits in 2025

Several programs make installing EV charging more affordable than ever:

• 30% Federal Tax Credit (up to $100,000 per charger) via the IRA

• Bonus credits for projects in low-income or energy community census tracts

• Utility “make-ready” programs that cover trenching and panel upgrades

• State grants and rebates from departments of transportation and energy

• Accelerated depreciation and green loan programs for businesses

Surge helps clients layer these incentives for maximum impact and minimal out-of-pocket cost.

ROI and Revenue Opportunities

EV charging can generate revenue and offset costs:

• User fees through apps or charging networks (e.g., ChargePoint, EVgo, AmpUp)

• Increased dwell time at retail sites (drivers shop while they charge)

• Higher lease rates or property values in EV-friendly buildings

• Utility credits for managed charging or demand response participation

• Improved employee satisfaction and ESG metrics

For many sites, payback is 2–5 years depending on charger type and funding sources.

Planning for Fleet Electrification

Many commercial properties are now home to electric delivery vans, service trucks, or shuttle buses. Planning for fleet charging means:

• Upgrading transformer and service capacity

• Installing multiple Level 2 or DCFC units with load balancing

• Coordinating charging schedules to avoid demand charges

• Integrating solar + storage for renewable charging

Fleet electrification is no longer just a goal—it’s an evolving requirement in logistics, transit, and facilities management.

How Surge Designs and Deploys EV Charging Solutions

We don’t just install chargers—we deliver future-ready infrastructure. Surge offers:

• Site assessments and utility coordination

• Hardware selection from Tier-1 networked charging providers

• Turnkey installation, permitting, and inspections

• Access to all applicable grants and tax credits

• Integration with solar, battery storage, and smart energy systems

Whether you’re preparing for tenant EV adoption or electrifying your fleet, we make it seamless.

TL;DR Summary

• EV charging is becoming essential infrastructure for commercial properties

• Federal and state incentives make 2025 the most affordable time to install

• Surge delivers customized, turnkey EV charging systems that increase property value and future-proof your operations