By Jerry Soverinsky

Staying ahead of EV trends has proven elusive for many retailers, and it’s little wonder why. A decade ago, just over 100,000 electric vehicles were sold worldwide each year. Last year, that number had surged more than 50-fold, with 10% of global car sales electric, a four-fold jump from just two years prior.

You know this, of course, as you scan the roadways each day and see lanes swelling with Teslas, Rivians and even Ford F-150s. NACS Magazine’s forecast from just a few years ago was one of cautious investment (“staying ahead of a potential shift in fuel type consumption could provide long term benefits”); however, that tepid prescription has taken on a more critical urgency today. The question is not whether EVs will happen or what their impact could be. It’s whether you’re prepared for a fuel transition that’s growing exponentially with a momentum that promises to sideline those who...well...remain on the sidelines.

With that in mind, we reached out to Blink Charging to determine the business opportunities associated with EV charging, and the available options should a retailer decide to join the EV (r)evolution and implement chargers at their station.

“Applying for funds from your state’s NEVI allocation can be complex,” said Brendan Jones, president of Blink Charging. “To maximize a station’s share of proceeds, we encourage owners to work with their charging representative. Most should be deeply involved with each state’s planning committee and understand their application process.”

Learn about these opportunities and options in NACS Magazine’s interview with Jones and Blink Charging in the September issue.

Jerry Soverinsky is a Chicago-based freelance writer and NACS Magazine contributing writer.