Bassem Ammouri of EV Connect: The EV Charging Revolution

The EV revolution is creating unprecedented opportunities for businesses across all sectors. From hotels to shopping centres, forward-thinking companies are discovering that EV charging infrastructure delivers multiple benefits: enhanced customer loyalty, new revenue streams, and future-proofed operations.

Bassem Ammouri, the Chief Operating Officer at EV Connect, shares insight. He brings extensive experience in EV infrastructure to guide businesses through the transformation. Under his leadership, EV Connect has become a leading provider of turnkey charging solutions, helping companies navigate deployment complexities while maximising their return on investment.

The company's success in partnering with major brands like Marriott demonstrates the growing demand for comprehensive charging management platforms that combine user-friendly interfaces with robust operational control.

"EVs have redefined refuelling, transforming everyday parking spaces at restaurants, shopping malls, banks and even national parks into destination charging spaces," says Bassem.

The trend drives businesses to reimagine their parking facilities as strategic assets that generate value while meeting evolving customer needs.

The shift is particularly notable in the hospitality sector, where EV charging has rapidly evolved from a premium feature to an essential service. "Travel booking sites, in fact, now highlight EV charging facilities next to the icons for pools, restaurants and all other desirable property features," says Bassem, highlighting how crucial this infrastructure has become for attracting guests.

Essential infrastructure

The trajectory of EV charging facilities mirrors that of other once-novel amenities that have become standard expectations. Bassem states, "Over time, however, charging will become as ubiquitous and must-have as customer washrooms and Wi-Fi have become for coffee shops."

The evolution suggests that businesses without charging facilities risk falling behind their competitors.

A case in point is the Marriott Hotel & Convention Center in Texas, which recently upgraded its charging infrastructure to meet growing demand. With 300 rooms and extensive convention facilities, the property recognised that reliable charging services were essential for maintaining its competitive edge.

The revenue opportunity

Beyond customer service, EV charging stations represent significant revenue potential. "EV charging stations present revenue opportunities that go beyond what's on sale in the store," explains Bassem. The charging process naturally extends customer dwell time, increasing the likelihood of additional purchases.

Friendly Chevrolet's EVHQ Charge Park exemplifies the potential, having transformed charging into a premium service complete with attendants and amenities. The results have been impressive, with monthly charging revenue increasing by 55% to exceed US$59,000.

Building community connections

The impact of charging infrastructure extends beyond immediate business benefits. "Beyond being an explicit convenience for hotel guests, making on-property charging stations available to the public extends the reach of such amenities broadly into the surrounding community," Bassem notes. It is particularly valuable in areas with limited charging options, where businesses can position themselves as essential community resources.

As the EV landscape evolves, businesses must ensure that their charging infrastructure remains relevant and adaptable. "In industry jargon, open-standard technology and interoperability allow businesses to future-proof their networks," Bassem explains.

He adds, "In less technical terms, the best EV charging hardware and software will work with the widest possible selection of other charging hardware and software, with other charging networks and things like charging apps."

Government support and infrastructure

Government initiatives are playing a crucial role in accelerating charging infrastructure deployment. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program from the US Department of Transportation exemplifies this support. "As such, an extensive network of NEVI-compliant solution partners and service providers, including EV Connect, can deliver comprehensive, industry-leading EV charging for state-level transportation initiatives without forcing project management teams to research, learn and evaluate the entire universe of solutions on the market at any given time," notes Bassem.

The scale of opportunity

The scale of the opportunity is substantial. "In the coming years, with the number of EVs on US roads expected to reach 78.5 million by 2035, more than 8 million public charging ports will be necessary to support charging demand," Bassem explains.

With only approximately 200,000 public charging ports available, it represents a forty-fold growth opportunity over the next decade.

For businesses considering investment in charging infrastructure, the message is clear. As Bassem concludes, "The time for businesses to stake their claim in the EV charging landscape is now—those who move decisively will be best positioned to capture the full potential of the transformative shift in transportation."

The rapid evolution of EV charging from a novel amenity to a critical infrastructure component presents businesses with a unique opportunity. Those who act now to develop comprehensive charging solutions will not only meet current demand but position themselves advantageously for the electric future that lies ahead.

Stay informed and inspired with the EV Magazine community by signing up for our free weekly newsletter. Each week, receive in your inbox the latest industry news and in-depth insights into the world of electric vehicles, sustainability and cutting-edge innovations

Subscribe now, don’t miss the opportunity to stay ahead in the fast-evolving EV industry.

EV Magazine is a BizClik brand.