⚡ EV Charging Playbook

Monetizing the transition along Oregon's I-5 Corridor. Provider matrix, business models, and incentive guide.

Executive Summary

The Opportunity

For shopping centers along the I-5 corridor (Portland, Salem, Eugene, Medford), EV charging is no longer just an amenity—it is a critical revenue driver. With NEVI funding targeting this route, property owners have a limited window to secure premier partnerships.

Key Insight

Drivers spend 20-30 minutes charging. Data shows 73% of these drivers shop while waiting, significantly increasing dwell time.

Strategic Recommendation

Tenant vs. Equipment

A common confusion is differentiating networks from equipment providers.

  • ChargePoint is a platform/hardware provider (Host usually pays).
  • Electrify America/EVgo are tenants (They pay rent).
View Matrix ↓

Provider Matrix

EA

Electrify America

Lease (Tenant) Turnkey

Pays 100% of design, installation, and ongoing maintenance. Best for high-traffic I-5 sites.

● Income: Rent / Access Fee
● Effort: Low (Tenant Model)
Inquire
EV

EVgo

Lease (Tenant) No Cost

Turnkey fast charging with no upfront cost. Partners include Simon, Kimco, and Whole Foods.

● Income: Rent / Rev Share
● Effort: Low
Inquire
TS

Tesla

Lease (Tenant) Supercharger

Host a Supercharger site. High brand draw. Tenant model available for qualified sites.

● Income: Land Lease
● Effort: Low
Inquire
CP

ChargePoint

Host Owned Platform

Host buys hardware and keeps revenue. ChargePoint provides the network software.

● Income: Keep Charging Fees
● Effort: High (Owner/Operator)
Inquire
BL

Blink

Hybrid Multiple Models

Offers flexible models: Host-owned, Blink-owned, or Hybrid revenue share.

● Income: Varies by Model
● Effort: Medium
Inquire
IO

IONNA

Lease (Tenant) New Build

Automaker-backed network focused on destination-style charging sites built around retail amenities.

● Site Concept: Premium with retail
● Effort: Low (Tenant Model)
Inquire
BP

bp pulse

Lease (Tenant) Turnkey

Hosts receive a competitive rental/hosting fee with installation and maintenance costs covered.

● Income: Fixed hosting fee
● Effort: Low
Inquire
MB

Mercedes-Benz HPC

Lease (Tenant) Premium

Premium branded network with retail partnerships (e.g., Starbucks) and corridor rollout strategy.

● Fit: High-end retail
● Effort: Low
Inquire
GR

Graviti Energy

Hybrid Rev Share

Two clear programs: purchase (host-owned) or $0 installed (operator-funded partnership with revenue share).

● Option 1: $0 Install + Rev Share
● Option 2: Buy + Keep Revenue
Inquire
CC

Coral Charge

Hybrid Off-Grid

Utility-free model using solar + storage to bypass interconnection queues and trenching delays.

● Speed: Rapid deployment
● Fit: Constrained power sites
Inquire
UE

Universal EV

Hybrid Menu Options

Three models: host-owned, Universal-owned (operator-owned), and hybrid shared revenue structures.

● Flexibility: High
● Fit: Risk/Return choice
Inquire
EC

EV Connect

Platform 24/7 Support

Open charging management platform for retail; host controls pricing and promotions.

● Feature: Load balancing
● Ops: Monitoring + Support
Inquire
RE

Resound Energy

Installer L3 Specialists

Turnkey installation partner for commercial/retail, specializing in DC fast charging projects.

● Cost: ~$50k-$80k / unit
● Funding: Grant support
Inquire
FL

FLO

Host Owned Hardware

Primarily hardware and network solutions. Best for owners who want asset ownership and long-term control.

● Model: Hardware sales
● Control: High
Inquire

Business Models

Comparison Matrix

Feature ChargePoint Electrify America EVgo Blink (Hybrid)
Turnkey Install No Yes Yes Varies
Host Pays CapEx Yes No No Varies
Maintenance Included Optional Plan Yes Yes Varies
Revenue to Host 100% Charging Fixed Rent Rent or Share Shared
Control Pricing Yes No No Yes

Negotiation Checklist