It’s one thing to install EV chargers. It’s another to install them in the right place, with the right features, and actually see strong, consistent usage.
The EV world talks a lot about availability—but for Charge Point Operators (CPOs), utilization is where the real game is played. And in today’s landscape, it’s not just about being visible in the real world, it must be visible digitally—on maps, in apps, and in the car.
So what separates an average charging location from a high-performing one? Let’s break it down—based on what we’ve learned from supporting one of Europe’s leading CPOs with in-depth EV driver research.
No surprise here—the single biggest factor is where your chargers are placed. High-performing sites are easily accessible, visible, and located near places people already go. Whether it’s a supermarket, highway rest stop, retail park, popular café or a busy workplace, convenience drives usage. If your chargers are tucked away in a hard-to-find or unwelcoming location, don’t expect high numbers.
However, going forward, not all chargers can be in such highly visible spots. So how can drivers find the chargers that are in less obvious places?
Not every charger can sit next to a main road or a shopping centre—but you can still boost visibility. Smart CPOs use in-app advertising, route planning integration, and even in-vehicle communication to make their locations stand out digitally.
Real-time updates, dynamic pricing, and clear availability status all help influence the driver's decision before they even leave the house. Thanks to our partnership with Cirrantic, we can provide real-time data services that boost visibility when it matters most—whether that’s in apps, vehicles, or planning tools. Together, we help ensure your charging locations aren’t just listed—they’re chosen.
To go further, strategic digital marketing campaigns—combined with smart SEA and SEO tactics—can make all the difference in helping drivers discover and choose your network. With our expertise at Nexxt Industry, we combine data and marketing to ensure your sites are both visible and visited.
Drivers don’t just want a plug—they want a place to stop, relax, and recharge themselves too. Locations that offer food, clean toilets, seating, or even a pleasant walking area consistently get better feedback and more repeat visits.
eccovia, for example, designs modular charging hubs with integrated restrooms, lounge areas, and generally a nice place to chill while you charge. It’s not just a station—it’s an experience.
A site can have the best real estate in town, but if the charger is offline or painfully slow, it’s game over. High-performing stations have:
It’s about trust. Drivers return to places where they know it just works.
The best stations are future-ready. That means, real-time status updates in apps, contactless or app-based payments, and integration with route planners. But new tech isn’t always automatically valued. Some drivers still prefer RFID cards.
That’s where research comes in—like the kind we do at Nexxt Industry. We help CPOs understand which innovations drivers actually care about and which are just expensive add-ons.
High-performing sites offer more than physical infrastructure—they’re supported by great software. Smooth digital experiences are now essential, from discovering stations to seamless payment.
Companies like i4B help CPOs improve these touchpoints with tailored digital platforms, ensuring drivers have a smooth journey from app to charger. When tech works in the background, the whole site performs better.
Visual clarity, ease of use, and a sense of trust make a big difference. In a space where many charging stations still feel generic, a strong visual identity can help you stand out and create a memorable experience for drivers.
The most successful CPOs think of their stations as brand touchpoints—not just utility spots. If you’re curious about how design impacts perception, check out our latest eMobility Marketing Podcast episode on graphic design for eMobility brands.
The highest-performing locations feel intentional—designed not just for any EV driver, but for the right type of driver at that moment in their journey. Is it a long-haul site with space for trucks? A neighborhood hub near family housing? A tourist-friendly stop with local info and EV bike rentals?
Milence, for example, strategically places its hubs along major freight corridors—making sure long-haul drivers have reliable places to stop, rest, and recharge without detouring off route.
Sites that match their audience outperform those that try to serve everyone.
High-performing EV charging locations don’t just happen. They’re built with purpose—combining smart data, good planning, and user-centered design. Whether you’re rolling out 10 chargers or 10,000, the best results come from thinking beyond hardware.
Want to know what your drivers want from your locations? Let’s find out.
Nexxt Industry’s research services give CPOs real insight into driver needs—so every upgrade, feature, and investment delivers results.
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