The electric vehicle market has boomed over the last few years, with more drivers and models hitting the roadways than ever before. But while battery-powered cars are becoming ever-more popular, the availability and accessibility of charging stations remains far behind the needs of most buyers. On this episode of Inside Automotive, host Jim Fitzpatrick is joined by Dave Ydstei, fixed operations director of Audi Minneapolis and Audi St. Paul, and Mike Battaglia, chief revenue officer for Blink Charging, to discuss a possible solution for alleviating this consumer paint point.
Ydstie notes that inadequate charging infrastructure is a major obstacle to electric vehicle adoption, and, like many dealers today, he has sought to overcome the issue by purchasing and installing stations at his storefronts. With the Audi franchise planning to shift to electricity-only in the coming years, he believes that these investments will prove vital for his customers and his business in the future.
Blink Charging is one of the top providers of electric vehicle charging solutions and has partnered with a number of auto brands and dealers, including Audi and Ydstie, to help prepare the nation’s energy infrastructure for the coming transition. Behind the company’s success, explains Battaglia, is its experienced staff of automotive insiders. “We understand the dealer’s operation, we understand that [charging] is a significant investment…we understand that logistically it’s important to know how they do business…” he remarks.
Read more: Choosing the right EV charging equipment for auto dealerships
This in-depth knowledge of the car business’s internal workings has allowed Blink Charging to develop a tailored approach for dealerships. Ydstie notes that the company’s step-by-step process helped his business overcome logistic challenges throughout installation. This guidance was especially important for ensuring his storefronts were prepared to offer electric vehicle charging. “There’s a lot of backend work…installing the chargers, I would say, is the easiest par; it was setting everything up so it all happened at once. Blink helped make that a seamless process for us,” he concludes.
Having a provider who can, in Ydstie’s words, “follow up and follow through” is essential for forward-thinking dealers. Blink Charging is one of the best partners for storeowners looking to become early supporters of the electric vehicle transition. Even after their installation is complete, the company’s technical assistance and 24/7 customer service will ensure retailers can keep their chargers up and running for the drivers of tomorrow.
