Emerging Business Opportunities in EV Charging Infrastructure
Turning the EV Charging Shortfall Into Long-Term Revenue Streams
In our last post, Why Now is the Time to Invest in Transportation Electrification, we explored why the EV market’s momentum creates a rare moment for action. Here, we zoom in on one of the clearest plays , EV charging infrastructure , and the growing gap between the number of electric vehicles on the road and the charging network needed to support them.
The Infrastructure Gap is Real , and Growing
In 2024, U.S. drivers purchased 1.3 million EVs, bringing the total number of registered light-duty EVs to roughly 4.8 million. Public charging infrastructure stood at about 210,000 ports at the start of 2025. That’s an average of 23 EVs per public port, nearly double the optimal ratio of 8–12 EVs per charger recommended by industry studies.
In EV-forward states like California, the gap is even wider at 29 EVs per charger, and with annual EV sales still growing, new ports aren’t coming online fast enough to close the gap. That imbalance is an opportunity.
Cumulative EV Sales with annual sales projections through 2028
Sector-by-Sector Opportunities for Investors
Fleet service providers
Fleet electrification is accelerating across delivery, logistics, and rideshare. The business case for dedicated fleet charging hubs is strong: lower fueling costs, predictable energy pricing, and less downtime.
High-ROI Model: Charging-as-a-Service , Fleet operators avoid large capital outlays by paying a monthly fee for hardware, software, and ongoing maintenance. Providers secure long-term contracts, recurring revenue, and an embedded relationship with the fleet’s operations.
Investor takeaway: Securing sites and contracts now locks in stable cash flow tied to the fleet transition already underway.
Utilities
Yes, more EVs mean more electricity sold, but the real win is in beneficial load growth. Managed charging and demand response programs let utilities accommodate rising load without major new generation or distribution investments. This preserves capital, protects margins, and positions the utility as a central player in the mobility ecosystem.
High-ROI Model: Public–Private Partnerships , Utilities collaborate with municipalities or private operators to fund and manage charging infrastructure, earning on both electricity sales and grid services.
Investor takeaway: Utilities that invest early in managed charging can grow revenue without overbuilding infrastructure, a long-term profit multiplier.
Property Owners & Managers
For commercial, retail, and multi-unit residential properties, EV charging is quickly becoming a standard amenity. Early movers gain three advantages: higher asset value, increased lease rates, and customer loyalty. Longer dwell times often mean higher on-site spending.
High-ROI Model: Real Estate Monetization , Combine energy sales, parking fees, and sustainability incentives into a multi-channel revenue stream. Layer in white-label network partnerships and services for recurring revenue.
Investor takeaway: Installing charging now captures incentives and locks in competitive positioning before the market saturates.
Capital is the Catalyst
With federal funds tightening, private capital is stepping in to bridge the gap. Infrastructure funds, ESG-driven investors, and green banks are deploying capital into projects blending grants, private equity, and performance-based contracts. Revenue potential extends beyond energy sales to software licensing, field services, and hardware upgrades.
The Window is Open , But Not Forever
To meet balanced demand, the U.S. will need two to three times more charging ports than exist today. Those who move first will control the best sites, customer relationships, and recurring revenue streams , leaving latecomers to pay for access.
History repeats: the towns with the train station, the companies that secured prime cell tower sites, and the first gas stations all enjoyed decades of competitive advantage. EV charging infrastructure is the modern equivalent.
Coming Next: Incentives You Might Be Missing
In our next post, we’ll explore non-federal EVSE funding and incentives , including utility rebates, state programs, commercial leasing options, and green finance tools , that can cut upfront costs and speed deployment.
Work With StrategEV
StrategEV helps organizations uncover practical opportunities in EV charging infrastructure, develop investment strategies, and execute deployment plans that make sense for your goals, timelines, and budgets.
If you'd like to explore what's possible for your business, fleet, or property, reach out today to schedule a consultation.