Alabama’s EV Charging Surge Is Powering Profits for Local Businesses—Here’s How It’s Transforming Tourism and the Local Economy
Alabama’s expanding electric vehicle charging network is supercharging local business growth and boosting tourism in 2025. Discover the impact.
- 4.1 million EVs now on U.S. roads (2024), up from 2 million in 2022
- Businesses near EV chargers see steady increases in customer traffic and spending
- Alabama’s beaches attract millions of visitors every year
- EG America operates over 1,500 retail locations nationwide
Imagine rolling into Alabama’s sparkling Gulf Coast with a quiet, zero-emission electric vehicle. Tourists are no longer eyeing their battery meters nervously—instead, the state’s rapidly growing public charging infrastructure welcomes them with open arms. The ripple effects are impossible to ignore: businesses near EV chargers are witnessing a surge in customer foot traffic, with shoppers eager to grab meals, souvenirs, and essentials as they wait for their vehicles to power up.
This EV charging boom is more than a convenience—it’s shifting the economic currents for small towns and beach communities across Alabama.
Why Are EV Chargers a Goldmine for Local Businesses?
Research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology lays it out clearly: businesses within a mile of EV charging stations see a measurable uptick in both customer visits and spending. While waiting for a charge, EV drivers transform into active customers—grabbing coffee, shopping, and exploring local attractions, pushing more dollars into local and state economies.
Industry leaders estimate every dollar an EV owner spends while charging multiplies through the community, from retail shops to restaurants and entertainment venues. As American EV adoption surges, these dollars add up fast—especially in destination hotspots like Alabama’s Orange Beach.
How Is Alabama Keeping Up With the Growing EV Trend?
The EV wave is undeniable. According to Experian Automotive, over 4.1 million electric vehicles now cruise U.S. streets—more than double the number seen in 2022. Alabama’s leaders have taken note, accelerating the rollout of public charging stations statewide to keep pace.
Their motivation is clear: the beaches and natural beauty of Alabama draw millions of travelers annually. In 2025, with electric vehicles becoming a highway staple, offering high-speed charging isn’t just a perk—it’s essential for attracting and retaining valuable tourism dollars. Without adequate public chargers, some vacationers might simply skip towns that can’t meet their charging needs.
Q&A: What Does the EV Surge Mean for Tourism?
Q: Will tourists really change travel plans based on EV charging?
A: Absolutely. EV drivers want destinations where charging is stress-free and convenient. Communities with abundant charging stations are seen as forward-thinking and welcoming—qualities that convince travelers to stop, stay, and spend.
Q: Who is building out the charging network in Alabama?
A: Key players like the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), Drive Electric Alabama, and retail giants such as EG America are leading the charge. EG America, a subsidiary of the international EG Group, operates over 1,500 retail locations under names like Cumberland Farms and Tom Thumb, making them prime partners in boosting charger access statewide.
How Can Local Stores Benefit From the EV Economy?
– Install or partner for a public EV charging station: Increase foot traffic by hosting chargers at your location.
– Promote EV-friendly perks: Offer incentives or discounts for EV drivers.
– Collaborate with tourism boards: Help put your town on the map as an EV-travel hotspot.
Is your Alabama business on the EV charging map yet? Now’s the time to seize the momentum and ride the electric wave as travelers hit the roads in record numbers.
Ready to power up Alabama’s future? Plug into the EV movement with these actionable next steps:
Alabama EV Charging Checklist for Business Owners
- Assess your location’s potential for installing a public EV charger
- Connect with state programs like ADECA and Drive Electric Alabama
- Market your business as EV-friendly—promote it on travel and charging apps
- Train staff to welcome and serve EV travelers
- Monitor customer trends and track revenue from EV-attracted traffic
Drive business, boost tourism, and electrify Alabama’s local economies—one charger at a time.
