Mall parking lots are usually seen as cost centers, large spaces that earn little beyond parking fees. But with EV adoption climbing across India, these same spaces can become profit-generating assets. By integrating EV chargers, malls not only attract a new generation of visitors but also open doors to long-term partnerships with Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and brands looking for sustainable visibility. Let us break down how EV charging can reshape mall economics and what kind of charging setup works best for this environment.
The Untapped Potential of Mall Parking Spaces
Most malls today charge for parking, but the revenue is minimal compared to the footfall they generate. Think about it. Thousands of vehicles visit each day, yet the parking lot’s earning potential ends once the ticket is paid. Now picture this: every EV parked for an hour or two could be charging, earning you per-unit revenue, while increasing dwell time in the mall. EV owners tend to spend more time shopping while their cars charge. That means more time in stores, food courts, and entertainment zones. A win for both mall operators and tenants. It’s not just about sustainability optics anymore. It’s about turning parking bays into consistent revenue streams that scale with India’s EV growth curve.
The Business Model — Turning Parking into Power Profits
There are three clear ways malls can generate income from EV charging:
1. Pay-per-use model: Customers pay directly for charging, like fuel stations. The mall or CPO earns per kWh consumed.
2. Partnership model: Malls provide space; CPOs install and operate chargers. The revenue is shared, and the mall gets added footfall and ESG brownie points.
3. Brand-collaboration model: Premium EV brands sponsor chargers or zones, a growing trend as manufacturers look to boost visibility in high-traffic locations.
Here is the thing: malls do not need to manage everything themselves. Platforms like Relay by Plugzmart help connect, monitor, and manage chargers under a unified system, making it easier for CPOs to handle payments, uptime, and usage analytics remotely.
With the right setup, your parking lot transforms from a static space into an active business unit that earns 24/7.
Choosing the Right Chargers for Malls
Selecting the right charger mix is key to maximizing ROI. Malls typically serve both short-term visitors and longer-stay customers, which means a blend of AC and DC chargers works best.
Here is how it breaks down:
AC Chargers (Mini 3.3 kW / 7.4 kW / 22 kW): Ideal for visitors spending 2–4 hours. Affordable, easy to install, and suitable for basement or surface parking. Perfect for regular shoppers or employees.
DC Fast Chargers (30 kW to 320 kW range): Best for customers in a hurry, like those making short visits or cab drivers using the mall as a pit stop. Dual-gun models like Plugzmart’s 120 kW Dual or 180 kW Dual allow simultaneous fast charging for two vehicles, maximizing throughput and reducing wait times.
By offering both AC and DC options, malls can cater to every segment. From casual shoppers to commercial fleets, without over spending on infrastructure. Plus, with remote monitoring through Plugzmart’s CMS, managing uptime and payments becomes completely automated
Why EV-Ready Malls Attract Premium Tenants and Customers
Malls that invest in EV infrastructure position themselves as future-ready destinations. Premium brands want to associate with sustainability-driven spaces. Customers, especially EV owners, see it as a mark of convenience and modernity. There is also the ESG factor, developers and investors are increasingly valuing projects that align with clean energy goals. A mall with visible charging stations signals commitment to green mobility, helping attract higher-end tenants and eco-conscious shoppers alike. In short, EV-ready malls do not just charge cars. They charge perception, loyalty, and profitability.
Conclusion: Powering Profit and Purpose Together
EV charging is not just a sustainability checkbox for malls. It is a business opportunity hiding in plain sight. With the right chargers and smart management tools like Relay and Plugzmart’s CMS, malls can create reliable revenue streams while future-proofing their properties. If you manage or operate a mall, this is the time to turn your parking lot into a powered-up profit zone.
Connect with usFAQs
How can malls recover the investment cost of installing EV chargers?
Malls can recover costs through multiple revenue channels — direct pay-per-use charging, partnerships with CPOs, and brand collaborations. Over time, increased footfall and longer customer dwell times also contribute to higher retail sales, indirectly boosting ROI.
What type of EV chargers are most suitable for mall parking spaces?
A mix of AC chargers (3.3 kW – 22 kW) for long-duration shoppers and DC fast chargers (30 kW – 180 kW) for short-stay visitors or fleets is ideal. This hybrid setup ensures coverage for all customer types while optimizing energy use and space.
How does Plugzmart’s CMS or Relay platform help mall operators?
Plugzmart’s CMS and Relay platforms enable centralized monitoring, remote management, automated billing, and uptime tracking for all chargers. This allows malls to seamlessly integrate, operate, and scale their EV infrastructure without heavy manual involvement.
