January 16, 2025
Find EV Installation Jobs as a Contractor Using Electrification Trends
6 Min. Read
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to revolutionize transportation, the demand for skilled contractors to install EV chargers is on the rise.
However, while expanding your skillset as an electrician to offer these services to your customers can help you capture this opportunity, build your business, and grow your revenue, knowing where to direct your efforts is crucial for your success.
Demand for EV chargers varies significantly across regions, communities, and even specific streets, but while the specifics of EV adoption and demand in your community can vary, understanding core principals in finding these jobs will help you in securing a steady stream of business.
In this article, we will explore practical strategies to identify and leverage the hotspots for EV charger installations in your area. By adopting the right approach, you can establish yourself as the go-to expert and capitalize on one of the fastest-growing markets in the industry.
Proximity to Public EV Chargers
With 64% of Americans living within two miles of an EV charging station, living or working next to a public EV charging location can significantly shape how people feel about EVs.
In fact, studies show that those individuals are statistically more likely to own an EV, consider an EV purchase, and generally feel confident about EV adoption. For EV installers, locating zip codes with good access to public charging can be a great starting point for finding worthwhile EV charging station installation jobs.
While a robust public charging infrastructure is indicative of EV adoption trends in the area, over 80% of EV drivers still prefer the option to charge at home due to the convenience and cost-savings, creating more opportunities for residential EV charger installations in these areas.
Historically, high-income areas have led the way in EV adoption due to the higher price tag associated with these vehicles. However, with recent price drops and an increase in available incentives, EVs are now more affordable than ever, with the average costing around $56,000. This shift opens up exciting opportunities for installers in middle and lower-income zip codes.
Funding and Training for EV Adoption
Government policies, along with evolving laws and new incentives, are now playing a crucial role in shaping EV adoption.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration is distributing $4.1 billion in funding over five years to the states throughout the country. The goal is to support the construction of a nationwide EV charging infrastructure.
While each state has its own strategy for utilizing its share of the funding, many are prioritizing rural and low-income communities. For example, New York’s EV-Make Ready program offers incentives to businesses for installing Level 2 or DC Fast chargers, with businesses in disadvantaged communities potentially receiving incentives that cover 100% of the installation costs.
States across the U.S. are adopting this approach to make EV charging more accessible. In the Detroit area, DTE is currently leveraging a mix of public and private funding to deploy over 270,000 chargers in homes, multifamily properties, and public spaces by 2028.
The electrification revolution is also creating new career opportunities in low-income areas thanks to vocational schools and workforce development programs offering EV charger installation training.
Due to the rising cost of higher education, a four-year degree isn’t an option for everyone, and these vocational programs are emerging as an alternative path toward a rewarding career. As a result, an increase in trained installers in these areas will support interest in EV adoption.
Multifamily, Commercial Real Estate, the Hospitality Industry, and Destination Businesses
Multifamily properties offer a valuable opportunity for EV installation jobs, as they increasingly invest in EV charging solutions. With over 40 million Americans renting, this market presents a strong potential for the EV charger installation business.
A possible downside to this market is that managed properties often have strict requirements regarding the vendors they can hire. For small local electrical contractors, providing proof of additional insurance and meeting other compliance requirements can take too much time and resources. You can address this challenge by joining a larger network of EV charger installers, ensuring you meet all necessary requirements.
Outside of the multifamily EV charging market, you can also explore local opportunities with commercial real estate customers. From office buildings to malls, there is a diverse market that is looking to offer EV charging options to their customers and employees.
If you live in a tourist area, the hospitality industry is another great option. Many hotels, restaurants, and car rental companies want to offer hospitality EV charging as an amenity.
Focusing on multifamily and commercial projects offers several advantages. For example, you will have the opportunity to take on larger electrification projects that generate a higher return on investment. Additionally, many of these properties are managed by organizations with multiple locations, potentially leading to further opportunities for work across their portfolio.
EV Charging Projects and Partnerships
Municipalities are also increasingly investing in EV charging infrastructure for their own fleets and public charging stations. By reaching out to your local government, you can uncover potential EV charger installation projects.
Additionally, you should consider partnering with your local utility company. Many utilities across the country are offering incentives to encourage customers to adopt electric vehicles, which can result in valuable referrals for your EV installation services.
For instance, Qmerit is currently working with Dominion Energy in Virginia. Income qualifying customers can access discounted or free charging equipment, along with a free assessment from a Qmerit installer who will then perform the work.
How to Secure EV Installation Jobs
These trends act as a starting point for identifying potential EV installation jobs. Once you have pinpointed areas with strong interest in EV charging, you can connect with your audience through organic content that addresses their specific questions. A combination of targeted ads and in-person interactions at industry events can be an effective way to do this.
Additionally, educating your audience is crucial. It is important to clearly communicate the benefits of electrification by highlighting advantages that are directly relevant to their unique situations.
Lastly, upskilling is essential. Before you can install EV chargers, it is important to establish yourself as a trusted and safe electrification partner by getting your Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program certification. You can go even further by gaining expertise in other energy transition technologies, equipping you to tackle larger projects and become a long-term partner in areas such as grid-scale upgrades, renewable integration, and more.
Access More EV Installation Jobs With Qmerit
From multifamily properties and commercial spaces to rural communities, the EV charging installation market presents exciting opportunities for electrical contractors. The key is to identify your target market, build the right partnerships, and invest in training.
Joining a larger electrification network can also help you access more opportunities.
As the largest network of certified EV charger installers in North America, Qmerit is North America’s electrification leader and is recommended by automakers, EV charger manufacturers, utilities, businesses, and homeowners alike.
Our network of certified electricians has installed more EV chargers and other electrification technologies in the last decade than anyone else in the industry—more than 450,000 EV charging station installations, 37,000 battery storage installations, 81,000 solar panel system integrations, and 86,000 electric panel upgrades in homes and businesses across the U.S. and Canada! We have the knowledge and experience to help electrical contractors grow their electrification business.
By joining our unique Certified Solutions Partner program, you can access comprehensive training on installing and servicing energy transition technologies, including access to the prestigious Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) and direct training and installation opportunities with our leading auto manufacturer and EVSE partners.
But we don’t just help you train your existing electricians — Qmerit is here to help you build your business every step of the way. Partner with Qmerit today to learn more about recruiting new electricians for your electrical contracting company and building your business for tomorrow!
