As summer road trips surge and more drivers hit the highways in electric vehicles (EVs), clear, strategic signage at EV charging stations becomes critical. For businesses, municipalities and property owners offering EV charging stations, the summer travel rush is an opportunity to attract new visitors and support a growing clean energy movement. But this is only possible if people can find your chargers. Here are some ideas to help you upgrade your EV charging signage strategy to handle the summer rush and stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Prioritize Visibility from a Distance
Summer travelers often rely on visual cues while driving, especially when navigating in an unfamiliar area. That means signage should be placed at key entry points, not just near the charging station itself. Use high contrast colors, bold fonts and universally recognized EV icons to help drivers spot stations quickly from the road or highway exit.
Tip: Incorporate reflective or illuminated signs for enhanced visibility during storms or at night.
Include Wayfinding to Guide Drivers
A common frustration among EV drivers is finding a listed charger but not the exact parking space that it is in. Once your signs get them to the premises, wayfinding signage should be set up to help drivers get to the exact right spot. By guiding drivers from the main road to a charger using arrows, distance markers, and directional cues, you will save them time and stress.
Tip: Use phrases like “EV Charging: Turn Left” or “EV Chargers Ahead 200 ft.” to eliminate confusion.
Clarify Charging Rules and Restrictions
Do not leave drivers guessing. Your signage should clearly communicate hours of operations, maximum parking time, or payment methods. This transparency improves customer experience and reduces parking disputes.
Tip: Use phrases like “EV Charging Only”, “2 Hour Limit”, “Guest Only” or “Enforced 24/7” to clarify any rules that your charging station may have.
Brand Your Charging Stations for Added Value
Charging time is waiting time, which means it is an opportunity to promote your business. Branded signage that includes your logo or QR codes for your services can turn your charging station into a chance to advertise your business. This is a prime promotion space, especially during the summer travel months.
Tip: Use QR codes that link to summer menus, coupons or tourist spots to encourage engagement while drivers wait.
Remember to Make Signs Seasonal and Scalable
Your EV signage strategy should be seasonally flexible. For example, consider adding temporary sandwich boards or banners during high traffic months to catch more attention. These can supplement your permanent signage for a bigger impact in the summer without breaking the bank.
Smart Signage Drives EV Traffic
The demand for electric vehicles is on the rise, and summer is when EV drivers are most likely to hit the road and explore. By optimizing your EV charging signage for visibility, clarity and branding, you can turn your chargers into a customer experience during the busiest travel time of the year.
Need help upgrading your EV charging signage? Our team at Bartush Signs specializes in high impact, high quality signage solutions that will help you get noticed. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you power up your visibility this season.
