There are three types of charging stations that are generally categorized based on their respective charging speeds. Therefore, determining your retail store needs based on the charging speeds of your customer will often help you identify the type of charging station to install. 

• The level 1 charging station has a charging speed of between 3 to 5 miles per hour and a voltage requirement of 120 volts. This type is the cheapest charging station and the slowest.
• The level 2 charging station has a charging speed of between 10 to 54 miles per hour with a voltage requirement of 240 volts. This type is more expensive than the level 1 charging station, but it is also faster. Level 2 charging station is the most common type for retail stores. 
• The level 3 charging station has a charging speed of between 75 to 300 miles per hour with a voltage requirement of 480 volts. It is the most expensive to install and the fastest of the three charging station types. 

Sales for both retail and hospitality outlets are primarily dependent on the number of paying customers attracted to such businesses. However, the number of customers that a retail store or hospitality center can attract is a function of the benefits those customers get from these businesses. Installing an EV charging station attracts customers with EVs as they find it convenient to shop and charge their EVs simultaneously. Also, an EV station serves as an incentive. It helps to retain your best employee who is responsible for high sales. A charging station is also another income stream as you can charge customers a fee for charging their EVs.

Collecting a fee for using an EV charging station is quite a profitable venture, even though the initial cost can be substantial. Aside from the initial installation cost, the direct costs you will need to worry about are the charging station maintenance cost and the electricity tariff. Fortunately, maintaining an EV charging station is not expensive except in the case of a breakdown that needs a major repair or part replacement. Also, the electricity tariff can be controlled using applications to monitor the use and billing of electricity by EV drivers. Hence, customers pay for precisely what they use. 

The government in certain localities, especially in major cities, has put incentives to encourage the use of Electric vehicles. These incentives are geared at reducing the carbon emission in these communities and increasing cleaner air. The US government, for instance, offers a federal tax credit system called the Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit that offsets up to 30% or $30,000 of the total cost of installing a charging station. Also, 45 of the 50 states in the US offer incentives under the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) program to reduce the cost of installing EV charging stations. Sometimes, these incentives can cover up to $5,000 and $70,000 for level 2 and level 3 charging stations, respectively. 

Generally, EV chargers require minimal maintenance if you follow the guidelines given in the accompanying user manual for the safe and effective use of the charger. Except in rare occasions where a part might need replacement which may require a substantial cost. Nevertheless, the manufacturing materials for EV chargers are very durable. They can often withstand weather elements like rain and the sun.