When businesses consider EV charging, one of the first questions is usually about speed.

How fast can vehicles charge?
Should we install rapid chargers?
Is faster always better?

It’s a natural place to start. But in practice, speed is rarely the factor that determines whether EV charging is successful.

More often, it comes down to something far simpler — and far more impactful:

Where the chargers are located.

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The Assumption: Faster Is Better

There’s a common perception that faster chargers automatically deliver a better experience. In certain environments, such as roadside hubs or high-turnover locations, that’s true.

But for most commercial sites, speed only matters in context.

A fast charger in the wrong place will underperform. A slower charger in the right place will be used consistently and deliver far more value over time.

This is because EV charging isn’t just about technology, it’s about behaviour.

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Charging Happens Where People Already Are

Drivers don’t typically go out of their way to charge unless they need to. Instead, they charge where it fits naturally into their routine.

At a hotel, that might be overnight while they sleep.
At a workplace, during the hours they’re parked.
At a leisure destination, while they dine, shop or spend time on site.

In each case, the success of EV charging depends on how well it aligns with existing behaviour.

That alignment starts with location.

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The Role of Visibility and Accessibility

For EV charging to be used, it needs to be easy to find and simple to access. Chargers that are clearly visible from entry points or main parking areas are far more likely to be used than those tucked away in less obvious locations. Visibility not only improves usability, it also signals to drivers that charging is available before they even arrive.

Accessibility is just as important. Poorly positioned chargers — whether they are difficult to reach, inconveniently placed or require awkward manoeuvring — can discourage use, even if the infrastructure itself is high quality.

In many cases, improving placement delivers a greater impact than increasing charging speed.

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Aligning Location With Dwell Time

The most effective charging locations are those that reflect how long people stay on site.

At locations where vehicles are parked for extended periods, such as workplaces or hotels, chargers positioned near main parking areas allow drivers to plug in and leave their vehicles without disruption.

At sites with shorter dwell times, placing chargers closer to high-traffic areas ensures they are used efficiently during shorter visits.

This is where location and dwell time work together. When both are aligned, charging feels natural and intuitive.

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Real-World Impact of Getting Location Right

Across commercial environments, the difference between well-located and poorly located charging infrastructure is immediately visible.

At destination-led sites, chargers placed near entrances, amenities or key footfall areas tend to see higher usage. Drivers incorporate charging into their visit without needing to change their behaviour.

In contrast, chargers installed in secondary or low-visibility areas are often underused, even when demand exists. Drivers may not notice them, or may choose not to use them due to inconvenience.

The infrastructure is there, but it isn’t delivering value.

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When Speed Becomes Secondary

Once location is right, speed becomes a supporting factor rather than the primary driver.

A well-located charger that matches the typical dwell time will meet most user needs without requiring maximum power. This reduces strain on electrical infrastructure, lowers installation costs and allows for more efficient use of available capacity.

In many cases, this means businesses can install more chargers in better locations, rather than fewer high-powered units in less effective positions.

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Designing Charging That Works in Practice

The most successful EV charging strategies start by understanding how a site is used, and where charging naturally fits within that.

This involves considering:

• Where vehicles are typically parked
• How drivers move through the site
• Where visibility is highest
• How long vehicles remain in place

From there, charger type and speed can be selected to complement the location, rather than define it.

This approach ensures that infrastructure is both practical and scalable, supporting real-world usage rather than theoretical demand.

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Charging That Fits Your Business

EV charging works best when it fits seamlessly into the way a site already operates.

While speed has its place, it is rarely the deciding factor. Location — how visible, accessible and aligned it is with user behaviour — has a far greater influence on whether chargers are used and valued.

By prioritising placement first and technology second, businesses can create EV charging solutions that are simpler, more effective and better suited to long-term demand.

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Speak to Connekt

If you’re considering EV charging and want to ensure it’s designed around how your site actually works, the first step is a conversation.

Speak to Connekt to explore a solution that fits your business, your users and your site — from location and layout through to long-term performance.

Because the right EV charging setup isn’t just about speed.
It’s about putting it in the right place.

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