With the increased use of EVs around the world, the demand for charging infrastructure is continually rising. It leads to the question: Where should charging stations be installed? Apart from the obvious answers, such as motorways, car parks at public transport hubs, residential areas and shopping centres, there are other possibilities that merit attention. These include gyms, where you can recharge your mind, body and vehicle all at the same time. Or rather, the car parks of innovative and eco-sustainable gyms, i.e., facilities that have decided to evolve their offer and be part of the transition towards green mobility. The idea of installing EV charging stations in the car parks of gyms and sports facilities is a strategic choice that brings numerous advantages, both for the operators and their customers.

High inflation, low margins, volatile battery metal prices and a reduction in government incentives in some countries have not stopped electric car sales, which continue to grow worldwide. According to the Global EV Outlook 2024, an annual report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), sales of zero-emission vehicles could reach around 17 million in 2024, representing one in five cars on the global market. In the first quarter of 2024, sales of electric cars increased by approximately 25% compared to the same period in 2023, maintaining a growth rate similar to that of 2022.

From these figures we can see the urgent need for a widespread increase in EV charging stations, both in city centres and outside of towns. In Europe alone, according to the EU Commission, 3.5 million stations will need to be installed by 2030. As noted by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), this would mean the deployment of around 410,000 new public charging points per year (around 8,000 per week), i.e., almost three times the recent annual installation rate. Even so, according to the estimates by ACEA itself, this rate may not even be sufficient: they reckon that the European Union will needat least 8.8 million charging points by 2030. For customers with EVs who are always on the lookout for charging stations, the opportunity to charge their car while working out at the gym is a valuable advantage. It’s not just about saving time by combining two activities in one place.

Why should innovative, eco-sustainable gyms install charging stations in their car parks? Apart from saving time, there are other benefits for customers with EVs. The availability of charging stations can be a reason to attend the gym more regularly, encouraging a more constant exercise routine. Another important benefit is the reduction of the stress related to looking for charging stations. Customers can enjoy their workout without worrying about where they will recharge their car later. This contributes to a more relaxing and satisfying experience at the gym, improving all over well-being.

Numerous gym chains around the world have already picked up on these benefits. For example, in the United States, some brands like Gold’s Gym and Planet Fitness have started to provide EV charging stations at some of their premises. In the United Kingdom, The Gym Group has installed charging stations at its Northampton facility as part of its emission reduction strategy. In Italy, the startup GasGas offers its users the chance to charge their cars during normal waiting times, not just in gyms but also at supermarkets and shopping centres.

For the operators of innovative and eco-sustainable gyms, charging stations are an additional source of income. Apart from offering a service that builds customer loyalty, operators have the option of charging a fee for the use of the stations, to create an additional revenue stream. Moreover, many governments offer financial incentives for the installation of charging infrastructure, significantly reducing the initial costs.

The installation of EV charging stations at gyms does more than just increase customer attraction to the fitness centre, it also opens doors to new market opportunities. Gyms can become important hubs for sustainable mobility in the local community, attracting a more ecologically aware clientele who wish to adopt an environmentally friendly lifestyle. However, to achieve this, it is essential that the installation is combined with a well-planned advertising and awareness campaign, also making use of the gym’s websites and social media networks. Aside from clear communication of the environmental and practical benefits of electric mobility to their customers and community, gyms can also partner with local authorities, environmental associations and companies in the energy sector to promote joint initiatives. This can include participation in trade fairs or events dedicated to sustainability, establishing partnerships with electric car dealers to offer test drives to interested customers, and promoting economic incentives for switching to a zero-emission vehicle.

Another essential element to ensure the successful integration of charging stations in gyms is the use of special maps for locating and managing charging stations. These maps (Google Maps or Apple Maps are a good starting point) are indispensable tools both for users and gym operators. For users, the maps make it easy to locate the nearest charging stations and to plan their routes efficiently, reducing range anxiety and improving the overall experience of owning an EV. For gym operators, on the other hand, dedicated maps and software are a strategic tool to manage and optimise the use of the charging stations. These platforms allow operators to monitor the status of charging stations, check availability and user access rates, and schedule preventive maintenance.