EV Leasing Surges to 56% as Europe Reaches 1.2 Million Chargers and Retail Properties See 20% Dwell Time Increase from Charging Amenities

Introduction

The EV market demonstrates resilience as leasing surges to 56 percent following the expiration of federal tax credits, Europe reaches 1.2 million public charging points, and retail properties report significant returns from EV charging amenities. At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we track these developments to help Los Angeles property owners understand the evolving charging landscape and make informed decisions about their commercial EV charger installations and residential charging solutions. This week we examine how EV financing trends are reshaping the market, what Europe's charging milestone means for global infrastructure, and why retail properties are seeing compelling returns from charging investments, plus essential winter charging guidance as temperatures drop.

EV Leasing Surges to 56 Percent Following Tax Credit Expiration

More than 56 percent of consumers opted to lease new electric vehicles in Q3 2025, up from just over 46 percent a year ago according to Experian's State of the Automotive Finance Market report. This dramatic shift reflects how the market adapted to the September 2025 expiration of federal EV tax credits, with leasing providing an alternative path to EV ownership that previously captured tax benefits through lower monthly payments. EVs now account for one-in-four of all new vehicle leases, up from less than 18 percent in Q3 2024. Source: Experian.

Tesla Model Y and Model 3 lead the leased EV market at 4.35 percent and 2.58 percent respectively, with Honda Prologue ranking fifth among all leased models at 1.78 percent and Hyundai IONIQ 5 ninth at 1.49 percent. Melinda Zabritski, Experian's head of automotive financial insights, noted that while industry analysts closely watch how consumer interest evolves, the leasing uptick will shape market dynamics as these vehicles come off lease and enter the used EV space in coming years.

For property owners, the leasing surge carries important implications. Leased vehicles still require charging access, and the growing lease fleet ensures continued demand for charging infrastructure regardless of whether vehicles are purchased or leased. As we covered in our analysis of global EV sales reaching 18.5 million, the installed base of EVs on the road continues expanding, creating sustained demand for convenient charging at workplaces, retail centers, and residential properties.

Europe Reaches 1.2 Million Public Charging Points Milestone

Europe is projected to operate approximately 1.2 million public charge points by the end of 2025, reaching just over 1.11 million by October and on track for 1.23 million by year end. The continent's charging network grew more than 35 percent in 2024 compared to 2023, crossing the one million milestone seven years after reaching 100,000 charge points in 2018. Approximately one million of these chargers are AC units growing at around 17 percent annually, while the DC fast charging network is expanding much faster at approximately 37 percent to reach an estimated 200,000 chargers. Source: EVBoosters.

Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom collectively represent around 67 percent of Europe's public charging capacity. Norway continues to dominate with 78 percent BEV share in new sales and 18 percent in total fleet. Europe's target of 3.5 million public charge points by 2030 requires adding more than 2.2 million chargers over the next five years, with grid capacity identified as the most significant risk factor in network rollout. Source: LCP Delta.

Europe's infrastructure expansion provides context for U.S. development. While the U.S. has approximately 207,000 public charging ports, Europe's faster relative growth demonstrates what aggressive policy support can achieve. California, which leads U.S. EV adoption, can look to European markets for insights on infrastructure deployment at scale. For Los Angeles property owners, European trends suggest that charging infrastructure will continue expanding globally, validating long-term investment in charging capabilities.

Retail Properties Report 20 Percent Dwell Time Increase from EV Charging

Shopping centers that install EV charging stations experience an average 20 percent increase in customer dwell time and a 12 percent rise in retail sales according to BloombergNEF research. Commercial properties with EV chargers see a 5 to 10 percent boost in foot traffic compared to those without, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. These metrics demonstrate that EV charging delivers value beyond direct charging revenue, making it a strategic amenity that attracts customers and increases overall property performance. Source: EV Connect.

The revenue impact is significant. A grocery store with Level 2 chargers that previously saw $40 average customer spend can see that figure rise to $42-$44 after installation, as 30 to 50 additional minutes of dwell time translates to increased purchases. At 20 customers per day using chargers, that generates approximately $400 in additional daily sales, easily outpacing direct charging profits. EVgo reports that 80 percent of its users shop at local retailers while charging, spending an average exceeding $1 per minute their vehicles charge. Source: Tayniu.

Multiple revenue streams enhance ROI. Direct charging fees, retail cross-sell, digital advertising on charging station screens at $10-$20 CPM, fleet contracts, membership programs, and idle fees can all contribute. A busy retail site with 2,000 daily impressions can generate $600 to $1,800 monthly in advertising revenue alone. As we detailed in our analysis of Electrify America's 500-charger partnership with Simon malls, major retail operators recognize that charging amenities attract the growing EV driver population. Shaffer Construction helps retail clients design installations that maximize both charging utility and customer experience.

Winter Charging Guide for Property Owners and EV Drivers

Cold weather reduces electric car range by 15 to 20 percent on average due to slowed battery chemistry, with some models losing up to 41 percent at temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. A study analyzing 34 popular EVs found they averaged 78 percent of normal range in freezing temperatures, meaning a 300-mile vehicle might see approximately 234 miles in cold conditions. About two-thirds of extra energy consumed goes to heating the cabin. Charging a battery that sat overnight in frigid weather may take twice as long to fully recharge as the battery management system warms the pack before accepting charge. Source: Recurrent Auto.

Heat pumps have become the critical winter efficiency technology. Heat pumps are up to 300 percent more efficient than traditional resistive heating, particularly in moderately cold temperatures between 15 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. They work by transferring existing heat rather than generating it from scratch. Tesla Model Y Long Range loses just 11.8 percent of range in winter conditions, making it one of the best performers, followed by Mercedes EQE at 21 percent loss and Tesla Model 3 Long Range at 24.8 percent loss. Ford has made heat pumps standard on all 2025 Mustang Mach-E models. Source: InsideEVs.

For property owners with charging infrastructure, winter brings specific considerations. EV drivers may use charging stations longer during cold months as vehicles charge more slowly, potentially affecting turnover at busy locations. Covered charging locations provide additional value by protecting both vehicles and charging equipment from precipitation and extreme temperatures. Properties that communicate charging availability and provide weather-protected stations can differentiate themselves during winter months. Shaffer Construction performs comprehensive electrical load studies that account for seasonal usage variations when designing charging installations.

Maximizing Winter EV Efficiency: Tips for Drivers

Preconditioning while plugged in saves 5 to 10 percent of range by drawing heat from the grid rather than the battery. This warms the battery to its optimal operating temperature of 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, improving efficiency and enabling faster charging speeds when departing. Most modern EVs allow scheduling preconditioning through smartphone apps, ensuring the cabin and battery are warm before unplugging. Source: Kelley Blue Book.

Additional winter efficiency strategies include using heated seats and steering wheels instead of cabin heating, which consumes much less energy. Keeping vehicles plugged in while parked for extended periods helps maintain battery health and prevents range loss, as the battery temperature is maintained above freezing regardless of whether the vehicle is actively charging. When navigating to DC fast chargers, the battery begins warming automatically within 20 miles of the destination, improving charge acceptance. Maintaining charge above 20 percent provides a reserve for cold-weather battery conditioning.

For workplace and retail properties, these driver behaviors affect charging station usage patterns. Morning arrivals at workplaces may see employees plugging in after cold commutes, with vehicles drawing power for battery conditioning before charging begins. Retail locations near highways may see increased demand as travelers seek fast charging during winter road trips. Understanding these patterns helps property owners plan capacity and communicate charging availability effectively.

What These Developments Mean for Los Angeles Property Owners

This week's developments highlight several important themes for property owners evaluating charging infrastructure investments. The surge in EV leasing to 56 percent demonstrates that consumer interest in EVs remains strong despite tax credit expiration, with financing structures adapting to maintain market momentum. The leased vehicle fleet still requires charging access, ensuring sustained demand for infrastructure.

Europe's achievement of 1.2 million public charging points demonstrates what aggressive infrastructure deployment can accomplish and validates the global trajectory toward electrified transportation. While California leads U.S. adoption, the gap between current infrastructure and future requirements creates opportunity for property owners who invest now.

Retail properties reporting 20 percent dwell time increases and 12 percent sales lifts from charging amenities provide compelling justification for commercial installations. These metrics transform charging from a cost center into a revenue driver that attracts customers and increases property performance. Multiple revenue streams from charging fees, retail cross-sell, and advertising enhance ROI potential.

Winter charging considerations remind us that infrastructure design should account for seasonal variations in usage patterns and driver needs. Properties that provide covered, well-maintained charging stations differentiate themselves year-round and build loyalty among EV drivers who appreciate reliable access.

Conclusion

From EV leasing surging to 56 percent to Europe reaching 1.2 million public chargers and retail properties reporting significant ROI from charging amenities, this week's developments demonstrate the charging industry's continued growth and maturation. Winter charging considerations add practical guidance for property owners and drivers navigating cold-weather efficiency. For Los Angeles property owners, these trends reinforce the strategic value of investing in EV charging infrastructure while utility rebate programs remain available and before charging access becomes a standard expectation rather than a competitive differentiator.

Ready to explore EV charging options for your Los Angeles property? Contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. for a complimentary site assessment and expert guidance on selecting the right charging solution for your needs.

Shaffer Construction, Inc.
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