Retail landlords are increasingly interested in providing electric vehicle charging on-site, but many face extended delays when they pursue traditional, grid-connected fast-charging infrastructure. According to Burak Elibol, CEO and co-founder of Coral Charge, retailers often want chargers located directly on their properties to capture customer visits, yet the timing of grid-based installations can undercut that strategy. He notes that long waits for interconnection permits mean retailers may not see increased foot traffic from EV drivers for a considerable period.
Elibol describes the permitting and utility coordination process for grid-tied fast chargers as a significant obstacle for retail operators. In many cases, he says, the interconnection timeline can stretch from months into years before a site is fully operational. During this period, properties cannot leverage chargers as an amenity to draw customers, and tenants do not benefit from the incremental traffic associated with EV drivers using the site.
Against this backdrop, Elibol outlines how off-the-grid charging solutions such as the Coral Charge platform are designed to bypass some of these constraints. Rather than relying on traditional utility connections, these systems generate electricity onsite, which changes both the cost structure and the implementation path for retail properties.
In discussing the Coral Charge model, Elibol emphasizes that electricity is produced locally through solar panels integrated into the platform. He points out that this setup means the marginal cost of electricity can be zero, because the power source is onsite and not purchased from the grid. In addition, he notes that there are no demand charges tied to utility usage, which are a common cost driver for grid-connected fast-charging installations.
For retail property stakeholders, the distinctions Elibol draws between grid-based and off-grid models are primarily operational and economic. Grid-connected chargers require coordination with utilities, interconnection approvals, and exposure to tariff structures, while off-grid systems are built around dedicated, self-contained power generation. The trade-offs include not only timing and permitting risk, but also the long-term operating cost profile associated with each approach.
Elibol’s comments suggest that EV charging strategy for retail is increasingly focused on aligning infrastructure choices with both tenant needs and property-level economics. By contrasting the delays and cost elements of grid-connected solutions with localized, solar-powered alternatives, he highlights how deployment models can influence whether chargers become a near-term traffic driver or a longer-term infrastructure project. The discussion underscores that EV charging is evolving from a simple amenity decision into a more nuanced operational consideration for retail assets.
