One of the major obstacles to EV adoption is a lack of EV charging infrastructure. Not having a guarantee that EV charging stations can be easily found on the road induces range anxiety in EV drivers and prevents a lot of potential drivers from purchasing EVs.
This is why installing fast EV charging stations at gas stations is a great idea. Gas stations are already strategically placed at distances along the freeway that allow drivers to fuel up whenever they need to. Adding EV charging stations at these prime locations will not only enable more EV adoption but will also help fuel companies transition into a greener future while they increase their forecourt revenue. Below, we’ll go into more detail about why gas stations are the perfect location for EV charging.
1. Strategic and Convenient Location
Gas stations are strategically placed in high traffic areas and along freeways in order to provide easy access to fuel for drivers.
2. Increase Addressable Market
Installing EV charging stations at gas stations will encourage EV drivers to stop there to charge up as well as drivers who stop for gas.
3. Increase Gas Station and Forecourt Revenue
Gas stations often have convenience stores, restrooms, and other services for drivers who stop their while on the road. While the technology behind fast charging stations is getting better, it can still take around 20 minutes to charge an electric vehicle. Offering food and beverage services, entertainment, and more can help keep EV drivers busy while they charge, and can increase the station’s average revenue per driver.
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4. Infrastructure Is in Place
Gas stations generally have a lot of space for parking and other services, and also have a reliable source of electricity. With the infrastructure already in place, installing fast chargers with embedded payment terminals or a payment kiosk shouldn’t be a problem.
5. Expand Loyalty Programs
Offering EV charging as well as fueling can allow gas stations to expand their loyalty programs. Many gas companies have implemented a point model that offers consumers who fuel up at the station points to purchase goods or services at the gas station convenience store or offers them extra perks if they are loyal to that particular brand. Adding EV drivers to this loyalty scheme can allow you to expand these programs and offer them to a wider range of customers.
6. Open 24/7
Many gas stations are open 24/7, and if they offer EV charging as well as gas they can help combat EV drivers’ range anxiety, offering them a place to charge at any hour of the day or night.
7. Allow Fuel Companies to Transition into a Greener Future
Installing EV charging stations at gas stations allows fuel companies to diversify their revenue streams and prepare for the upcoming EV revolution. With many countries setting goals for EV expansion over the next decade, fuel companies will be forced to transition at some point, and starting the transition now will help them ride the wave and set them up for success in the future.
In conclusion, gas stations are the perfect place for EV charging. They are conveniently located, already have the infrastructure in place, offer other services that EV drivers may find useful, are open 24/7, and can benefit from offering EV charging services. As more and more people switch to EVs, gas stations will become an increasingly important part of the EV charging infrastructure.
