How EV charger competition is forcing gas stations to adapt

Evolving Business Models for Fuel Sellers

Fuel sellers must adapt their business models as more nations pledge to phase out vehicles powered by fossil fuels. Historically, gas stations have viewed electric vehicles (EVs) as a threat, but they also present new business opportunities. EV drivers often charge their vehicles at home, at work, or while shopping. However, for those who don’t have access to a personal garage or EV chargers in their apartment building, there’s a significant opportunity for gas stations to step in.

The Untapped Market for Public EV Charging

Gas stations can tap into a huge untapped market by providing public EV charging stations. Public charging stations, also known as EV charging hubs, can be established on the grounds of existing gas stations or as standalone stations. These hubs are particularly beneficial in areas with apartment buildings lacking adequate or any EV charging facilities.

Implementation and Benefits

The concept of EV charging hubs has already been implemented in the UK and Poland, and it’s likely that the rest of Europe will follow suit soon. These nearby charging stations offer the additional benefit of using far less electricity since they are designed for continuous charging, such as EVs charging overnight. Low-power AC charging is an excellent use case for these hubs.

Cost Efficiency and Flexibility

One of the key advantages for gas station owners is that this approach eliminates the need for costly underground wire upgrades or expensive electricity upgrades. Gasoline retailers can set their own prices to cover startup costs and may also charge parking fees at urban charging hubs. This allows gas stations to provide EV charging at multiple locations under a single contract without additional roaming fees to third parties.

General Motors’ Initiative

General Motors (GM) is collaborating with Pilot Co., the proprietor of the Pilot and Flying J highway travel centers, and EV charging network EVgo to construct a new network of EV fast chargers. According to a recent statement, the companies will install a total of 2,000 fast chargers at 500 of Pilot’s stations along American roads, spaced roughly 50 miles apart. By the end of 2023, the partners aim to have a significant portion of those chargers built and operational.

Strategic Investment and Government Support

This initiative is part of GM’s larger $750 million push to develop an accessible fast-charging network as it prepares to introduce numerous new electric vehicles over the coming years. The project is anticipated to benefit from grants made available by the U.S. government. EVgo will install, operate, and maintain the chargers, which will include high-power fast chargers with a 350-kilowatt charging capacity and charging stalls designed to accommodate electric cars pulling trailers. All electric vehicles capable of DC rapid charging will be welcome to use these stations.

Germany´s new package

German gas stations will be required to provide EV charging as part of the country’s new, enhanced electric vehicle incentive program. The plan’s specifics, such as its timetable and the kind of charges needed, are not yet known. However, supporters of EVs instantly applauded the decision as a boost to the uptake of electric vehicles. In order to reach a mass market for EVs in the nation, according to BDEW, the organization for the energy and water sectors in Germany, at least 70,000 charging stations and 7,000 fast-charging stations are needed. Approximately 28,000 stations are currently operating in Germany, according to BDEW.

It seems a little strange to mandate EV charging at every single gas station. It approaches new technology with an antiquated combustion-focused mentality. The intention is admirable, but let’s hope the implementation’s finer points are carefully worked out.

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