TL/DR –
Fuel retailers like Sheetz and Wawa are redesigning pit stops to accommodate electric vehicles (EVs) as they become more mainstream. The convenience stores are installing charging stations at their locations and transforming the customer experience to encourage foot traffic while vehicles charge. Wawa and Sheetz currently provide charging facilities at approximately 10% of their stores, and plan to continue expanding despite concerns around the profitability of selling electricity and the high costs of installing charging ports.
The Emergence of Retailers as Electric Vehicle Charging Hubs
Phillip Stafford, a longtime Tesla owner and resident of Richmond, Virginia, has found himself frequenting retailers for charging his electric vehicle (EV). The convenience of getting his car charged while he runs his errands or grabs a snack has made him particular about his charging locations. One of his favorite spots to charge is a Sheetz, despite his liking for Wawa’s sandwiches, reflecting the transformative role that fuel retailers are beginning to play as EV charging stations.
For over five decades, chains like Wawa and Sheetz have been key destinations for refueling, but the rise of EVs has led them to embrace a new role as power providers. However, the challenge lies not just in supplying electricity, but in enticing drivers to spend money while their vehicles are charging. Businesses are realizing that they can’t rely on selling electricity alone to pay the bills – they need to convince customers to buy snacks or meals while they wait for their cars to charge. As a result, these pit stops are being reinvented, even as they face costly infrastructure upgrades and changing federal policies.
Wawa and Sheetz, both Pennsylvania-based companies, are leading the way in this transition. They’ve established hundreds of chargers and attracted large fanbases, becoming some of the most popular convenience stores in the country. The stores’ tailored sandwiches, wide-ranging snack options, and clean restrooms have made them a preferred stop for not only road trippers and commuters but also EV drivers seeking a recharge.