As electric vehicle adoption accelerates across the United States, convenience stores are becoming key players in expanding the national charging network.
With industry projections forecasting 48 million EVs on U.S. roads by 2030 and a corresponding need for 20 times more charging stations than currently exist, convenience retailers are reevaluating their role in the evolving transportation landscape.
Traditionally dependent on gasoline sales, these retailers are now investing in electric charging solutions to attract a new demographic of customers while transforming their business models for long-term relevance.
Major chains including Walmart, Casey’s General Stores, and Buc-ee’s have made significant investments in EV charging infrastructure.
Walmart, one of the largest retailers in the country, has announced plans to build a coast-to-coast EV fast-charging network by 2030. The company aims to ensure that nearly every American lives within 10 miles of a Walmart charger, integrating this infrastructure across thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club locations.
Casey’s, a leading operator in the Midwest, is also integrating EV charging at its stores, often through partnerships with third-party providers such as Electrify America. These installations are extending EV infrastructure beyond urban centers into more rural and suburban regions.
Buc-ee’s—a Texas-based travel plaza chain known for its large footprints and extensive amenities—has added Tesla Superchargers and other fast-charging options at multiple locations, capitalizing on the extended dwell times EV drivers typically require.
The shift toward electrification is prompting substantial changes in store infrastructure and layout. Fast chargers, particularly DC Fast Chargers capable of delivering 80% battery charge in approximately 30 minutes, require significant electrical capacity upgrades.
These installations often necessitate careful site design to accommodate traffic flow, ensure charger accessibility, and offer amenities such as restrooms, food service, and Wi-Fi that enhance the customer experience during the charging window.
Some retailers are even exploring the integration of solar panels and battery storage systems to reduce operational costs and increase energy resilience.
Financially, the move to offer EV charging can represent a considerable investment. Level 2 chargers, which provide moderate-speed charging suitable for longer stops, typically cost between $3,000 and $13,000 to install. DC Fast Chargers, by contrast, can cost $50,000 or more, not including upgrades to site electrical systems.
However, federal and state incentives are helping offset these expenses. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, for instance, offers grants that can cover up to 80% of installation costs, and several utility and municipal programs offer rebates and tax credits.
Legislative changes in some states have also clarified how businesses can sell electricity by the kilowatt-hour, simplifying revenue generation for c-stores.
These infrastructure and financial shifts are reshaping the convenience store business model. Unlike gasoline refueling, which takes only minutes, EV charging involves longer customer dwell times—typically ranging from 15 to 40 minutes depending on charger speed. This extended stay has proven beneficial for retailers; recent studies indicate that 89% of EV drivers make purchases while charging.
For stores, this means more time to sell prepared foods, beverages, groceries, or other merchandise, transforming EV charging into a high-value customer acquisition and engagement tool.
In terms of the types of chargers being deployed, three primary options are available, each offering different capabilities and best-use scenarios.
Level 1 chargers are the slowest and least common in commercial settings, drawing power from standard 120-volt outlets and taking over 18 hours to fully charge a vehicle. Level 2 chargers, often found in residential and commercial properties, use 240-volt outlets and can provide 20 to 60 miles of range per hour of charging.
The fastest option—DC Fast Chargers—bypasses the car’s onboard charger and sends power directly to the battery, delivering a charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 30 minutes. This latter category is increasingly favored by convenience stores due to its alignment with customer needs and traffic patterns.
While challenges remain—ranging from high capital costs to evolving technologies and grid limitations—many convenience store operators view EV charging as a strategic imperative.
By adapting their layouts, leveraging financial incentives, and capitalizing on new customer behaviors, these retailers are positioning themselves at the forefront of the electric mobility transition. In doing so, they are not only future-proofing their businesses but also helping to close the infrastructure gap essential to EV adoption on a national scale.
