Convenience store and gas station chain Circle K is partnering with Ionna to install hundreds of public fast charging stations at its locations nationwide, the companies announced on Tuesday.
Ionna, the consortium founded by eight automakers including General Motors, Stellantis, and Toyota, has quickly become one of the fastest-growing charging networks in the U.S. with its so-called Rechargeries.
Under the new deal, it plans to bring its high-powered stations to over 350 Circle K locations across the country, pushing it closer to its ambitious target of installing 30,000 charging bays by 2030. All Ionna stations are equipped with 400-kilowatt charging dispensers that support both CCS and the Tesla-style NACS connectors.
Access to reliable public fast-charging stations is one of the top hurdles to the broader adoption of EVs. Even though EV growth has cooled since the end of federal tax credits last year, the nationwide build-out of DC fast chargers has continued at a record pace. Popular convenience stores and gas station chains have leaned into this opportunity.
Ionna also partnered with Sheetz and Wawa last year. General Motors and EVGo have continued to expand at Pilot and Flying J travel centers.
The opportunity is also clear for retailers. While a gas stop may only take 10 minutes, an EV driver hanging around for 30 minutes presents an even greater sales opportunity for snacks and the like.
I wonder about this with convenience stores. I would surely say “yes” if it was outside a grocery store, or Walmart (as they are presently installing), but there’s not a lot to do at a “convenience” store past the first 3 minutes. Am I supposed to eat one of those hot dogs that’s been on the rollers since Tuesday? Rearrange the soda bottles in the coolers?
I mean, I’m all for it, and for a joint like Buc-ees I get it, but your run of the mill convenience store? Hard to see how it’s going to push up sales inside the store much at all.
Not you, but certainly a lot of others. Inside sales account for the vast majority of the profits for convenient stores.
I almost never go inside one when I get gas but if I have to hang around for 15-20 minutes, ya I might go in a buy a cup of coffee or a fountain drink.
YUM!!! The midwest was AMAZING for roller food when we lived there. Our favorite was QuickTrip but Caseys and Circle K caught up over time. And, they are not since Tues, most of the good chains have new stuff at least twice a day.
Mmmmmmm…get me a QuickTrip hotdog in steamed bun with their earlier jalapeno relish…MMM.
Anyway, back on topic, I find it interesting that we hear all about EV hate in the good ol boy midwest but then companies are deciding there is money to be made? Seems a mismatch in storylines here…
