Offsetting Its Plastic Footprint

Carlson Labs works with PDI Sustainability Solutions experts to:

• Measure and offset its plastic footprint
• Boost its competitive advantage and differentiation
• Invest in a custom portfolio of verified projects that collect or recycle plastic

Business Challenges

• Find a cost-effective solution to offset the company’s plastic footprint
• Remove or recycle the same amount of plastic used in the company’s products

Solution Overview – PDI Sustainability Consulting and Solutions

Whether you’re just starting out or well into your sustainability journey, PDI offers turnkey solutions and expert consulting services that help you differentiate your brand with eco-friendly programs your customers will love. Now you can get a custom-built program with measurable performance and independently verified results.

Read more about PDI Sustainability Solutions

Customer Results

• An entire product line that is recyclable and has 100% offset packaging
• More than 330,000 kilograms of plastic collected or recycled

Brought to you by Connections Live Virtual EMEA

Tune in as the convenience industry’s top minds share actionable insights and best practices you can apply to your business today. 

You’ll learn about the transformation of service stations, sustainability, data-driven decision making, as well as supply chain disruptions and labor shortages. 

Moderator: Oscar Smith Diamante, Editor-in-Chief, MobilityPlaza 

Speakers: 

• Frank Gleeson: Chairman, National Oil Reserve 
• Brian Donaldson: CEO, Maxol 
• David Anderson: VP Commercial Operations, PDI Technologies 
• Marcel Steigerwald: Director Product Management, PDI Technologies 

Streamlining Sustainability

PDI Sustainability Solutions experts created a turnkey carbon offset program for Corpay to:

• Differentiate its business services
• Help customers reduce their carbon footprint
• Gain a unique competitive advantage

Business Challenges

• Develop flexible yet comprehensive sustainability programs for a wide range of customers
• Ensure a reliable way to quickly measure, validate, and report on program performance and results

Solution Overview – PDI Sustainability Consulting and Solutions

Whether you’re just starting out or well into your sustainability journey, PDI offers turnkey solutions and expert consulting services that help you differentiate your brand with eco-friendly programs your customers will love. Now you can get a custom-built program with measurable performance and independently verified results.

Read more about PDI Sustainability Solutions

Customer Results

• Helped customers achieve their corporate sustainability goals
• Collectively offset carbon for over two billion gallons of fuel
• Outpaced anticipated performance with a 186% ROI

Building Loyalty for the Long Haul

Maxol worked with the PDI Sustainability Solutions experts to:

• Highlight Maxol’s commitment to sustainability
• Appeal to consumers who want more eco-friendly purchasing options
• Create greater long-term value for the Maxol brand

Business Challenges

• Create long-lasting brand affinity with differentiated fuel offerings
• Incentivize eco-conscious non-customers to switch to Maxol Premium Fuel

Solution Overview – PDI Sustainability Consulting and Solutions

Whether you’re just starting out or well into your sustainability journey, PDI offers turnkey solutions and expert consulting services that help you differentiate your brand with eco-friendly programs your customers will love. Now you can get a custom-built program with measurable performance and independently verified results.

Read more about PDI Sustainability Solutions

Customer Results

• Differentiated Maxol Premium Fuel with best-in-class carbon offsetting program
• Increased brand affinity for both existing and non-customers
• Improved reporting and measurement to better track program performance

Download the 2024 “Sustainability, EV, and Convenience Retail Survey Report”

We checked in with American consumers to find out how they really feel about sustainability.

Now you can access the “Sustainability, EV, and Convenience Retail Survey Report” to better understand consumer sentiment around sustainable products and businesses. 

Based on survey results from over 1,200 US consumers, this report will help you monitor changing behaviors and attitudes that directly impact the convenience retail industry. Download the report to learn: 

1. Specific areas where consumer expectations are changing 

2. What businesses must do to engage these consumers 

3. Why having a sustainability strategy is critical for success 

Even as sales of electric vehicles (EVs) continue their steady rise, at least one company is rethinking its investment strategy into the EV market. Car rental company Hertz announced that it was selling 20,000 EVs to purchase gasoline-fueled vehicles instead.

Hertz cited the higher cost of maintenance and repairs for its EV fleet, predominantly consisting of Tesla models, along with lower overall resale values for EVs. In fact, the dropping prices for new EV models has pushed down the price of used vehicles to the point that Hertz anticipates incurring an average loss of $12,250 per vehicle.

Although financial considerations are driving the decision at Hertz, another fundamental issue continues to loom over the future of EVs in the rental market: the lack of EV charging infrastructure. Consumers hoping to get an initial taste of the EV experience through a rental car can be in for a rude awakening.

A lack of charging infrastructure looms large

One of the most common concerns around EV driving is the “range anxiety” that stems from uncertainty about the EV’s battery life and how far it will last before requiring a charge-up. This can be especially unsettling for novice EV drivers who are less familiar with all the factors—including driving style—that can impact battery life.

To put it another way, while it can be thrilling to test the full performance capability of an EV, flooring the accelerator on the interstate can quickly drain the battery. That, in turn, can make longer drives—a staple for many rental drivers—a harrowing experience as they watch the battery level drop in real time without knowing where the next charging station awaits.

The shortage of public EV charging infrastructure can quickly dampen enthusiasm for the EV driving experience. In fact, projections from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) note that the United States will require nearly five million EV charging points by 2040—a staggering figure considering there are less than five million charging points across the entire globe today.

Unfortunately, the lack of charging infrastructure remains an obstacle in speeding up the adoption of EVs. But there are some positive signs beyond the current government investment in funding new charge points.

C-stores can fill the void

One of the more surprising answers to this problem could come from an area most consumers wouldn’t expect—convenience store locations that already have fuel pumps. With over 150,000 convenience stores and fuel stations in the US, consumers already rely on these businesses for filling up their internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Those stations are now competing to become the go-to spot for drivers seeking a similar convenience experience when charging their EVs. One reason to compete for this audience is that early EV adopters tend to be more economically affluent, and they will increasingly need access to public charging infrastructure.

C-stores are a natural place to offer that service—and there’s a lot of potential business up for grabs. The primary difference between consumers pumping gas and those charging their EVs is the longer onsite experience associated with charging. While consumers typically spend four to five minutes for a gas fill-up, they might spend as much as 20 to 30 minutes onsite for a charge-up.

Retailers will essentially have customers who will be onsite longer. As a result, retailers will want to lure those shoppers into their stores to find a comfortable spot to sit down, have a snack, access a clean bathroom, or do more shopping than they normally would. Brands that know how to deliver true convenience can thrive in this environment.

Top chains are gearing up

To start gearing up for these EV consumers, the convenience industry has recently seen an uptick in EV charging infrastructure deployment, such as BP buying $100 million of Tesla chargers to add to their US sites and influential convenience retail brand Wawa adding EV chargers to key locations. Strategic planning is already underway for many brands, with industry experts expecting EV charging to greatly influence the next wave of c-store design.

Even as car rental companies such as Hertz scrutinize their investments in EVs, consumer interest remains high—especially as EV prices continue to fall. Having the right charging infrastructure can go a long way to fueling even faster adoption of EVs. And no industry is better suited to serve that growing consumer segment than convenience retailers.

EV and Convenience

Learn more about EV and convenience with new resources in the EV Hub.

Explore EV Hub

How much do you love your customers? How much do they love you back? Do you have any data to back up your hunch?

The top fuel and convenience retail brands understand how to create long-lasting customer relationships built on trust, loyalty, and shared values. They’re great at engaging with consumers and turning those shoppers into brand-loyal customers.

After all, loyal customers are simply good business. According to PDI consumer data, 15% of a business’ most loyal customers account for 55 to 70% of the company’s total sales. What’s more, returning customers tend to spend an average 67% more than first-time customers.

When you really think about it, developing stronger bonds with your customers isn’t that much different than how we all develop personal relationships—excluding the anticipated monetary transaction, that is! Then again, most of us could still benefit from a few expert tips to get ourselves in the mindset of building customer loyalty and stronger relationships.

Speaking the “love languages”

So, where do you turn for relationship-building advice? You can skip all the advice columnists and the appointment with your favorite relationship guru. We’re going straight to the 1992 book The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman.

As its title suggests, this book describes five love languages that inform human relationships:

1. Words of affirmation
2. Quality time
3. Physical touch
4. Acts of service
5. Receiving gifts

Let’s take a deeper dive into how each of these areas can help you focus on building customer loyalty and growing customer retention.

1. Words of affirmation

We all like to hear the word “yes” and we all want to be included. Your customers feel the same way. Don’t neglect them or take them for granted. Here are a few simple tips to affirm your connection:

• Communicate clearly and consistently. Let them know how much you appreciate them and never let them think you’ve forgotten about them.
• Let them participate. Reach out to them so they can opt in to what you’re offering.
• Engage early and often. Digital engagement via email, mobile phone apps, and social media keeps the communication flowing so you can share advice and they can share valuable feedback.

2. Quality time

Notice that this doesn’t say “quantity” time. Yes, it would be great if your customers showed up at your site and lingered in your store for hours. Of course, that’s completely unrealistic. But here are some ways to maximize your time together:

• Incentivize them to visit your site with fuel discounts and drive them into your store with other incentives right from the pump. Make it worth their dwell time by giving them a reason to linger.
• Once they show up, compel them to stay with great customer service and a consistent omnichannel (onsite and digital) experience.
• Get personal by leveraging the latest data-driven insights that allow you to give individual customers exactly what they want in real time.

3. Physical touch

OK, we should probably amend the name of this area to physical “location” and in-person experience. Your customers want and deserve a more personalized experience—and if you can provide that, you’re well on your way to cementing a bond that lasts. Here are some additional ways to tighten those connections:

• Keep your physical site clean and safe. For instance, customers rank a well-lit exterior as one of the top draws of a c-store. In contrast, a messy store or filthy bathroom can cost you customers after just one bad visit.
• Create an attractive and inviting atmosphere with physical and digital signage that helps you highlight unique offers or loyalty programs.
• Make it as convenient as possible for your customers. There’s a reason we call it the “convenience” industry—it’s what we can offer that other retailers can’t. Great products, great service, all in one highly convenient location.

4. Acts of service

This love language is all about showing empathy and respect for your customers. Make sure they know they’re part of a relationship, not just a transaction. Here are some ways to do that:

• Show off your altruistic side by ensuring your offers and promotions are both compelling and substantive. Offer both physical and digital rewards cards so you cover the full range of customer demographics.
• Train your staff to positively promote your programs during each customer interaction to increase participation levels.
• Take your acts of service up a notch by creating your own sustainability programs that benefit the environment or the local community. You can even install some EV chargers if that aligns with your business strategy and your customers’ needs.

5. Receiving gifts

Just in case you were wondering, no, this isn’t about you receiving gifts. It’s you thoughtfully extending gifts to your customers. For instance, you could:

• Reward them with…rewards! Make sure your loyalty program delivers what your customers want by carefully analyzing your customer data, tracking your program results, and making the necessary adjustments.
• Build relationships with consumer brands to deliver some of the top discounts and rebates on popular products or affinity pairings your customers want.

When it comes to how you act toward them, your customers want to be treated like family (and maybe even better than family, in some cases). Your objective should be to deliver an exceptional customer experience that continues building long-lasting loyalty to your brand.

By speaking their love languages, you can start mending broken relationships and attracting new customers to your stores.

Keep the Love Flowing

Check out even more expert tips to build longer-lasting customer relationships.

Explore Now

Now that I’ve gotten much more familiar with my electric vehicle’s range and charging needs for daily driving, I’m starting to feel ready for longer road trips and weekend getaways. But hitting the open highway in an EV does require a bit more planning and preparation compared to a gas vehicle.

After some learning by trial and error, here are six tips for smooth sailing (so to speak) when you’re road tripping in an EV.

1. Befriend the apps

Tools like PlugShare, ChargePoint, and Google Maps make it easy to map out charging stops along your route. I add in charging pitstops for anytime my projected battery level will drop below 20 to 30%. Be sure to check out my top EV app recommendations, if you haven’t already.

2. Buffer extra time

You’ll need to add more time to your trip if you’re used to driving straight through with only quick gas fill-ups. On the bright side, charging stops of 30 to 45 minutes give you a chance to stretch your legs, eat, and recharge (your own energy!). I’ve found that I don’t mind taking it slower.

3. Pack the essentials

Bring along your phone chargers, external batteries, jumper cables, and tire repair kits just in case you experience any emergencies far away from a charging station. An insulated lunch bag with snacks also helps you avoid having to rely solely on whatever food is available at charging stops—or you can skip the lunch bag in favor of the incredible c-store food offerings we’ve seen over the past few years.

4. Make charging reservations

For evening charging while on a trip, I like to reserve a spot at hotels that offer EV charging through apps like PlugShare. For Tesla drivers, you might want to search for and pre-schedule your Supercharger stops—especially if you’ll be driving on busier travel routes.

5. Start out fully charged

I previously wrote about why you don’t want to charge your EV battery above 80% in most situations. Getting ready for a long trip is the exception to that rule. I make sure I have a full 100% charge in these cases. Those extra miles give you greater flexibility in case you need it. Charging daily, even on short drives, also helps ensure maximum range.

6. Embrace the adventure

Road tripping in an EV requires more forethought, but it can also add a sense of adventure! Having to navigate charging stops makes me feel a bit like a trailblazer. The trip itself becomes part of the challenge and fun.

Test runs of anywhere from 50 to 100 miles have helped boost my road trip confidence. I’m quickly discovering that, with the right preparations, it’s all an open road ahead. Incorporating thoughtful charging into my plan is the number one way I’ve reduced my range anxiety.

Answering your FAQs

And speaking of growing confidence, I’ve gotten a lot of questions from curious friends and family about my EV experience. I wanted to share some answers to the most common EV questions I’ve been asked.

Q: How far can you drive on a full charge?

A: It depends on the vehicle model, but newer EVs typically go 200+ miles before needing a recharge. My car can drive around 275 miles with a full battery level.

Q: Where do you charge it?

A: I installed a Level 2 charger in my garage for home charging overnight. There are also public Fast Chargers at places like grocery stores and malls that can recharge your battery in under an hour.

Q: Isn’t charging slow?

It definitely takes longer than a gas fill-up, but I just plug in at home each night, so my car has a “full tank” every morning. Public fast chargers can also charge up to 80% in around 30 minutes.

Q: Aren’t EVs expensive?

A: The upfront cost is typically higher, but you save on gas and maintenance. Tax credits and rebates also lower the purchase price. Over the total life of the car, EVs typically cost less than gas vehicles.

Q: Should you buy or lease an EV?

A: I bought my vehicle, but leases can make sense if you don’t drive a lot of miles each year. By leasing, you benefit from lower operating costs without the long-term commitment. You can also hedge your bets against rapid technological advancements with a lease (typically anywhere from 24 to 48 months).

Q: How do you handle long trips?

A: It just takes a bit more planning (as described above)! You can map out charging stops using apps and you might need to stop more frequently. But it’s possible to road trip cross-country in an EV.

Q: Do you feel safer driving an EV?

A: Yes, the low center of gravity and heavy battery pack actually make EVs handle very well. Longer range models also have advanced safety features. However, I do miss the “vroom vroom” sounds of a gas engine!

I’m never shy about sharing my experiences as a new EV owner, so let me know if you have any other questions. Otherwise, buckle up and get ready to ride into the electric future!

If you want to learn more, please check out the other posts from my EV blog series.

E-mobily yours,
Bethany

EV and Convenience

Learn more about EV and convenience with new resources in the EV Hub.

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Now that the rush of the holiday season is over, how many of you are still sitting on some leftover gift cards? I might just have a few ideas for you on how to spend them.

As I mention in pretty much every blog post, switching to an EV comes with a learning curve. However, having the right gear makes the transition much easier—plus, I just love accessories. Here are some of my favorite EV accessories that might enhance your daily driving experience just like they have for me.

Charging cable organizers

Keeping your charging cables from getting tangled is a must, and this handy pouch from JOTO stores my J1772 adapter, mobile connector, and cable neatly in my frunk. Its sturdy design also protects the plugs from getting crushed.

Oh, did you notice I said, “frunk?” That’s right—there’s an official term for the area in the front of the car that used to be the engine compartment. That tiny storage area is called a “frunk,” and I frankly think it’s a completely adorable term.

Here’s another cool organizer I like—and guess what? It comes in fun colors!

Cup phone holder

As you might have noticed from a previous blog post, I tend to use my phone a lot for EV apps. This adjustable holder from Magnetic keeps my device in sight and secure. It also fits different size phones and attaches right to my cupholder. I like this one in particular, because I can still use the cupholder and I’m a woman who needs multiple hydration choices at all times.

Seatback storage pockets

I love these nylon organizers that slip over the front seat headrests to create some extra storage space. They’re perfect for masks, wipes, charging cords, and other small items I like to keep close by. I also have a pair of teenagers, so this version works well for us.

Heated seat cushion

If you already have seat warmers, congratulations! If not, you might want to check out this plug-in heated cushion from Wagan. It warms up in almost no time and keeps the seat toasty warm, so it’s perfect for those chilly morning commutes. It’s thinner than most heating pads, so it fits nicely into the car.

Full disclosure, I’m actually using these cushions in the back seat. And it’s not for my teenagers. It’s for me when I make the teenagers chauffeur me around.

Frunk organizer

There’s my favorite new word again…did you know that you can buy cool cargo dividers for this smaller storage area? They’re great for keeping items from sliding around in the front trunk. I can carry chargers, a first aid kit, emergency tools, and more while keeping the space neatly organized. I’m not including a specific recommendation, because the organizer you select will vary, depending on the model of EV you’re driving.

Frunk cooler

Like the previous EV car accessory, this cooler depends on your frunk size. This one is specifically designed for a Tesla but works great in my frunk (I realize this sounds borderline inappropriate, but that’s probably part of why I love the term so much).

First aid kit

It’s always nice to refresh this purchase if you’re blinging out your vehicle or just trying to stay prepared for anything. My preferred kit has everything I want.

You do you!

There are all types of clever gadgets and accessories made specifically for EVs that I’m still discovering. Do you have any you would recommend? Let me know your favorites!

Part of the fun of driving electric is geeking out over all the high-tech solutions that make charging, hauling, and tooling around town even smoother. Be sure to check out my recommendations and see what you think. It’s a fun and easy way to upgrade your EV!

If you want to learn more, please check out the other posts from my EV blog series.

E-mobily yours,
Bethany

EV and Convenience

Learn more about EV and convenience with new resources in the EV Hub.

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Remember the 1982 “Electric Avenue” song by Eddy Grant? Hopefully, you’ve heard it, or I just wasted a perfectly bad pun in my blog title.

And, if you’re not quite old enough to remember that song when it came out, maybe you recall the Electric Avenue that showed up in an ad for Montgomery Ward. For all you Millennials and younger generations, that was what “high-tech” looked like in the early 90s. But I digress…

We’re rocking down to electric app-enue for one primary reason. If there’s one thing you learn quickly after purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle (EV), it’s that mobile apps are a critical component of EV driving. In fact, you can choose from a wide range of EV-specific mobile apps to help make charging, route planning, and driving optimization much easier and more convenient. Here’s a look at some of the top apps I’m using.

EV Charging apps

Finding public charging stations and planning for longer trips is a lot easier with ev driver apps like PlugShare, ChargeHub, and ChargePoint. Each lets you map nearby charging stations, check real-time status, and filter by charger type and network. That helps take the guesswork out of charger availability so you can confidently get around. Popular navigation apps such as Google Maps and Apple Maps also now include EV charging locations.

Another handy app is Chargeway, which simplifies the different charging connectors with easy-to-understand color codes and graphics. No more confusion over charging formats like CCS, CHAdeMO, and J1772. Apps like EVmatch go a step further by allowing you to reserve charging stations ahead of time at select locations. I personally detest lines and waiting, which is why a reservation service for charging my EV is extremely appealing to me. Think of it as the OpenTable of charging apps!

Utility apps

Utility company apps like Pacific Power Energy Tracker can help you monitor your home EV charging usage and cost. You can see how your charging habits impact your energy bill while receiving customized alerts and tips. Some apps even allow you to schedule your EV charging session to take advantage of lower off-peak electricity rates.

Automaker apps

Your interest in these types of apps will obviously depend on what brand of EV you drive. Apps from EV makers like Audi, Tesla, and Nissan provide connected features directly through your car’s infotainment system. You can monitor your charge status, heating and cooling, and other items right from your phone. You can even track your driving efficiency, trip data, and service reminders. I’d recommend “test driving” a few automaker apps to get a better feel for what’s possible before you ever actually test drive a vehicle. The Audi app I use for my EV has some great features—including a mobile unlock feature, which has proved useful more times than I’d care to admit.

EV news and reviews

If you’re looking to stay up to date on the latest EV news, models, and tech innovations, start with web sites or EV driver apps like:

• Electric Vehicle World
• InsideEVs
• PushEVs
• Electrek
• CleanTechnica
• Charged Electric Vehicles Magazine
• HybridCars

These apps allow you to easily access EV-focused news, reviews, analysis, and commentary from leading outlets. You can read up on battery tech breakthroughs, new model unveilings, policy impacts, charging infrastructure growth, and more.

The more info, the better

As I’m writing this EV blog series, I especially like to watch product review videos and get insider industry analysis on key topics shaping the EV future—everything from charging networks to government regulations. Subscribing to a diverse set of EV news sources helps you get a comprehensive perspective on the major stories impacting the world of sustainable electric transportation.

There’s also this news outlet, this modest little blog where you can get practical EV advice from someone who knows very little about automobiles in general and who’s literally learning EV driving by the seat of my pants. Electric pants! (Now, I want actual electric pants, but that probably offsets the well-intentioned efforts of my EV driving.)

At the end of the day, the sheer variety of EV mobile apps is smoothing my transition to electric driving and making EV life much easier. Going electric opens up a whole new world—and high-tech convenience at your fingertips with mobile apps is a huge part of that experience.

If you want to learn more, please check out the other posts from my EV blog series.

E-mobily yours,
Bethany

EV and Convenience

Learn more about EV and convenience with new resources in the EV Hub.

Explore EV Hub