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.

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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.

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Norway has been a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with EVs making up the majority of new car sales throughout the country in recent years. But its rapid transition as an early adopter has also surfaced some foundational challenges that can provide useful lessons for the rest of the world.

One big issue cropping up in Norway is the capacity constraints on the electrical power grid. With thousands of new EVs hitting the roads, the grid is getting overloaded in some areas of the country. It turns out that Norway’s electrical grid was never built to handle large clusters of EVs charging at peak times. And upgrading the infrastructure turns out to be extremely expensive and time-consuming.

In other words, it sounds like the same issues facing every other country. This challenge shows the importance of coordinating EV charging habits and infrastructure growth as adoption scales up. Smart charging technology can help by shifting charging to off-peak hours. But strategic planning and investment are also needed to avoid bottlenecks like Norway is encountering.

Range anxiety and how to manage it

Norwegian drivers face the same psychological challenge as most new EV drivers: “range anxiety.” Despite most drivers not needing to travel more than 200 miles (322 km) per day, the fear of running out of battery charge while driving persists. Even though range keeps improving, consumer education is still essential to overcoming deeply ingrained fears. And even with education, each driver must better understand how their own unique driving style impacts charge consumption.

For instance, I’ve been driving my EV for a little over six months now. I still face range anxiety, but it’s greatly diminished mostly due to familiarity:

• I have a better understanding of charging options in the greater metropolitan area where I live (thanks to many good EV charger location apps). Stay tuned—we’ll explore this topic more in my next blog post.
• My driving style of “pedal to the metal” has shifted to “glide for a smooth ride.” Sorry, that’s the best rhyme I could come up with. My point is, I now have a better feel for how to maximize the driving range of my vehicle.

I will say, however, the panic from trying to make it to a charging location when you see the mileage ticking down feels a lot like the old-school panic of exiting the freeway and hoping you can coast into the c-store gas station as your needle hits the big “E.” So…maybe it’s also a slightly nostalgic feeling?

Unintended consequences

On top of the power grid challenges, Norway’s public transportation system is also being impacted. As more commuters switch to EVs, public transit ridership has declined. This puts a financial strain on transit agencies that rely on fare revenue. Reduced ridership also makes routes less productive, creating a downward spiral. That unintended result can reduce the overall benefit of having people switch to EVs.

These growing pains in Norway illustrate two essential points about the global energy transition. First, we’ll need to make major investments and upgrades to our power grids, charging networks, and related infrastructure. And second, it will involve fundamentally changing consumer perceptions and habits around transportation.

Here in the United States, we’re still in the early stages of EV adoption. But automakers, government agencies, and the convenience industry are already working to get ahead of the curve, rather than playing catch-up. There are several initiatives underway to modernize power grids, install more public chargers, and launch consumer education campaigns.

Suffice to say that the shift to EVs is an enormous undertaking, but Norway continues to show it can be done with the right coordination and strategic planning. As more drivers discover the convenience and benefits of EVs, momentum will continue building. And hopefully we can learn from pioneering countries like Norway as we drive toward a cleaner transportation 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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We asked several PDI business leaders to share their predictions on the potential impact of the energy transition and EVs across the convenience retail industry.  

Here’s what they had to say about global EV industry trends in 2024. 

A wider range of energy offerings 

“For convenience retailers, the acceleration of EV adoption will necessitate major changes. Success will require serving both ICE and EV consumers for decades and pivoting to becoming an energy provider offering a range of fuels, including electric charging, other renewable options, and, yes, even gasoline.” – Bethany Allee, SVP, Marketing and Education

Read more from Bethany in her EV blog series. 

The c-store as a destination 

“Retailers already winning at foodservice understand the c-store as a destination, which we’ve seen with success first in the highly competitive European and Asian markets and now throughout North America. The need to prioritize additional amenities beyond fuel will continue as c-stores cement their relevance to consumers of all kinds, no matter if they’re driving internal combustion engine, electric, or other types of vehicles.” - Justin Baxley, Vice President, Retail Product Management

Hear more from Justin in the Trends webinar. 

Investment in new infrastructure 

“Although a completely electric driving future may be decades away, retailers and wholesalers should start preparing to better serve their customers who are increasingly adopting EVs. Many large c-store operators have already begun investing in new infrastructure with an emphasis on charging stations to meet this evolving demand.” – Patrick De Haan, Head of Petroleum Analysis at GasBuddy, a PDI company  

The need for leaner operations 

“The best way to navigate economic and geopolitical uncertainty and prepare for the energy transition is to run lean operations. Marketing—especially loyalty marketing—will play an integral role in ensuring that any investments into foodservice, EV charging stations, hydrogen pumps, or other innovations reach consumers where they are while building brand affinity to help retailers remain relevant in the new era of convenience.” – Dimitra Farou, Regional Marketing Manager, EMEA/APAC  

The advantage of real estate 

“This is a very unique moment in time for our industry. C-stores have much more leverage than we think because they have the real estate. And what doesn’t exist in EV charging is real estate. The risk c-stores run is that the consumer you have today who switches to an EV may not be your consumer tomorrow if you don’t have the infrastructure they want because someone else is built to do it.” – Drew Lipsher, Energy Transition Senior Advisor 

Demand for more sustainable options 

“As the energy movement continues, retailers are in the unique position to get ahead and embrace the challenge. When we think about it from a sustainability lens, we know that the interest and demand for more sustainable choices continues to be important. These concepts go hand in hand with how retailers can leverage EV trends while thinking through sustainability goals.” – Maryann Michela, Senior Director, Products and Operations

Learn more about PDI Sustainability Solutions. 

Convergence of EV drivers and c-store shoppers 

“The EV ecosystem has a long road ahead of it to reach maturity. Many bottlenecks must be overcome as it matures, from raw material sourcing to car batteries, power grid reliability, and more. As the reality of these challenges surfaces, some regulatory pressure and even the level of demand has cooled a bit. But we all know that this transformation is going to progress. To charge new electric vehicles, everyone from retailers to technology providers to utilities is stepping up to the challenge and innovating. Investment continues to pour into public charging infrastructure, with convenience retailers playing a critical role in this evolution, so we’ll see business models soon reflect the convergence of an EV driver with a c-store shopper.” – Jay Warner, VP, Strategy and Corporate Development

Hear more from Jay in his Energy Transition video. 

Continued consolidation across the globe 

“Expect to see continued consolidation across the globe in 2024 as successful convenience retailers accelerate the growth of their footprint and consumer base. Pay particular attention to the energy transition, as market leaders of various sizes start to scale for EVs while maintaining their fuel operations to serve the majority of drivers in the foreseeable future.” – Thomas Wightman, SVP, Strategy and Corporate Development 

In the ever-evolving landscape of transportation and fuels, one trend is accelerating at an electrifying pace—the rise in electric vehicle (EV) sales. Although the growth is substantial, and the emphasis on the coming energy transition is certainly important, the reality is that internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are king and will remain so for the foreseeable future. 

Today, only about 1% of vehicles on the road are electric, although a recent GasBuddy survey revealed that 39% of respondents said they are more interested in owning an EV than they were last year. As retailers and consumers alike consider the balance between investments in petroleum and electricity, the question arises: What’s the future of fuel? 

The state of fuel today 

Looking back at the last several years of fuel sales reveals the ever-changing dynamics facing the petroleum industry. Record high gasoline prices in 2022 and increased political desire to invest in new technologies have combined to accelerate interest in transitioning to cleaner energy. However, recent decreases after 2022’s record-setting gasoline prices could slow the pace of EV adoption. Consumers’ desire to wait for new battery technologies, such as solid-state batteries, could also slow the pace of adoption. 

Gas stations have been an iconic fixture on American roads for decades, and there are currently over 150,000 in the US alone. Many stations have begun to adopt EV infrastructure and charge points, but compared to the over 350 million gallons of motor fuel consumed in the US every day, it’s clear that the bulk of EV charging currently happens at home for most EV drivers. While many are looking to EVs as an immediate, sustainable solution, the infrastructure to support long-range electric travel remains fragmented. That factor, both in the near and long term, is where the convenience store comes into play. 

What’s next for fuel and EV adoption? 

As we look toward the future of fuel, EVs will play an integral role. There’s no doubt that EV adoption is growing—in some states, we’ve seen an increase in EV ownership of over 400% since 2018, and approximately 7% of new vehicle sales are now electric (source: Cox Automotive). 

By 2035, about 45% of new car sales could be electric, according to a recent industry analysis (projections based on PDI estimates and IEA’s Announced Pledges Scenario). At this rate, nearly half of the cars on the road would be electric by 2050. When you consider the 350 million gallons of fuel currently sold in the US in just one day, 45 to 50% of that total certainly makes a large impact. 

With such rapid market changes, what else can we expect as EVs increasingly enter the picture? 

• Effects on gasoline demand: It will be a gradual process, but increased EV adoption does have the potential to affect the way we consume petroleum products. The future of batteries is constantly changing, with manufacturers also introducing PHEVs that are electric but also can fall back to gasoline to charge the vehicle’s battery. 
• Policy changes: We’ve already seen a strong focus on sustainability and EV policy on the federal level, and in some states bans on ICE vehicle production are already in place. Policy will be a huge factor when it comes to EVs, providing businesses with more opportunity and financial assistance to develop EV charging infrastructure. 
• Evolving retailer strategy: As more convenience stores adopt EV charging and invest in new infrastructure, we’ll see shifts in strategy, particularly in stores. While the average fuel customer spends less than five minutes filling up, an opportunity presents itself to re-invent the convenience store to cater to electric vehicle owners with longer dwell times. 

How to prepare 

Although a completely electric driving future may be decades away, retailers and wholesalers should start preparing to better serve their customers who are increasingly adopting EVs. Many large c-store operators have already begun investing in new infrastructure with an emphasis on charging stations to meet this evolving demand. 

To thrive in this rapidly evolving environment, companies within the fuel industry must embrace change, invest in innovation, and pivot toward solutions that serve their customers’ evolving needs. Those who recognize this and adapt accordingly will be best positioned for success in the years to come. 

I recently attended the launch of an exciting new event for the convenience industry: ReFuelForum USA 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. This inaugural forum focused on the transformation of fuel retail in light of trends like electrification, automation, and changing consumer demands. It brought together retailers, technology providers, and other stakeholders to talk about strategy for the fueling stations of the future.

The day started with an interesting electric vehicle (EV) twist as your favorite EV newbie forgot to plug in and charge her vehicle, so she had a maximum driving range of 130 miles. The distance from my house to the conference hotel is 55 miles, so a round trip is 110 miles. This means 20 miles of buffer—but most of the driving is freeway (remember, not all EV miles are the same, and freeway driving burns the miles faster). I would likely need to charge at some point during the day in order to make the trip back home.

When I pulled up to the hotel, I asked, “Do you have an EV charger?” To which they replied, “The car using our fast charger just left, so it’s available!” Big thanks to Hyatt for prioritizing that service for its guests! I could now enjoy the event without having to divest mindshare on creating a plan to get enough charge to make it back home.

Public Service Announcement: Always double check that your vehicle is plugged in and charging if you need to make a significant trip the next day.

Conference Chair Kevin Fowler, Chief Client Officer at Impact 21, kicked off the event with a warm welcome and quickly transitioned us right into the meat of why we were all there: to learn about innovations and initiatives impacting our industry and hear from thought leaders and best-in-class practitioners.

One insightful presentation came from PDI’s Jay Warner. As our VP of Strategy and Corporate Development, Jay shared research and insights around the growth of EVs and their monumental impact on the convenience ecosystem.

Here are some key statistics Jay shared:

• EVs currently make up nearly 8% of new car sales in the US and are expected to reach approximately 15% by 2025.
• Over 40 EV models are currently available in the US.
• EVs could become the majority of vehicles on the road by the mid-2040s.
• Public charge points in the US are expected to grow from approximately 100,000 today to 1 million by 2030—and 5 million by 2040.

Based on these forecasts, Jay also emphasized these key takeaways:

• EVs are just one of several paths to decarbonizing fuels used in transportation—many parallel paths will be required.
• Even with rapid EV adoption, households will be “mixed fleet” for decades, including EVs, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, and hybrids.
• The industry must still overcome bottlenecks in the EV value chain, including charging availability, raw materials availability, and social justice factors, among many others.
• Despite the anticipated long timeline and potential bottlenecks, EV charging remains a significant opportunity for retailers.

For convenience retailers, the acceleration of EV adoption will necessitate major changes. Success will require serving both ICE and EV consumers for decades, pivoting to becoming an energy provider offering a range of fuels, including electric charging, other renewable options, and, yes, even gasoline.

Jay outlined five key strategies to help retailers ensure their EV readiness:

1. Monitor the rate of EV adoption in your particular region.
2. Ensure that any new store locations you build are EV-ready.
3. Take advantage of funding from federal, state, and local levels, such as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula program. Check available funding for your state here.
4. Experiment with different business models for EV charging.
5. When you’re committed to EV charging, invest in a complete end-to-end EV charging consumer experience.

With these preparations, c-stores can be ready to serve their customers’ needs before and as they arrive, thus building loyalty and increasing site visits. To borrow a sports metaphor, leaning into electrification early allows retailers to play offense rather than defense.

Jay finished with an inspiring recommendation for convenience stores to focus on the endless opportunities created by the “journey” of the energy transition rather than the end state itself. As I’ve often thought, c-stores stand to become the “Town Centers” of the future—vibrant community hubs offering EV charging, alternative energy sources, food and beverages, Wi-Fi, parcel delivery, and more modern mobility services.

I’m personally very excited to support the convenience industry as it evolves to better serve consumers through the energy transition and specifically with EV.

As Jay stated during his session, “Customer needs are changing quickly. Adapting to meet these needs is an enormous opportunity if you’re ready to seize it.”

In case you missed the previous posts in this EV series, you can check them out here:

• I’m Not an EV Expert, But I Play One on TV
• Before You Buy an EV: The Research I Should Have Done
• Learning about Your New EV While Trying Not to Feel Stupid
• How I Ended Up Charging My EV on My Chicken Coop
• What I Learned from Having to Charge My EV on My Chicken Coop

E-mobily yours,
Bethany

EV and Convenience

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

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If you’ve been following along with my EV journey on this blog, mea culpa! I know I left you hanging for a while with my last blog post. What can I say…it’s been a couple of crazy-busy months. So, back to the chicken coop story.

When I first bought my EV, I was excited to switch to clean transportation but underestimated how much planning and preparation I needed to do. Like many new EV owners, I didn’t have a proper home charging solution set up when I drove my new car off the lot. So, when my battery started running low after a day of driving around town, I knew I had to get creative.

Not wanting to waste time finding a public charging station, I decided to run an extension cord from my home’s electrical panel out to the car. The only place long enough to reach was right over the top of my chicken coop! So that’s how my shiny new EV ended up plugged in next to my feathery friends for its first overnight charge.

While this unorthodox charging solution worked for that first day, I quickly realized it wasn’t a sustainable (pun intended) plan. The limited amperage from my household outlet combined with the length of the extension cord meant that charging took F-O-R-E-V-E-R! And when my husband also needed to drive somewhere the next day, we simply didn’t have enough range between charges to cover both of our driving needs.

The first thing the next morning, I called a local electrician to install a proper 240-volt, high-amperage charging station in our garage. The peace of mind of having a fast, reliable home charger is well worth the investment for any EV owner. And my chickens were happy to have their coop back!

The lesson here is that while it’s exciting to join the EV revolution, you have to plan ahead for how you’ll charge your EV. Don’t be like me and wait until you desperately need a charge before you figure out your charging solution. Take the time to understand your options and make sure you’re set up for home, workplace, and/or public charging before you hit the road electric.

Transitioning to a hybrid future

Now that I’ve sorted out my home charging situation, I’ve been following the latest EV industry news closely. One recent story that caught my interest highlighted the major shift happening with hybrid vehicles.

Hybrids that combine gas and electric power have been around for years, but recent high gas prices have automakers focusing more on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). These PHEVs allow drivers to charge a larger battery from an outlet, giving them 20 to 50 miles of all-electric range before the gas engine kicks in.

For drivers who aren’t ready to go fully electric, PHEVs provide a nice transitional option. You can drive emissions-free for your regular short commuting and errands, while still having the gas backup for longer trips or emergencies. And charging at home is much cheaper than paying for gas, saving you money as well as lowering emissions.

Even some long-time holdouts like Toyota are now getting on board with PHEVs, announcing new plug-in versions of popular models like the Prius and noting that the top-selling car in the US will be hybrid-only. This shows that hybrids are likely to play an increasingly important role as we shift away from fossil fuel transportation. If you drive moderate daily mileage, PHEVs provide a way to take advantage of electric driving without having to suffer from range anxiety.

As more of these partially electrified options hit the market alongside longer-range EVs, they’ll help ease the transition to a cleaner transportation future. I for one am happy to see the auto industry responding to demand and giving drivers more choices. Just remember to install your high-voltage outlet before you end up having to charge off a chicken coop!

In case you missed the previous posts in this EV series, you can check them out here:

• I’m Not an EV Expert, But I Play One on TV
• Before You Buy an EV: The Research I Should Have Done
• Learning about Your New EV While Trying Not to Feel Stupid
• How I Ended Up Charging My EV on My Chicken Coop

E-mobily yours,
Bethany

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