Consumer Reports recently conducted a study that revealed a significant lack of EV charging options at big-box stores and fast-food chains across the United States. Despite having large parking lots that could easily accommodate charging stations, only 1% of the 270,000 retail locations surveyed offered EV charging. The study found that even major chains like Costco, Ikea, Walmart, and Target had very limited charging options for electric vehicle owners.
Analysts discovered that even the locations that did offer charging typically only had two to five chargers available. Additionally, none of the major fast-food chains included in the study provided charging at more than 1% of their locations. Discount stores like Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Five Below were found to have made minimal investments in EV charging, despite having a large number of locations in rural areas that lack access to charging infrastructure.
Despite these findings, there have been some positive steps taken to improve EV charging accessibility. Walmart, for example, has announced plans to build its own EV fast-charging network, a significant improvement from its current average of only 1%-10% of locations offering EV chargers. Additionally, an association representing convenience stores has been advocating for EV charging in rural America, with 7-Eleven already in the process of establishing locations with fast-charging capabilities but no gas dispensers.
In Kentucky, lawmakers have introduced a bill that opposes the establishment of charging-only locations by convenience stores, indicating that there is still some debate surrounding the best approach to expanding EV charging infrastructure. Despite the challenges and limitations identified in the study, there is a clear need for increased investment in EV charging options at retail locations to support the growing number of electric vehicle owners across the country.
Efforts to Expand EV Charging Infrastructure
Walmart’s Charging Network Plans
Convenience Stores Association Advocacy
Legislation and Opposition in Kentucky
Challenges and Barriers to EV Charging Expansion
Limited Charging Options at Retail Locations
Lack of Investment by Discount Stores
Debate Surrounding Charging-only Locations
Impact on Electric Vehicle Adoption
Improving Accessibility and Convenience
Addressing Rural Communities’ Needs
Potential for Increased EV Sales
Future of EV Charging at Retail Locations
Opportunities for Collaboration and Innovation
Role of Policy and Regulation
Meeting the Growing Demand for EV Charging
Overall, the study highlights the urgent need for more investment in EV charging infrastructure at retail locations, especially at big-box stores and fast-food chains that have the potential to support a significant increase in electric vehicle adoption. By addressing the challenges and barriers identified in the study, and by continuing to push for policy changes and innovative solutions, it is possible to create a more accessible and convenient charging network that meets the needs of EV owners across the country.