What is an EV Charging Station at a Convenience Store?

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, convenience store owners are looking for new ways to attract customers and boost revenue. So, what is an EV charging station at a convenience store? In simple terms, it’s a dedicated device installed on your property that supplies electricity to recharge plug-in vehicles while drivers shop, fuel up, or grab a bite12. EV charging stations are quickly transforming c-stores from quick stops into destination hubs for today’s tech-savvy, eco-conscious drivers.

Simple Definition

An EV charging station at a convenience store is a piece of equipment that provides electrical power for recharging electric vehicles, including battery electric cars and plug-in hybrids12. These stations can be AC (Level 2) chargers, which take a few hours to fully charge a vehicle, or DC fast chargers, which can top up a battery in as little as 20–40 minutes134. The charging station is usually installed in the parking lot, making it easy for drivers to plug in and charge up while visiting your store.

Visual Layout and Customer Flow

The layout of an EV charging station at a convenience store is designed for easy access and smooth customer flow. Chargers are typically placed near the entrance or in designated parking spots close to the store, with clear signage and plenty of room for vehicles to maneuver54. For most passenger cars, a simple pull-in or back-in parking spot works best. If you want to serve larger vehicles or those towing trailers, a pull-through layout may be needed5.

Here’s how the typical customer flow works:

• Arrival: The EV driver pulls into a marked charging spot, often near the store entrance.
• Plug-In: The driver connects their vehicle to the charger and starts the charging session, usually via a mobile app or payment terminal.
• Dwell Time: While the vehicle charges, the customer heads inside to shop, grab food, or use other amenities. Charging times can range from 20 minutes (fast chargers) to several hours (Level 2), so customers often spend more time in-store compared to gas customers634.
• Departure: Once charging is complete, the customer unplugs and drives away, making room for the next EV.

This setup not only increases foot traffic but also encourages longer visits and higher in-store spending6374.

Why Add EV Charging to Your C-Store?

• Attract new customers: EV drivers often plan routes based on charging station locations, so your store becomes a preferred stop678.
• Increase dwell time and sales: Charging takes longer than fueling, so customers spend more time in your store, leading to more purchases348.
• Create new revenue streams: You can charge fees for electricity, offer premium charging speeds, or bundle charging with store promotions78.
• Enhance your brand: Offering EV charging signals a commitment to sustainability, attracting eco-conscious shoppers and improving your store’s reputation37.

For more on the business case, see resources about the benefits of installing EV chargers in convenience stores and the cost of EV charging station installation in small retail environments.

What to Consider Before Installing

• Charger type: Level 2 chargers are common for longer stops, while DC fast chargers are best for quick top-ups134.
• Power supply: Assess your site’s electrical capacity and plan for any needed upgrades91011.
• Site design: Ensure easy access, ADA compliance, and enough space for vehicles to park and charge safely54.
• Installation costs: Expect costs to vary widely, from $3,000–$20,000 per Level 2 charger to $50,000 or more for each DC fast charger, depending on your site and local requirements101211.
• Permitting and incentives: Check local regulations and look for grants, rebates, or utility programs to offset installation expenses1011.

Call to Action

Ready to future-proof your business and tap into new revenue streams? Download the EV Revolution Career Guide for C-Stores below and get your step-by-step printable playbook and assessment toolkit for becoming an EV-ready, future-proof employee or manager in the electrified convenience store industry.

Optional Enhancements for This Topic

• Add an infographic or diagram showing ideal EV charger placement and customer flow in a c-store parking lot.
• Create a short explainer video demonstrating how easy it is for customers to charge and shop.
• Share real-world case studies from c-stores that have successfully added EV charging.

By understanding what an EV charging station at a convenience store is and how it works, you can position your business as a go-to destination for the growing number of EV drivers—and boost your bottom line in the process.