Getting Started with EV Charging Stations

As the convenience store industry evolves, embracing trends like electric vehicle (EV) charging is becoming a strategic move for forward-thinking retailers. In the first article of this series, we explored why EV chargers are a game-changer, highlighting the growing adoption of electric vehicles, the benefits of attracting a new customer base, and how charging stations can create an additional revenue stream for stores. Now, we’re digging into the nuts and bolts of getting started—from deciding between leasing or owning to understanding your electrical capacity, choosing providers, and exploring the massive growth in EV charging infrastructure nationwide. We’ll also look at customer behavior and the range of financial incentives that can make your investment much more affordable.

One of the biggest proposed changes on the horizon is the FDA’s plan to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes and other combustible tobacco products. If this regulation moves forward, it could fundamentally change the tobacco industry by forcing manufacturers to alter their products. That means customers who smoke traditional cigarettes may not get the same nicotine satisfaction, which could lead them to seek alternatives—whether it’s vaping, nicotine pouches, or even illicit, unregulated tobacco products. For convenience stores, that presents a serious challenge. If customers no longer find value in the products they’ve relied on for years, tobacco sales could decline sharply. The concern isn’t just for small retailers; even large chains will have to grapple with shifting consumer behaviors and potentially declining sales in one of their most consistent product categories.

Leasing vs. Owning Charging Stations

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to lease or own your EV charging equipment. Each path offers advantages depending on your business size, goals, and financial strategy.

For many small or independent store owners, leasing is an attractive entry point. It generally comes with lower upfront costs, and the charging provider often handles installation, maintenance, and software updates. In many cases, the provider may also assume some risk by sharing revenue or offering a fixed monthly lease. This can be a great way to test the waters, particularly if you’re unsure how quickly your customer base will adopt EVs or how much usage you can expect.

Owning the equipment, on the other hand, gives you full control. That means you keep all the revenue generated by the charger, can choose the technology or network that best fits your needs, and potentially earn more over time. Ownership does involve higher upfront costs, but it also opens the door to tax credits and long-term profitability. If you’re confident about growing local EV adoption or already located along a high-traffic route, owning might be the smarter long game. For many retailers, leasing is a good starting point—with the option to buy down the line once the ROI becomes more clear.

Understanding Space and Electrical Requirements

Before making any commitments, it’s essential to assess whether your store has the right physical and electrical setup to support EV charging.

From a physical standpoint, EV charging stations need dedicated parking spots with good visibility and signage. Ideally, the spaces should be close to the storefront, easily accessible for all vehicle types, and available during all hours of operation. If you operate a location with a large lot, this can be an easy adjustment. But for stores with limited space, creative solutions—like converting underused spots or reworking drive paths—may be Necessary.

Electrical capacity is another big piece of the puzzle. Level 2 chargers, and especially DC fast chargers, require significant power—often more than a traditional retail building was designed to deliver. You’ll need to consult with a licensed electrician or engineer to evaluate whether your current infrastructure can support the chargers or if upgrades are required. Fortunately, many EV charging providers include site assessments as part of their installation package, giving you a clear roadmap before work begins.

Even if your site needs electrical upgrades, that shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.

There are often incentives available (which we’ll cover shortly), and the longterm upside can easily justify the initial Investment.

Partnering with EV Charging Providers

When it comes time to install chargers, working with a reliable EV charging provider can make all the difference. There’s a growing number of providers that offer full-service packages for convenience store settings, ranging from hardware to software, installation, maintenance, and data reporting.

Providers like ChargePoint, EVgo, Blink, and Electrify America all offer different approaches and pricing models. Some specialize in high-speed urban hubs, while others focus on rural or highway corridor locations. Many will handle permitting and help you navigate local zoning rules or utility coordination. Others offer insights into customer usage data, helping you understand who’s charging, how often, and what revenue you’re Generating.

The key is to find a partner who understands the convenience store business— not just the EV space. A provider who’s done installations for fuel retailers or c-stores before will know how to balance charging speed with parking turnover, signage placement, and in-store engagement Opportunities.

EV Charging Growth Across the Country

One of the biggest reasons to start looking at EV charging now is simple: it’s growing—fast. As of early 2025, there are more than 204,000 charging ports across the United States. That number is up dramatically from just a few years ago and shows no signs of slowing down.

Public investment is playing a huge role. The federal government, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is aiming to fund a national network of 500,000 chargers by 2030. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program alone is contributing billions of dollars toward this goal, targeting major travel corridors and underserved areas alike.

Private growth is accelerating too. Major charging providers and fuel retailers are racing to expand their footprints. In just the first quarter of 2024, nearly 600 new public fast-charging stations were added nationwide, bringing the total to more than 8,000. To put that into perspective, the U.S. now has one fast-charging station for every 15 gas stations—and that gap is closing fast.

The traditional fuel sector is getting involved as well. Shell announced plans to shut down 1,000 gas stations globally by 2030 to make room for EV infrastructure.

In the U.S., Pilot and Flying J have partnered with GM and EVgo to build 2,000 fast chargers across 500 travel centers, covering 25 states. These moves aren’t just about going green—they’re about adapting to a shift in how Americans Refuel.

If major oil brands and truck stop chains are betting on EVs, there’s a strong case for c-store operators to get ahead of the curve now rather than playing catch-up Later.

Turning EV Charging Into a Competitive Advantage

Adding EV chargers to your store does more than help you keep pace—it creates a unique selling point. With the right strategy, chargers can turn your location into a destination, driving foot traffic and increasing customer dwell time.

EV drivers tend to stay on-site much longer than traditional fuel customers, especially when using Level 2 chargers. That means they have time to shop, relax, and engage with your store. While a customer might only spend three minutes pumping gas, EV drivers might spend 20 to 40 minutes waiting for a charge. That creates a golden opportunity to boost in-store sales.

Customers charging their vehicles often browse aisles, buy snacks, grab drinks, or even linger over coffee. Studies show that the average EV customer spends about $1 per minute in-store during a charge—translating to $20 to $40 per visit. Many of these customers also fall into higher-income brackets and are more likely to seek out stores with amenities like Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, and eco-friendly branding.

By advertising your charging capabilities on EV charging apps and local directories— and offering subtle promotions or loyalty perks for charging customers—you can attract a whole new type of shopper and build long-term relationships. Incentives and Funding Opportunities Despite the appeal, installing EV charging infrastructure isn’t cheap. The good news is that there are plenty of incentives to help offset costs.

At the federal level, businesses can tap into the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit. This program offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of installing EV charging equipment, up to $100,000 per charger. Eligibility depends on location and whether you meet specif ic wage and apprenticeship requirements during installation. If your site qualifies, this credit alone can cut a substantial chunk off your total investment.

Federal funding through the NEVI program also helps cover up to 80% of total project costs, including hardware, labor, utility work, and software. While this funding is often directed toward highway corridors, regional programs tied to NEVI funds may be open to convenience stores in high-traffic areas or underserved Communities.

On the state level, many governments offer rebates or tax credits to encourage EV infrastructure development. In Georgia, for instance, store owners may receive an extra 10% back on installation costs, with a cap of $2,500. In California and New York, programs can provide rebates or grants of tens of thousands of dollars—depending on location and charger type.

Utility companies are also key players. Many electric utilities offer their own incentive programs, which can include per-connector rebates, load-sharing assistance, or even full project support for infrastructure upgrades. Partnering with your utility early in the planning process can uncover hidden resources and reduce the risk of unexpected costs. For many store owners, combining these incentives—federal, state, and utility—can make EV charging far more affordable than it might appear on paper.

Understanding EV Customer Behavior

Understanding your customers is always good business—and EV drivers behave in ways that convenience store owners can really benefit from.

Unlike gas customers, who typically stop, fuel up, and leave within minutes, EV drivers tend to linger. Charging sessions can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the charger and how much charge the driver needs. During that time, they’re often looking for specifsomething to do—and that usually means stepping inside the store.

This extended dwell time has been linked to higher spending. Retailers with EV chargers have reported significant increases in basket size, with EV customers spending as much as $30 to $40 per visit. That’s not just because they’re waiting—they’re often more affluent, more brand-conscious, and more likely to respond to promotions or in-store Experiences.

To make the most of that behavior, stores can offer Wi-Fi, clean and accessible restrooms, coffee lounges, or even simple seating areas near large windows. Small touches go a long way. You can also tailor your marketing—for example, offering in-store discounts tied to a charging session or running app-based loyalty rewards that encourage return visits. What’s clear is that EV drivers don’t just represent a growing slice of the driving population—they represent a golden opportunity to build long-term, high-value customer relationships.

Looking Ahead

EV adoption is accelerating, and the infrastructure to support it is growing just as fast. For convenience store owners, this presents both a challenge and a unique opportunity. Whether you choose to lease or own your chargers, upgrade your electrical capacity, or take advantage of the wide array of available incentives, integrating EV charging into your store is a smart, future-ready move.

As the landscape shifts, stores that act now will be well-positioned to serve the next generation of drivers—while increasing foot traffic, building customer loyalty, and staying ahead of the competition.

Stay tuned for the next article in this series, where we’ll explore how to maximize the return on your EV charging investment—from pricing models to marketing strategies and data-driven operations.