Several gas stations are renovating to attract EV drivers with spare time

Phillip Stafford has fully embraced electric vehicles. After driving a Tesla for two years, he says returning to gasoline cars is unthinkable, especially given the money he saves on fuel. His role as a crisis counselor keeps him traveling throughout Richmond, Virginia, and he charges his car frequently, which has made him selective about where he plugs in.

On a cool fall day, Stafford had his Model 3 charging at a Sheetz station. A Wawa sandwich wrapper on the seat hinted at his taste preferences, but when it comes to speed, Sheetz wins. "It has more watts, so it charges faster," he said. The choice of where to spend 20 minutes topping up reveals a bigger shift among fuel retailers.

For decades, chains like Wawa, Sheetz, and Loves Travel Stops dictated when and where drivers refueled. As electric vehicles gain popularity, these companies are adapting by offering charging stations. Yet the real challenge goes beyond electricityretailers must turn the waiting time into profitable visits. Selling power alone isnt enough; snacks and amenities drive revenue.

Wawa and Sheetz are leading the way. These Pennsylvania-based chains have installed hundreds of chargers and maintain loyal customer bases. Their made-to-order sandwiches, wide snack selections, and clean restrooms have long attracted travelers, and now EV drivers too. The focus is shifting from cheapest fuel to best charging experience.

Many current gas stations arent inviting for 15 to 30 minutes of waiting, said Scott Hardman of UC Davis. The future could see them become coffee shops or cafes where people actually want to spend time. Wawa and Sheetz have been experimenting with what selling electricity looks like, with projections suggesting EVs could make up 26% of U.S. cars by 2035 and 65% of sales by 2050.

Wawa offers over 210 chargers, while Sheetz has more than 650 at 95 locations, logging over 2 million sessions. Clean facilities and menu highlights, such as Wawas turkey-stuffed Gobbler and Sheetzs deep-fried Big Mozz, have earned them top satisfaction ratings. Both brands see EV charging as an extension of their existing food-and-fuel model.

New York resident John Baiano, who owns two Tesla Model Ys, appreciates Wawas amenities. I use the bathroom, maybe grab a snack, he said. Charging has become seamless.

Most public chargers remain in inconvenient locations, like parking garages or far corners of shopping centers. Tesla dominates with Superchargers, while Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint provide another 2530% of fast chargers. Chains like Loves, Pilot Flying J, and Buc-ees are following Wawa and Sheetz, adding chargers alongside gas pumps.

Security, lighting, and 24/7 access are key priorities for EV drivers. Reliability is also critical, as drivers increasingly expect functioning stations. Ryan McKinnon of the Charge Ahead Partnership sees fuel retailers as ideal sites because they already have suitable locations and amenities.

Installing a quick charger can exceed $100,000, with ongoing utility costs and limited direct revenue. EVgo reported under $12,000 per stall annually. Profitability depends on encouraging in-store spending, similar to gas stations where most profits come from food and beverages. MIT research found EV chargers increase customer spending by 1%, covering 11% of installation costs.

Government incentives, such as the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, have supported charging infrastructure expansion, especially in underserved areas. However, the 2024 Trump administration briefly paused the $5 billion NEVI program, which has since resumed but is expected to conclude by 2026. Recommendations favor building chargers near major fuel retailers.

Some smaller chains are hesitant, but companies like Sheetz continue investing in EV charging. Despite growing adoption, about 80% of charging occurs at home. Home-focused providers offer slower, affordable Level 2 chargers for apartments or garages.

Charles Gerena, a local EV advocate, rarely uses public chargers but notices increased availability during longer trips. Reliability outweighs brand loyalty: If a charger has poor ratings, I avoid it, no matter the station.

Retailers are learning that snacks and sandwiches alone are insufficient. Success in the EV era requires reliable chargers and an inviting environment to keep drivers coming back.

Author's Commentary: The Future of EV Charging at Retail Stations

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has led to significant shifts in the fueling industry, with fuel retailers such as Sheetz and Wawa leading the way in adapting their infrastructure to meet the needs of a new generation of drivers. As EV adoption accelerates, these companies are discovering that success depends not just on providing electricity but also on creating a comfortable and convenient environment for drivers. In essence, the focus is no longer on the cheapest fuel, but on delivering the best charging experience. This change marks the beginning of a larger trend, as traditional gas stations transform into multi-functional service centers where amenities like snacks, clean restrooms, and fast food offer new ways to drive customer loyalty.

While Tesla's Superchargers remain the dominant network, the challenge now lies in expanding public charging stations that not only meet technical requirements but also ensure reliability and comfort. For many EV owners, the ability to quickly charge their vehicles while enjoying the convenience of rest areas or food offerings has become just as important as the technical aspects of the charging infrastructure itself. This change is critical, especially as EV penetration continues to grow.

Retailers that can adapt to these changing consumer needs will see long-term success. The evolving role of EV charging stations demonstrates a pivotal point in the transformation of the retail fueling industry, one where service and experience, not just power, will define the future of refueling.

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• Some gas stations are revamping to attract EV drivers with time to kill