How modern gas stations attract more customers with electric car chargers

Despite the simple name, gas stations usually offer drivers more than just a simple pump to fill the tank. Additional services such as an extensive car wash, ordering freshly baked sandwiches or a cup of hot coffee, relaxation (toilets) and even small food markets are some of the standard expectations of today's visitors.

Summary:

Petrol stations are constantly finding new ways to adapt their services to the ever-changing needs of customers.

Secondly, it is not surprising that more gas station owners are adjusting to the rapid growth in electricity by installing fast charging stations for electric vehicles.

With millions of electric vehicles on the streets of the modern world (and a growing trend), the need for a proper fast charging infrastructure has never been greater. However, many charging station owners will agree that giving EV drivers the ability to charge their electric vehicles would probably be a great investment for the future, but it also sounds expensive and complicated.

Is this EV charging, and is it really something retailers should be thinking about now?

This article explains why electric vehicle charging stations are attracting more and more customers today.

Drivers of electric vehicles want to charge them at gas stations 

Electric vehicle charging and charging stations may seem contradictory at first. In particular, one of the main advantages of electric vehicles is the ability to charge the car where it is parked, eliminating the need to use charging stations.

Most EV drivers charge their cars at home or at the office during business hours, but that doesn't mean they don't want to charge elsewhere.

Indeed, our study shows that 29% of EV drivers already regularly charge their cars at charging stations, and another 21% would be willing to do so if such an option existed.

This is especially important as, as the the number of motorists using charging stations is on the rise. It takes several hours to fully charge an electric car through a conventional charging station, usually located in a house or apartment. Fast charging stations (continuous current), in contrast, are designed to reduce this time to a few minutes.

These commercial fast chargers are the ideal solution when drivers on the road are looking for a quick refill, and gas stations are often ideal for that need.

Benefit from Opportunistic Charging Behavior 

When driving a conventional car, drivers usually fill up the tank when approaching point E or in preparation for a long trip. Drivers do not stop at gas stations to refuel if there is still enough fuel in the tank.

However, since electricity is readily available, the charging operation is different from traditional refueling.

Instead, it can be compared to how people charge their cell phones.As a rule, they want their mobile phone to be 100% charged at the beginning of the day, and it is good if this indicator is about 70%. However, if that number drops below that price, many of us might start to consider plugging in a fast charger if the opportunity presents itself.

As with mobile phones and other electrical devices, people want to keep their car batteries fully charged. Because it's human nature to worry about range, EV drivers prefer to charge their cars before they're empty. Therefore, if EV drivers find an EV charging station on the road, they will want to take advantage of this opportunity.

Get discovered by new customers who want to charge 

A list of public charging stations is posted online, creating a unique opportunity for new customers to find your business while on the road or planning a long trip.

Electric vehicle charging stations are attracting new customers by allowing commercial fast charging stations to be displayed on various online charging platforms and apps, as well as on Google and Apple maps.

Take a look at the results of the popular Google search and see for yourself. Wouldn't it be great if your business was on this map too?

Stand out with electric vehicle charging stations 

Fast charging stations come in all shapes and sizes, but tend to be quite large. It's important to note that this is not bad. Of course, large fast charging stations are needed to provide the higher power required for fast charging, but as an added bonus, such stations stand out (even if the car passes through the object at high speed).

Electric vehicle drivers will not only be able to find their way to your facility, but also attract non-electric vehicle drivers.

In fact, installing an electric vehicle charging station is not just about providing a service. This is a statement that your business is future-oriented and recognizes the need to combat climate change.

As the world faces environmental challenges, consumer awareness is higher than ever. While many governments and organizations are focusing on various sustainability initiatives, more and more consumers are looking for companies that align with their personal visions and values.

Nearly eight out of ten consumers surveyed by IBM say that sustainability is important to them. According to our research, 62% of the general population (including those who do not drive electric vehicles) consider it important to reduce CO2 emissions from transport, and 61% of potential electric vehicle drivers believe that those who drive electric vehicles are environmentally friendly. 

So having an electric vehicle charging station at your service station is something many customers would like to see, even if they don't (yet) own an electric vehicle.

Either way, it shows that your business is ready for the future and supports efforts to reduce CO2 emissions by providing sufficient and necessary charging infrastructure.

Your Existing Customers Already Drive Electric Vehicles (or Will Soon) 

Did you know that 38% of current EV owners still own conventional natural gas vehicles? If you can afford it, try a new way of driving before you completely abandon your usual ways of driving.

This means that a customer who stops by your gas station today to fill up may have an electric car.

And even if they don't own an electric car yet, many customers may still be considering one. According to our research, 40% of potential EV drivers said that the fear of not being able to charge the car where it is needed is the main reason for not buying an EV. Another 30% said they would not buy an electric car due to too long charging times.

As the establishment of adequate fast charging infrastructure is now a top priority for many countries, and as charging stations around the world enter this growing market, these issues are expected to be resolved soon.

Companies like yours are helping to change that mindset, reassure (potential) customers, and expand the offering with a new range of services that meet the needs of tomorrow.

Learn more about EV charging for fuel retailers

The use of electrification means more than attracting and retaining customers at charging stations. Providing electric vehicle charging stations could mean additional sales opportunities, trade in commercial vehicle charging and increased public awareness.