Imagine this: Filling up your gas tank takes just a few minutes just barely enough time to check your phone before you’re back on the road. Most of the time, you don’t even step inside the convenience store next to the pumps. The goal is simple: fill up quickly and get moving.
Charging an electric vehicle, however, is a different experience. For most drivers, a stop at a DC fast charger takes 20 to 30 minutes. That’s enough time to stretch your legs, grab a snack, use the restroom, and actually explore what the store has to offer.
That extra time? That’s the real opportunity for convenience stores.
Convenience stores thrive on speed and service: great coffee, fresh food, clean restrooms, and a friendly atmosphere. EV charging doesn’t change that model – it builds on it. Now, instead of a quick dash, your customers have the time to experience everything you do best.
Recent industry studies show a typical public DC fast-charging session lasts about 30 minutes. For a busy convenience store, that can add up to more than 90 hours of dwell time per charging port each month. That’s 90 hours when drivers are right there, beside your store, ready to discover what makes you special.
And the numbers back it up: A 2026 Paytronix report found that EV drivers spend much more in-store per visit than traditional gas customers. They’re also more engaged with loyalty programs. Studies from Consumer Reports and MIT found that installing chargers increases foot traffic and sales, especially for stores within easy walking distance of the plugs.
So, how do convenience stores actually make money from EV charging?
- Energy Sales: Drivers pay for the electricity they use. On busy routes, this can be a significant revenue stream. On quieter sites, it adds up over time.
- In-Store Spending: This is where the magic happens. Drivers waiting for a charge aren’t in a rush. They’re more likely to grab a coffee, try your fresh food, enjoy a cold drink, and appreciate your clean restrooms.
- New Customers: EV drivers plan their stops around charging stations. If your location is reliable, well-lit, and offers fast charging, you’ll become a preferred stop along the highway, not just a random option.
- Solar Power Potential: With solar canopies, you can generate your own energy, shade your customers, and support your chargers, all while reducing operating costs and showing a commitment to sustainability.
What makes a great EV charging experience on your lot?
- Speed: DC fast chargers (the kind that can add 20-80% charge in 20–30 minutes) are a must for highway travelers. Level 2 chargers just won’t cut it for people on the go.
- Accessibility: Make it easy for all drivers. Use chargers that support major connector types, like NACS and CCS – no one should have to hunt for the right plug.
- Amenities Matter: Shade, good lighting, security cameras, strong Wi-Fi, and clear signage all help. An app to reserve a stall or see store offers can make the experience even better. If the chargers are confusing or out of order, drivers won’t just leave — they’ll tell others to skip your store next time.
As Cory Jackson put it when Jacksons teamed up with OnPoint: EV owners appreciate innovation and already value the things convenience stores do best. The charger draws them in; your hospitality and offerings keep them coming back.
Worried about the complexity? That’s where OnPoint EV Solutions steps in. We handle the design, installation, and ongoing operation of the charging hub. You focus on running your store and welcoming new guests. There’s no upfront equipment cost, no need for your night staff to troubleshoot hardware or process refunds. Charging becomes a seamless amenity – not another hassle.
Want to make the most of EV charging?
- Put chargers front and center, easy to spot from the road, under a canopy, with a well-lit, inviting path to your door.
- Promote your food, drinks, and restrooms just like you do for every traveler.
- If your loyalty app can connect with the charging system for reservations and curbside pickup, even better.
Fuel habits are changing. The stores that treat EV charging as a chance to show off their strengths will win the loyalty and the time of a new generation of drivers. The ones who wait for the “perfect” moment may watch those customers choose the store down the road.
Curious what a top-tier, solar-powered DC fast charging site looks like? Visit one of our Jacksons locations powered by OnPoint EV, or let’s talk about bringing that experience to your store.
