7-Eleven plans on installing at least 500 EV Direct Current Fast Charging ports at 240 locations across the United States and Canada by the end of next year. The convenience store chain currently has just 22 charging stations at 14 locations, spread out across four states. Direct Current Fast Charging ports -- also known as DCFC ports -- allow electric vehicle drivers to charge their cars while out on the road. While the EV manufacturer many people are most likely familiar with is Tesla, the list of companies and Tesla competitors is growing.
Electric vehicles are powered by an electric motor, rather than relying on gasoline or diesel fuels like traditional cars. Due to this, EV drivers tend to have to deal with limits when it comes to charging the car, including how long a charge will last and finding a charging station when needed. The latter of which can be difficult if not driving a Tesla with its growing network of Supercharging stations.
7-Eleven is hoping that its planned increase in DCFC ports will encourage more people to use electric vehicles, since charging EVs will become more convenient. Announced in a press release, the current plan is to reach the expanded charging network goal by the end of 2022, at which point the chain will have one of the biggest EV charging systems in the country. Expanding the amount of DCFC ports it offers is just one part of 7-Eleven’s goal to help the environment. The convenience store chain also plans on reducing its CO2 emissions by 50-percent by 2030.
Why This Is A Smart 7-Eleven Move
With the chain's existing locations often strategically positioned with drivers in mind, and with more locations now expected to gain the new ports, it should become easier for drivers to charge their cars when on long road trips. In addition, by increasing the amount of DCFC ports, there will be extra motivation for people to use electric vehicles and that’s good for the environment in general, since it results in a decreased reliance on gas and diesel fuels.
It’s also likely to be a positive move for the company itself. As the change is likely to result in more people stopping at a 7-Eleven location to use the charging ports, it’s also more likely that they will enter the store and possibly make an additional purchase. That's on top of the revenue that the chain of stores will make from the 7-Eleven-owned electric vehicle charging ports.
Source: 7-Eleven