As a lack of infrastructure to support electric vehicles becomes an increasing problem, according to Green Car Reports, many are looking toward an untapped opportunity to expand access to charging stations: big-box stores and fast-food chains.
A new study from Consumer Reports looked at 270,000 retail locations operated by 75 major retail and fast-food chains, such as Costco, Ikea, Walmart, and Target, and found that only 1% offer EV charging, despite having expansive parking lots that could accommodate it.
That number represents only one out of every 14 big-box stores, one out of every 15 grocery stores, and one out of every 40 department stores. When it comes to fast food establishments, none of the companies surveyed offered charging at more than 1% of its locations. Of the stores that did offer EV charging, there was typically a slim selection of only two to five chargers.
Discount stores that are often found in more rural areas such as Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and
Five Below have made little to no investments in EV charging. With all of those brands making up almost 40,000 locations, a push to implement charging stations could make a big difference in rural access to EV charging.
Currently, Walmart has unveiled plans to launch its own charging network. With the company offering EV charging at just 1-10% of its stores, it could bring a huge change in terms of EV charging infrastructure.
