The Future of Gas Stations and Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles are gaining in availability and popularity across the U.S.
So, what is the future of gas stations?
- What can fuel service suppliers can do to stay relevant as the industry shifts to electric vehicle technology?
- What challenges can they expect as consumers continue make progress in embracing alternative fuels?
- What are the bigger opportunities for fuel stations as they keep up with changing customers needs?
- What is the timeline for all these changes?
These are just some of the questions Nicole Lynam, AIA, president and principal architect at KE Design, takes on in a recent interview for the
Innovative Cities podcast with Isra Banks, AIA.
Increasing our use of more alternative and sustainable energy has been talked about for decades, but it's only over the last several years that we're actually seeing a broader push to put it into action. Electric vehicle (EV) technology has been leading the way. And right now, in early 2022, there's an even greater urgency to break our dependency on fossil fuels and move to alternative energy sources.
If you’re looking to drive your fuel service business into the future, this episode is a must watch. And if you haven't yet considered the impact of EV technology on the future of your company, this episode is the place to start!
Keep reading for a few highlights from this insightful conversation. Click to watch the full interview so you don’t miss out on any of Nicole's advice and expertise on this timely topic!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Automotive Manufacturers fully Embrace Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging
We are seeing a bigger push, finally, coming in for electric vehicle charging. There's Tesla and all the other major car manufacturers coming out with electric vehicles and promoting them more. Some manufacturers are promising they will move completely to electric vehicles within 10 years or 15 years.
Of course, this has fuel companies trying to figure out how they stay relevant in that history, and how to include EV technology in their plans for the future, which is not far away at this point.
- Fuel Service Infrastructure is Changing
This push to all-electric vehicles presents the need for a whole new infrastructure that doesn't really exist in our system, but it is starting to move in that direction. Legislation is helping push it along and the car companies are taking action to transform—the technology has improved and the costs for batteries and technologies have come down enough to put it within reach of manufacturers and consumers. But the fuel service infrastructure must adapt to keep up.
Studies show that one of the biggest issues people have with switching to electric vehicles is not having a charging station where they need it while on the road. We see office parking lots and shopping centers adding EV charging stations, but people don't want to have to drive all the way across town to charge their car. The EV charging infrastructure isn't convenient enough, yet, that people feel confident that can stop regularly and charge their electric car. Whether it's cross-town commuting or a cross-country road trip, consumers are counting on access and time to charge up. Easy access to fast enough chargers is critical because nobody wants to sit for hours in the middle of a road trip waiting for their car to charge.
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging is Key to Relevance & Customer Loyalty
We're finally seeing fuel companies get on board with putting charging stations in their gas stations. Pretty much any new projects we're doing lately—both the independent owners and the big corporate chains—are starting to implement and plan for EV charging stations. Because, the truth is, if people aren't driving gas vehicles, fuel companies need to stay in the picture and stay relevant to the vehicle industry.
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