Gas Stations Expand with EV Chargers and Enhanced Amenities to Engage Customers

Gas stations have significantly increased in size in recent years, driven in part by the growing presence of electric vehicles on the roads.

As electric cars become more prevalent, many gas stations are incorporating EV charging stations alongside traditional fuel pumps. Given that charging electric vehicles requires a longer wait time, operators are expanding their stores into mini shopping centers where customers can shop and dine while their vehicles recharge.

This shift toward larger, multi-purpose locations is exemplified by Buc-ee’s, which operates 51 sites mostly in the Southern United States and is partnering with Mercedes-Benz to provide EV charging. Some of their stations reach up to 75,000 square feet in size.

Kevin Hart, chief sales officer at Upside, a company that collaborates with retailers—including convenience stores and gas stations—to offer customer rewards, explained that retailers are proactively adapting to future demands.

“Retailers are preparing for what lies ahead,” Hart said. “They no longer want customers to simply plug in their electric vehicles and remain inside their cars during charging. Instead, they aim to provide engaging shopping experiences. This approach marks a significant change from how these businesses operated 15 years ago.”