WASHINGTON, D.C. — Consumer Reports (CR) published a new study that evaluates a gap between the increasing popularity of EVs and the availability of places to charge them. The study focused on 75 of the biggest retailers across the United States, and found a mere 1% offering EV charging stations. At the same time, CR found that EV charging stations offer significant benefits to retailers, and government incentives are now available to help them offset the installation costs.
CR analyzed over 270,000 store locations across major retail categories. These categories include big box, convenience, grocery, drugstores, department stores, and discount stores. EV charging is available on average at 1 out of every 14 big box store locations, 1 out of every 15 grocery stores, and 1 out of every 40 department stores. These findings indicate that there is currently no retail category where drivers can confidently expect to charge their EVs.
The report cites independent data that show installing EV chargers can be a way for brick-and-mortar retailers to increase foot traffic. On average, foot traffic sees a rise of 4 percent, and revenue increases by 5 percent. The majority of retail locations across the U.S. are eligible for federal benefits that can defray 30% (up to $100,000) of installation costs.
“Retailers are uniquely positioned to address America’s charging challenge. They have easily accessible, convenient locations in virtually every community,” said Drew Toher, sustainability campaign manager at Consumer Reports. “Installing electric vehicle chargers can help retailers meet a triple bottom line—helping people, the planet, and profits. Companies can attract more shoppers, elevate their brand, and leverage federal incentives. Consumers benefit from the convenience of integrating EV charging into their routine stops. By prioritizing equity in the placement of charging locations, retailers can help ensure that sustainable transportation options are accessible to all communities.”
The report includes survey data that show many Americans are interested in buying or leasing EVs. However, charging logistics, such as where and when to charge the vehicle, are one of the biggest obstacles to adoption. However, except for IKEA, no retailer provides charging at more than a third of its stores. This study’s other notable findings include:
- Big Box Retailers: Among big box retailers, including Target and Walmart, no company except IKEA currently offers EV charging at more than 10 percent of its locations. IKEA is the only retailer that offers EV charging at nearly 100 percent of its U.S. locations.
- Grocery Stores: Amazon and some regional supermarkets, including Big Y, Hy-Vee, Meijer, and Raley’s, offer EV charging. It’s available at over 10 percent of their locations. Trader Joe’s and Aldi are lagging behind, with a mere 10 locations combined.
- Convenience Stores: Wawa and Sheetz lead this category, with more than 10 percent of locations providing EV charging. Larger chains like 7-Eleven and Circle K currently do not offer charging at more than 1 percent of store locations.
- Department Stores: Kohl’s has made investments in EV infrastructure by installing EV charging at over 10 percent of its stores. Ross, Dillard’s, JCPenney, and TJX Co. combined have installed charging at fewer than 10 locations.
- Drugstores: Walgreens is making progress by installing EV chargers at hundreds of its store locations and committing to even more. Meanwhile, CVS currently offers charging at fewer than 10 store locations.
- Discount stores: Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Five Below have effectively made no investments in EV charging. These stores, boasting nearly 40,000 locations, have the potential to significantly enhance accessibility in rural and underprivileged areas.
- Fast Food: No leading fast-food company reviewed by CR offers EV charging at more than 1 percent of store locations.
According to modeling from the federal government, less than a tenth of the estimated 1.25 million public chargers needed to meet the demand for electric vehicle infrastructure by 2030 have been built. Retailers can and should play a key role in meeting this rapidly growing demand for chargers. In certain U.S. regions, retailers can seize the chance to be the sole EV charging spot accessible within underserved communities. This positioning them as key stakeholders for their communities’ clean transportation future.
Retailers have the opportunity to own the solution and improve access to EV charging across the US to make charging more convenient, reliable, and safe, but they need to make serious investments. CR is recommending retailers do the following:
- Commit to—and follow through on—clear, specific timelines for the installation of EV charging equipment.
- Prioritize equity considerations when weighing site locations to ensure EV charging is available in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color.
- Educate customers and employees about EV charging.
- Be transparent with charging locations and amenities.
- Properly maintain chargers to ensure the durability of charging stations.
Consumer Reports is calling on current and potential EV owners. They are urging them to join CR’s effort to leverage consumer pressure and advocacy to encourage retailers to install more EV charging at their stores.
