The Business Case for EV Chargers at Gas Stations: How Convenience Retailers Can Win the Next Fuel Era
The way America fuels is changing. As electric vehicles (EVs) become mainstream, gas stations face a choice: evolve or risk losing relevance. But for forward-thinking station owners, this shift isn’t a threat, it’s an opportunity to attract a new wave of loyal customers and boost on-site revenue through EV charging.
Ali Bharwani & Amaan Popatiya | Nov 1, 2025
The Market Shift and Why Gas Stations Have the Advantage
Electric vehicles are driving a fundamental change in how and where people fuel up. Bloomberg projects that EVs will make up more than half of U.S. car sales by 2030, creating millions of drivers who will depend on fast, reliable public charging. While most daily charging happens at home, highway and urban EV drivers still need quick-charge stops — the very locations where gas stations already sit.
That’s why major fuel and convenience brands are moving quickly. Shell, BP, 7-Eleven, and Pilot Flying J are all installing national charging networks, often right beside their gasoline pumps. They’re not doing it for PR; they’re doing it for foot traffic. Research from UC Davis and Next 10 shows that 89 % of EV drivers make a purchase while charging, spending up to 3× more than a typical fuel customer.
Gas stations already have the assets that EV-only startups struggle to build — visibility, power access, lighting, amenities, and retail integration. That combination makes them the most logical and profitable locations for charging growth over the next decade.
The ROI Equation: Turning Chargers into Profit Centers
Adding EV chargers isn’t a slow-burn investment, it’s a fast way to grow traffic and spending at your site. A single DC fast charger can start generating revenue immediately through per-use charging fees, while also drawing in new customers who would otherwise drive past traditional fuel stops. The real win, though, is inside the store. EV drivers spend 20–40 minutes on-site, and studies show they make purchases two to three times larger than gasoline customers. That extra dwell time converts directly into higher food, drink, and convenience sales — often covering a major share of installation costs within the first two years.
As utilization climbs with EV adoption, every charging session strengthens brand loyalty and recurring revenue. Sites that integrate charging see consistent year-over-year growth in foot traffic and sales, and the added infrastructure increases long-term property value. With the right setup and pricing, many stations see positive cash flow within 12–24 months and a clear path to sustained profitability as the local EV population grows. What starts as a single charger quickly becomes a dependable revenue stream and a visible sign that your business is built for the next decade of mobility.
Investing in EV charging shouldn’t feel complicated — and with Mechanix EV, it isn’t. We make the entire process effortless for gas station owners who are ready to future-proof their business and capture the next wave of customers. You bring the investment and we handle everything else. Our team manages site evaluation, design, permitting, utility coordination, equipment selection, installation, driver-app setup, and long-term monitoring. From start to finish, we ensure your chargers are installed correctly, look professional, and start generating revenue fast.
We partner with industry-leading manufacturers like Wallbox, Blink, and Xeal to deliver commercial-grade hardware with 24/7 connectivity and high reliability. Every installation is tailored to your layout, ensuring maximum visibility, driver convenience, and in-store traffic. With Mechanix EV, you’re not just buying hardware, you’re investing in a complete, turnkey system backed by experience, data, and support. We remove the guesswork, the red tape, and the delays so you can focus on your business while your chargers attract new customers and new income.
How Mechanix EV Makes it Work
Every day, more EVs hit the road, and those drivers are deciding where they’ll stop, charge, and spend. The next generation of fueling is already underway, and gas stations that act now will own that customer relationship for the next decade. Adding chargers isn’t just about staying relevant; it’s about staying profitable. The fuel business is evolving, but the opportunity to lead the transition is wide open. By installing EV chargers today, you’re positioning your site as the go-to stop for both traditional drivers and the growing EV market — doubling your reach while elevating your brand.
Mechanix EV makes the process simple. We manage every step from assessment to installation, so you can focus on your business while your chargers attract new revenue and new customers. Don’t wait until the lot next door becomes the first charging stop in your area.
Partner with Mechanix EV today and turn your station into a destination for the future of fueling.
The Future Is Already Pulling In
Schedule a free site assessment and ROI consultation today