Fast Facts:
The following companies are all quickly adding EV chargers to their businesses in America:
Major Retail & Hospitality
- Grocery Stores: Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, Whole Foods.
- Hotels: Marriott, Hyatt, Holiday Inn.
- Retail/Malls: Simon Property Group, Macerich, Kimco Realty (through partnerships).
- Restaurants/Convenience: 7-Eleven, Sheetz, A&W.
Gas Stations & Travel Centers
- Pilot Flying J: Partnering with GM and EVgo to install fast chargers.
- Chevron: Installing chargers at their locations.
- BP: Building their own networks.
Why EV Charging Is Becoming a Smart Business Investment
The age-old business adage of “see a need, fill a need” is in full effect as popular businesses in America embrace the addition of electric car charging to their establishments. As it turns out, offering EV charging is just good for business.
Nature journal published a paper that tells us, “Recent studies conducted by EV charging companies have documented an increase in customer visits and spending at nearby businesses based on pilot experiments or surveys.” The paper analyses consumer trends in California in areas where EV chargers have been installed.
It makes sense that EV owners would like to frequent business centers or malls that include EV charging to the mix of entertainment, food, and shopping. Have a bite or go see a movie while charging your car. An EV owner is more likely to frequent businesses that support charging rather than those which do not.
Curious how charging availability is influencing where drivers stop and spend time? Explore the trend ➜
Many American businesses even receive rebates and incentives for setting up EV chargers on their property. EV Industry Blog suggested that fast food franchises should consider installing EV chargers at their locations, showing case studies showing sales growth at companies that offer charging.
US Businesses Embracing EV Charging
You might be impressed by how many diverse popular businesses are adding EV charging for customers at their retail chains. Fast food restaurants such as McDonalds, Burger King, Subway, Chipotle, Taco Bell, and Starbucks all offer chargers for their EV-driving consumers.
Theater chains such as Cinemark offer free charging via Volta using apps like ChargePoint and PlugShare. Theme parks such as Universal Studios and Disney World have installed EV chargers using ChargePoint. Tesla is also developing dedicated drive-in/diner complexes with Superchargers and Level 2 chargers.
Last year, IKEA installed 322 EV chargers at its 54 US stores, planning to soon add 500 public fast chargers. Walmart has developed its own extensive charging network at locations across America. Grocery stores with EV chargers include Kroger, Whole Food, Albersons, and Safeway.
If you want to understand how charging speed and access affect everyday EV ownership, this breaks it down
Hotel chains with EV chargers include Hyatt, Marriot, Holiday Inn, Motel 6, Sheraton, Best Western, IHG, and Choice Hotels are all rapidly expanding EV chargers for their guests. Many are offering free charging or valet services.
Gas station, travel centers, and convenience store chains have also embraced electrification. Major American chains such as Love’s, Sheetz, Wawa, Buc-ee’s, Pilot Flying J, Shell, BP, Chevron, and Casey’s are all adding EV chargers, partnering with networks such as EVgo, Electrify America, and ChargePoint. ExxonMobil has partnered with EV Connect to add chargers.
All embrace the idea of transforming fueling stops into convenient charging hubs offering amenities such as 24/7 access, security, food service, and more for EV owners. Climate Central has reported that between 2016 and 2025, EV charging ports grew from 30,000 to 196,000 public EV charging ports and more are being added every day.
As of early 2025, the U.S. has surpassed 200,000 public EV charging ports with over 65,000 locations, including significant growth in Level 2 and DC fast-charging options. By comparison, there are less than 150,000 gas stations operating in the U.S. today.
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