GoMart to launch EV-charging stations at over 40% of its c-stores

Dive Brief:

West Virginia-based GoMart is bringing electric-vehicle (EV) charging to over 40% of its convenience stores in the U.S., according to a recent press release.
GoMart is working alongside EV fast charger manufacturer Francis Energy for the rollout, which will include charging stations at 51 GoMart stores across West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio.
The announcement comes days after EG Group and Phillips 66 kicked off their own EV-charging pushes in the U.S., continuing the momentum of convenience-store chains getting into electrification.

Dive Insight:

GoMart, which operates 123 c-stores in West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio, sees its inaugural EV-charging rollout as a “natural progression” in its efforts to provide quality fuel options to its customer base, Phil Shuman, president of GoMart, said in the announcement.

Meanwhile, Francis Energy is expanding its operations outside of its current regions of Oklahoma, Missouri and New Mexico with the partnership — which the company views as a “unique opportunity,” because of where GoMart stores are located, Francis Energy Founder and CEO David Jankowsky said in the announcement.

“Publicly accessible [direct current fast charge] infrastructure at convenience stores, especially ones that serve rural America like GoMart, is a key building block towards the transition to electric vehicles,” Jankowsky said.

Francis Energy’s charging stations provide up to 800 miles per hour of charge, depending on the vehicle. The average charging session takes between 15 and 30 minutes, also depending on the vehicle, and costs anywhere from $5 to $25 per charge. Customers can pay with a Francis radio frequency identification (RFID) card, a regular credit card, or through the Francis Energy mobile app.

GoMart’s EV-charging program continues what’s shaping up to be a significant EV ramp up in the c-store industry in the U.S. Other chains that have made charging plans over the past year or so include 7-Eleven, EG Group, Circle K, Phillips 66, Wawa and Pilot — some of which are launching hundreds, if not thousands, of charging points at their locations.