7-Eleven announces its own DC fast-charging network supporting CCS and CHAdeMO chargers, with the first locations available in four states.
7-Eleven, one of the largest convenience store retailers in North America, has announced the launch of its own fast-charging network for electric vehicles (EVs). The 7Charge network will initially offer CCS and CHAdeMO chargers at select locations in California, Colorado, Florida, and Texas, with plans to expand to other states. According to Joe DePinto, president and CEO at 7-Eleven, the network is aimed at providing “EV drivers convenience of the future…today.”
The 7Charge network is also designed to be one of the most compatible, with Tesla owners able to use the chargers if they bring a CCS adapter. The network is expected to offer an easy payment method through its accompanying app, which will also provide a station locator service.
“For over 95 years, 7-Eleven has innovated to meet our customers’ needs—delivering convenience where, when and how they want it,” said Joe DePinto, president and CEO at 7-Eleven. “Now, we are innovating once again to meet our customers where they are by expanding our business to provide EV drivers convenience of the future…today.”
Although 7-Eleven has not revealed the eventual scale of the network, the company aims to build one of the largest fast-charging networks among convenience store retailers on the continent. With a total of 32 chargers currently in operation, the network offers 90 kW chargers at the top end. However, it is unclear how many chargers will be installed at each location, which could be a deciding factor for drivers looking to recharge their EVs.
The move by 7-Eleven is expected to give a significant boost to the charging infrastructure, which is still in its early stages of development. TravelCenters of America Inc. has also announced plans to install a thousand DC fast-chargers at its locations in partnership with Electrify America, while the latter is experimenting with EV-only charging plazas.
7-Eleven’s initiative is a step in the right direction towards making EV charging more accessible to drivers. The availability of chargers at most gas stations would undoubtedly make EVs more appealing to potential buyers.
You can find more details on 7Charge’s webpage.
Source: MSN