The question isn’t whether gas stations will evolve in the EV revolution — it’s which ones will still be standing when they do.
Key takeaways
- Major fuel retailers are adding EV charging, but adaption is uneven.
- Traditional gas stations actually profit from quick convenience store sales, not fuel.
- EV charging takes 20-30 minutes or more, which disrupts this model.
- Smart operators are upgrading with “truck stop-style” amenities to keep drivers around.
The American gas station, a roadside icon for over a century, faces its most dramatic transformation yet. With electric vehicles projected to dominate the roads within decades, station owners across the country are asking themselves a critical question: adapt or disappear?
The answer is becoming increasingly clear—and it’s not what many predicted.
Yes, Gas Stations ARE Adding EV Chargers—But It’s Complicated
Major fuel retailers are aggressively expanding into EV charging territory. Shell has committed to operating 500,000 charging points worldwide by 2025, while BP targets 70,000 charging points globally by 2030. Chevron is similarly investing in fast-charging infrastructure across its network.
In the United States, truck stop operators like Pilot Flying J have launched ambitious plans, aiming to install 2,000 charging stalls across 500 travel plazas. As of March 2025, the company had already expanded to 130 locations in 25 states. Convenience store chains including Sheetz, Buc-ee’s, and Kwik Trip are following suit, partnering with charging companies like Ionna to install “Rechargeries” fast chargers at their locations.
But this transformation isn’t happening everywhere, and not all gas station owners are celebrating.
Why Some Gas Stations Are Sitting Out the EV Revolution
The math that convinced Hank Walker to sell his century-old family ARCO station in Los Angeles tells a sobering story. Gas stations actually make most of their profits not from fuel, but from convenience store sales—energy drinks, snacks, lottery tickets. The problem? EV charging takes 15 to 60 minutes compared to the five minutes needed to pump gas.
Gas stations actually make most of their profits not from fuel, but from convenience store sales—energy drinks, snacks, lottery tickets.
Walker calculated that to keep his station profitable as a charging depot, EV drivers spending half an hour plugged in would need to spend 70 percent more than quick-stop gas customers. “We could not come up with a solution,” he explained. “So we sold the gas station.”
The economics are daunting for independent operators. Installing a single fast-charging station costs between $50,000 and $100,000, including equipment, installation, and electrical upgrades. Beyond upfront costs, stations face ongoing electricity expenses and utility demand charges that can make the business model challenging.
How Federal Policy is Reshaping the Charging Landscape
Recent changes to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program—which controls $5 billion in federal charging funds—could dramatically shift the advantage toward established fuel retailers. New guidance from the Trump administration’s Department of Transportation encourages states to prioritize funding for charging locations where the business owns both the station and the land beneath it.
This seemingly technical requirement favors the big names travelers already know: Pilot Flying J, Love’s Travel Stops, Sheetz, WaWa, and even big-box retailers like Walmart. These established players have prime real estate near highway exits, existing amenities like restrooms and restaurants, and the capital to weather the transition period.
“The refueling experience for electricity should be as similar as possible to today’s refueling experience and should work with consumer behaviors and habits,” explained Tiffany Wlazlowski Neuman of the National Association of Truck Stop Owners.
The Winning Strategy: Amenities and Dwell Time
Forward-thinking stations are turning charging time from a liability into an opportunity. Survey data shows EV drivers actually appreciate truck-stop-like amenities when they’re spending 20-30 minutes charging. Stations are responding by upgrading their food offerings, adding WiFi, improving restrooms, and creating more comfortable waiting areas.
Some locations are getting creative. Tesla’s new charging diner in Los Angeles features robots serving popcorn, drive-in movies, and upscale dining options—transforming charging time into entertainment time. Buc-ee’s, the Texas-based mega-convenience store chain legendary for its clean restrooms and vast product selection, has expanded EV charging to 51 locations as of mid-2025, joining its existing Tesla Supercharger network.
Rural and highway-adjacent stations hold particular advantages. They typically have more available space for multiple charging stalls without disrupting existing operations, and they’re positioned to capture long-distance EV travelers who can’t charge at home during road trips. These locations also qualify for more federal and state funding programs aimed at building nationwide charging networks.
The Technology Making Coexistence Possible
Gas stations can choose between two main charging options. Level 2 chargers, which provide up to 65 miles of range per hour, work well for locations where customers naturally spend time—near restaurants, shopping centers, or other amenities. These are relatively affordable to install and compatible with all EV types.
For highway locations, DC fast chargers (60kW-360kW) are essential. These can charge a vehicle to 80% in 20-30 minutes, delivering 200-300 miles of range during a meal break. While more expensive, they command premium pricing and attract the road-trip crowd willing to pay for speed.
Phillips 66 promises customers “a full charge in as little as 30 minutes” with its ultra-fast chargers. As battery technology continues improving, charging times are expected to drop to around 10 minutes within the next few years—approaching the convenience of traditional fueling.
What This Means for Drivers
The future of EV charging is increasingly looking like the present of gas stations—at least in terms of location and amenities. For drivers, this means familiar stops along familiar routes, with added conveniences to make charging time more productive or pleasant.
However, the shift is creating winners and losers among station operators. Deep-pocketed chains with prime locations are positioned to dominate, while smaller independent operators face difficult choices about whether they can afford to compete in this new landscape.
One thing is certain: the humble gas station is evolving rapidly. Whether it becomes an “energy station” serving both gas and electricity, or transforms entirely into a charging depot with enhanced amenities, the roadside stop isn’t going anywhere—it’s just changing what flows through its pumps.
The question isn’t whether gas stations will adapt to an electric future. It’s which ones will survive the transition.