As Meijer Expands EV-Charging Network, Retailers Begin to See Benefits

EVgo is expanding its network through a partnership with Meijer, aiming to deploy up to 480 new public fast-charging stalls at Meijer locations across the Midwest, including in Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. Meijer, which operates over 500 stores in the region, has already opened 24 fast-charging stations at six locations in Michigan and Ohio, with plans to open 30 more stations by 2026 and another 30 by 2027.

This expansion is part of EVgo’s broader strategy to create a nationwide charging network that is customer-centric. The project is partly funded by a $1 billion conditional loan from the U.S. Department of Energy, assuming the financing is finalized. EVgo is also partnering with General Motors to deploy 400 fast-charging stalls across the country, including flagship stations with up to 20 stalls under a co-branded EVgo-GM canopy.

Retailers Seeing Benefits from EV Charging Stations

Grocery and convenience-store retailers are recognizing the value of adding electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to their locations. For instance, Walmart has started installing charging stations under its own brand, leading to increased foot traffic and higher profits, according to reports from the New York Times. Convenience store chains like Casey’s and Fas Mart have also launched EV stations at select locations, including those in Illinois.

Research Highlights:

Two studies have explored the impact of EV charging stations at retail locations:

1. Boston University and University of Wisconsin-Madison Study:
   • The research examined the impact of nearly 1,600 Tesla Supercharger stations, finding that retailers within 200 meters of these charging stations saw a 4% increase in monthly visits after the chargers were installed.
2. Nature Communications Study:
   • This analysis of data from California found that charging stations led to a modest rise in foot traffic and spending. Additionally, the study revealed that the stations tended to attract higher-income visitors and residents from nearby areas, further underlining the economic benefits for retailers who offer EV charging options.

Conclusion:

With EVgo’s expanded partnership with Meijer and other major retailers like Walmart, the growing network of EV charging stations is providing retailers with tangible benefits such as increased foot traffic, higher consumer spending, and the ability to attract a premium demographic. The continued expansion of this infrastructure supports the broader push for electric vehicle adoption and offers a new way for retailers to differentiate themselves while contributing to sustainable energy solutions.