Costco EV charging business?

[RickMachE]

When most home owners can charge for way less at home than in public, I would think the value proposition for Costco to offer DC fast charge widely is not there. It would be interesting to see how many Costco shoppers don't own a home with a garage and own an EV who can only charge in public. I'd bet that number is small.

The value proposition for DC fast charging is largely in the accompanying purchases during the charging period. But, at a MEMBER warehouse, the likelihood that travelers are going to be members is low, hence all they get is the charging revenue and messing up their bathrooms, then the non-members trying to buy something and being told they cannot. Costco is shifting to checking membership BEFORE you enter now, and likely saying no to bathroom use. I've charged at a Sam's a few times, and never had an issue using the bathrooms.

They don't want the hassle of people going in to shop and outstaying their charging period either.

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[Runningslow]

The Costco in Verona, WI has L2 chargers managed by Blink. Those were required by the city as a condition of their building at that location. The business complex across the street from this Costco have L2 chargers managed by Chargepoint.

 

[silverelan]

Folks, I just saw my first Mercedes DCFC stations, yesterday. It was at Bucee's in Florence SC. Opposite side of Bucee's from the Tesla chargers.
I had to do some digging. Are listed in the ChargePoint network. They are the 400kwh stations. Anyone can use them. Build for the Merc owners specifically.
If you have deep pockets, the rate is $45.66 for 15 minutes.

If people only took 5 minutes to fill up their gas tanks then Buc-ee’s wouldn’t exist.

 

[Elmst-e]

There are EA stations at the Costco on airport road in Denver. When we stopped , they were busy but not full. Charged fine, went in to Costco, but we are members(isn’t everyone).

 

[hartmms]

If people only took 5 minutes to fill up their gas tanks then Buc-ee’s wouldn’t exist.

This is what gets me about most current DCFS station buildouts. They are not built by retailers trying to get you to buy overpriced drinks and snacks. Maybe there will be some tipping point where convicence stores realize they are loosing revenue due to shriniking ICE ownership and will start putting in DCFC.

 

[geeklifer]

This is what gets me about most current DCFS station buildouts. They are not built by retailers trying to get you to buy overpriced drinks and snacks. Maybe there will be some tipping point where convicence stores realize they are loosing revenue due to shriniking ICE ownership and will start putting in DCFC.

I agree. Currently, EVs take a little bit longer to "fill", so we're a captive audience. We're much more likely to go inside and buy things. It is probably just a cost issue. Cost of the installation and maintenance vs. how much they think they will actually be used.

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

This is what gets me about most current DCFS station buildouts. They are not built by retailers trying to get you to buy overpriced drinks and snacks. Maybe there will be some tipping point where convicence stores realize they are loosing revenue due to shriniking ICE ownership and will start putting in DCFC.

Eventually, maybe, but currently in the US, convenience stores receive massive tax subsidies for selling/advertising fossil fuels. It'll take a lot for them to give up those in exchange for limited tax benefits and a new business model.

 

[RickMachE]

This is what gets me about most current DCFS station buildouts. They are not built by retailers trying to get you to buy overpriced drinks and snacks. Maybe there will be some tipping point where convicence stores realize they are loosing revenue due to shriniking ICE ownership and will start putting in DCFC.

The following convenience store chains are installing chargers (I'm sure there are more):

7 Eleven
Buc-ee's
Circle K
Sheetz
Wawa

Also:

Subway

 

[djstough]

This is what gets me about most current DCFS station buildouts. They are not built by retailers trying to get you to buy overpriced drinks and snacks. Maybe there will be some tipping point where convicence stores realize they are loosing revenue due to shriniking ICE ownership and will start putting in DCFC.

I keep thinking that some of these larger convenience stores (not Bucee's large, necessarily) are also missing the boat. Put a few chargers and solar panels in the corner of your huge lot and you get to keep drawing those who supported you for years with gas and food purchases.

 

[hartmms]

The following convenience store chains are installing chargers (I'm sure there are more):

7 Eleven
Wawa
Buc-ee's
Sheetz

Also:

Subway

Yea, maybe we are seeing signs of that tipping point.

Personally, I have no desire to spend 30 minutes in a Subway to charge my EV. I'd rather just sit in the car. ?

 

[david_quick]

Has anyone heard of Costco is getting into the EV Charging business? One article said yes and one no

Our local Costco just did a renovation that restructured parking spaces in front of the store. Ran conduit to the new, currently marked handicap parking spaces, and set up transformers. It sure looks like they are getting ready for something.

 

[leehinde]

That is from a Reddit thread. I think they were in the Atlanta area.

 

[Trick.Mach-E]

If people only took 5 minutes to fill up their gas tanks then Buc-ee’s wouldn’t exist.

I have been to Buc-ee's several times in TX and FL and not once have I gotten gas!

 

[Fremont Kid]

The following convenience store chains are installing chargers (I'm sure there are more):

7 Eleven
Wawa
Buc-ee's
Sheetz

Also:

Subway

Circle K also. I saw one in Champaign, IL.

 

[Deleted member 19354]

Circle K also. I saw one in Champaign, IL.

Taco Bell in Ellensburg WA?

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