Charging has long been the Achilles’ heel of electric vehicles. One startup thinks it has a better way for apartment dwelling EV drivers to charge overnight.
Ignoring the question about whether the cost is reasonable, it’s going to be interesting to see what happens to gas stations / convenience stores when the ability to charge your car is basically everywhere.
The only reason we need gas stations is for the specialized infrastructure required to safely hold the fuel. Mass EV adoption is going to kill their business model.
Most gas stations do not even really make much money on the gas. They more operate as convenience stores but offer gas too. The need for convenience stores won’t change much around freeway exits. You will still need to charge going long distances and stop for a toilet break and snacks. But a good amount will close in cities. Over half the people will not need to be going to a charging station 99.5% of the time. People in apartments will likely still need to do fast charging for a while until apartment complexes are properly incentivized to install chargers.
I didn’t believe you, but was surprised to learn this is actually true.
The goods inside these stores — Doritos, sunglasses, lotto tickets, energy drinks — only account for ~30% of the average gas station’s revenue, yet bring in 70% of the profit.
Yes and no. A lot of them are still emplaced in useful locations, and people travelling will still need to stop and charge. A lot of the ones that were located in less profitable locations have already closed.
If anything, the charge times associated with electric might make proximity to nearby store, mall or entertainment venue more profitable.
Ignoring the question about whether the cost is reasonable, it’s going to be interesting to see what happens to gas stations / convenience stores when the ability to charge your car is basically everywhere.
The only reason we need gas stations is for the specialized infrastructure required to safely hold the fuel. Mass EV adoption is going to kill their business model.
At least all non long travel stations for sure.
Most gas stations do not even really make much money on the gas. They more operate as convenience stores but offer gas too. The need for convenience stores won’t change much around freeway exits. You will still need to charge going long distances and stop for a toilet break and snacks. But a good amount will close in cities. Over half the people will not need to be going to a charging station 99.5% of the time. People in apartments will likely still need to do fast charging for a while until apartment complexes are properly incentivized to install chargers.
I didn’t believe you, but was surprised to learn this is actually true.
https://thehustle.co/why-most-gas-stations-dont-make-money-from-selling-gas
Yes and no. A lot of them are still emplaced in useful locations, and people travelling will still need to stop and charge. A lot of the ones that were located in less profitable locations have already closed.
If anything, the charge times associated with electric might make proximity to nearby store, mall or entertainment venue more profitable.
They will be replaced by Dollar Generals.