Fueling is changing—and fast. Will convenience stores keep pace? The short answer is yes. But how and when c-stores join the EV evolution could directly impact their market share, customer loyalty, and long-term competitiveness.

Today, the U.S. has over 150,000 convenience stores, and approximately 80% sell gas and diesel (NACS, 2025). Fuel makes up about 60% of a c-store’s total sales, but more importantly, accounts for roughly 40% of profit—a business model ripe for disruption as the EV revolution accelerates.

EVs Aren’t Coming—They’re Here

According to BloombergNEF, global EV sales are projected to reach approximately 22 million units in 2025, marking a 30% year-over-year increase. In the United States, EVs are expected to comprise about 11.2% of new vehicle sales by the end of 2025, up from previous years. Automakers have pivoted: GM plans to go all-electric by 2035, Jaguar by 2025, and Toyota is rapidly expanding its EV lineup. Even traditionally fuel-heavy segments like commercial fleets, school buses, and farm equipment are electrifying.

Government policies are aligning with this shift. The European Union will ban new gas/diesel vehicle sales by 2035. In the U.S., California, Washington, New York, and Hawaii have enacted similar legislation. 

What This Means for C-Stores

With 80% of EV charging happening at home, you might wonder: is this really relevant to c-stores? The answer is a resounding yes. According to McKinsey, retailers offering charging can increase customer dwell time by 30–60%, and those minutes translate to sales.

Even more telling: a recent NCC survey found that 63% of EV drivers go out of their way to support businesses with charging, with comments like:

• “We’ve spent more money at businesses with EV chargers than we ever did on gas.”

• “If a place has charging, that’s where I go. Period.”

• “The very first stop we made after getting our EV was a business with chargers.”

The Opportunity Is Now

Unlike fuel tanks, EV chargers require no EPA permits, no underground storage, and no hazmat training. Installation is simpler and faster—and federal and state incentives make it even more affordable. 

Even better: charging doesn’t require as much real estate. Stores that couldn’t offer fueling due to site constraints can install EV chargers—and suddenly attract an entirely new revenue stream.

Own the Infrastructure. Own the Experience.

Some EV charging companies promise “free” installations—but here’s the catch: it could cost you control, revenue, and reputation.

Third-party ownership models often leave c-store operators locked out of key decisions—like how much to charge or how to maintain the station. And when pricing spikes or chargers break down? It’s your brand that takes the hit.

EV drivers aren’t passive—they’re plugged in and vocal. With apps like PlugShare and ChargeHub, they rate and review every experience in real time. Overpriced or unreliable charging? That’s a fast track to negative buzz and lost business.

The smarter play? Own your chargers.
When you own the infrastructure, you control the pricing, customer experience, and revenue stream. You can keep uptime high, pricing fair, and loyalty strong—all while future-proofing your location.

“EV charging is no longer a novelty. It’s an expectation,” says Jim Burness, CEO of National Car Charging. “Retailers that move now will define the next generation of brand loyalty.”

In a world where every charge counts, make sure it counts for your business.

The Takeaway: Don’t Wait

The EV transition isn’t a maybe—it’s a mandate. For c-stores, that means acting now to maintain relevance, grow loyalty, and remain competitive. The cost to enter has never been lower, the technology has never been better, and the customer demand is only increasing.

It’s not just smart. It’s strategic. Fueling has changed. Have you?