7-Eleven has launched a new electric vehicle (EV) charging network and app called 7Charge at select stores in the United States and soon in Canada. The convenience retailer aims to establish one of the largest and most compatible EV fast-charging networks among North American retailers with the launch of the 7Charge network.
Customers can charge any EV make and model compatible with common CHAdeMO or Combined Charging System plug types at 7Charge sites, and the app enables a seamless charging and payment experience. 7-Eleven plans to expand the network to match consumer demand and make EV charging available to areas that have previously lacked access.
The network will serve customers at charging stations across the company’s entire family of brands, including Speedway and Stripes stores, once the expansion is complete. Subway and Starbucks have also previously announced plans to introduce EV charging parks and stations at some of their locations.
The 7Charge network is already delivering charging services to customers in several locations in Florida, Texas, Colorado, and California. The EV charging network aims to provide customers with the trademark convenience and accessibility of 7-Eleven stores. The app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play, or customers can visit 7-eleven.com/7charge to access it.
Joe DePinto, the President and CEO of 7-Eleven, expressed his company’s commitment to innovation and meeting the changing needs of customers. He said, “For over 95 years, 7-Eleven has innovated to meet our customers’ needs – delivering convenience where, when, and how they want it. Now, we are innovating once again to meet our customers’ where they are by expanding our business to provide EV drivers the convenience of the future…today.”
The expansion of the 7Charge network will help to fulfill the growing consumer demand for EV charging infrastructure. By utilizing third-party fast-charging network options, 7-Eleven can expand the 7Charge network and make EV charging available to communities that have lacked access until now. Once the network expansion is complete, 7-Eleven will have one of the largest and most compatible fast-charging networks of any retailer in North America.
7-Eleven operates, franchises, and/or licenses more than 13,000 stores across the U.S. and Canada. The company’s new EV charging network and app demonstrate its continued commitment to innovation and meeting the changing needs of customers.
Subway, another American fast-food chain, recently announced plans to install EV charging stations near some of its sandwich shops. Similarly, Starbucks announced in early 2022 that it plans to place EV chargers at up to 15 coffeehouse stores located in approximately 100-mile intervals on a route running between Seattle and Denver.
As more companies invest in EV charging infrastructure, the availability and accessibility of charging stations will increase, making it easier for EV drivers to travel longer distances and charging their vehicles as needed. This will help to reduce range anxiety and promote the adoption of EVs as a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Overall, 7-Eleven’s new proprietary EV charging network and app demonstrate the company’s commitment to meeting the changing needs of customers and supporting the transition to a more sustainable transportation system. As the network continues to expand, it has the potential to make EV charging more accessible and convenient for drivers across North America.
