Summary
- Kwik Trip is installing DC fast chargers with CCS and NACS connectors in its stores across the Midwest
- The chargers are funded by NEVI Formula Program and must be NEVI compliant
- The charging stations must be located near Alternative Fuel Corridors and have four ports capable of charging at 150 kW each
- Kwik Trip is building an app using Driivz’s software to help EV drivers locate and access the chargers
- The company received $8.1 million in NEVI funds to install chargers at 24 of its locations in Wisconsin
Article
Kwik Trip, a convenience store chain, is launching the Kwik Charge program in Wisconsin, which will install DC fast chargers with both CCS and NACS connectors at a number of stores across the Midwest. These EV chargers are funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program and must be NEVI compliant, located within one travel mile of the Alternative Fuel Corridor. The charging stations will feature at least four ports with connectors capable of charging four EVs at 150 kW each, with a total station power capacity of 600 kW or more, and provide amenities such as restrooms, food, and shelter. Kwik Trip is also developing an app using Driivz’s software to allow EV drivers to find Kwik Charge chargers and check availability and pricing.
The first two EV charger stations are set to be completed in Ashland and West Salem, Wisconsin, by the end of October. Kwik Trip, a family-owned company with over 880 stores in multiple states, is not planning to install EV charging at all of its stores in Wisconsin. John McHugh, the vice president for external relations at Kwik Trip, stated that while EV charging stations may not be the primary direction of the company, they are being pursued for guests who are interested in utilizing them. However, it is worth noting that Kwik Trip received $8.1 million in NEVI funds to install chargers at 24 of its locations in Wisconsin and was actively involved in lobbying efforts related to EV charging infrastructure.
The decision to install EV charging stations at select Kwik Trip locations in Wisconsin seems to have been influenced by the significant funding the company received from the NEVI Formula Program. While Kwik Trip downplays the importance of EV charging as a major factor in their operations, their actions suggest otherwise, as evidenced by their lobbying efforts and the substantial investment in charging infrastructure. This initiative reflects a broader trend in the convenience store industry towards accommodating electric vehicles and providing charging options for customers who drive EVs. Kwik Trip’s strategic approach to EV charging aligns with the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions and positions the company as a progressive player in the evolving energy landscape.
The deployment of DC fast chargers at Kwik Trip stores represents a significant investment in electric vehicle infrastructure in the Midwest region. By offering NEVI-compliant charging stations with high power capacities and additional amenities for EV drivers, Kwik Trip aims to create a convenient and accessible charging network for customers. The development of an app to assist drivers in locating and accessing Kwik Charge chargers highlights the company’s commitment to improving the EV charging experience. As electric vehicles become more popular and widespread, initiatives like Kwik Charge play a crucial role in supporting the transition to cleaner transportation and reducing carbon emissions.
In conclusion, Kwik Trip’s initiative to install DC fast chargers at select stores in the Midwest underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the convenience store industry. The strategic deployment of EV charging infrastructure aligns with the growing demand for electric vehicles and reflects Kwik Trip’s proactive approach to adapting to evolving consumer preferences. By leveraging NEVI funds and investing in cutting-edge charging technology, Kwik Trip is poised to establish itself as a leader in the emerging electric vehicle market. Through the Kwik Charge program, the company is not only meeting the needs of environmentally conscious customers but also contributing to the expansion of EV charging infrastructure in the region. As the adoption of electric vehicles continues to accelerate, initiatives like Kwik Charge will play a vital role in facilitating the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system.
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