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by LeifCarrotson 2030 days ago
Here in Michigan, we have lots of "dealership rows" where I can imagine these being installed. They're technically shopping areas, but they're very car-centric, with 5- or 7-lane 45mph roads with tons of curb cuts and huge parking lots all around. You'll have the dealerships grouped by big franchises, each building doing it's best at giving the impression of separate businesses for imports, one for each of the big 3, a used lot, and a carwash and probably a gas station. The other side of the pedestrian-impassable road may have a mall, a big box store, fast food, or small retailers, and there's probably more a half mile down the road, but there's no sidewalk or safe way to walk there from the dealership.

Some malls making an effort to be more relevant than they were in the 80s have charging spots in their parking lots, that would be a lot more attractive.

1 comments

Yes, these are common. However, it's important to ask yourself why they're common. They're usually chosen because of cheap real estate and car buying being a destination event. i.e. we buy cars infrequently enough that we value ability to choose among more options more highly than the time it takes us to arrive at a destination. This is the opposite of how we consume fuel. How often do you drive out of your way for a lower gas price? I almost never do.
Costco charges enough less for gas that I'll often make a special trip to fill up there. But I also try to combine that with some shopping, which I suppose is why they do it.