[Eyght]

This makes me curious of how the gradual change from gas- to charging stations will affect these places. I could see clusters of charging stations gathering in the same place and causing a resurgence of shopping centers, maybe even malls, in those areas.

[clairity]

consider that that implies consolidation (malls need much more capital than stations) and likely another monopolized market. gas stations, for all their faults, still provide an avenue for hard-working folks to build a small business without getting squeezed by financialized gatekeepers. it's why immigrants gravitate toward such businesses, and how dynamic economies are perpetuated. you can already see the stranglehold by big capital on charging networks start to take shape.

[danans]

It could even revitalize these places - make them destinations in their own right - if the charging is paired with good food and a nice setting.

For example, a lot of California highway waypoints function that way now, like the saloons and restaurants near the entry points to Yosemite.

It would be a temporary boost that would have to sustain itself on its non-charging-related merits when charging itself becomes ubiquitous though, as even the original restaurants/gas-stations in the article were based on the then new novelty of countryside driving.

> resurgence of shopping centers, maybe even malls, in those areas

I doubt it - you're mostly describing outlet shops which are also affected by the decline of brick and mortar retail. Thanks to the internet and e-commerce, people don't often go on long drives with the objective of shopping, but instead are seeking out distinct experiences (think cute tourist towns with "local" feeling shops) which may involve shopping, not the same mall experience they can already get nearby their homes.

[rootbear]

I had the same thought. It takes time for even a fast charger to "top up" an electric car, so taking a half hour or more for lunch seems natural. They might even serve tea...