This is particularly disturbing because often EA chargers are the only reliable fast chargers around for CCS, so it's not like you can just avoid them for another network on a long trip.
I’m somewhat surprised there aren’t more EV (DC) charging companies around.
There are dozens of various oil companies who have their own gas stations (subsidized by the oil industry?). Why don’t we see more electric companies building their own charging networks as well?
Non of these companies except Tesla is making money on this. Setting up the infrastructure, dealing with licensing, maintenance its a huge bother and the electronics required doesn't come cheap and is production limited.
So the reality is this is a money losing business and will be for years to come.
Electric utilities are pretty local and this only really makes sense as a large system.
The chargers are a money losing buisness, but charging an EV takes 10-30-45 minutes. Pretty surprised WaWa, 7/11, Chevron, etc. haven't blasted them to their gas stations as I assume they are a great way to get foot traffic to your store.
Gas stations are usually franchises. Gas is sold on the thinnest of margins; it's the snacks inside the store and other things that actually generate a profit, and none of that but the franchise fee for the name actually goes to the oil company.
You'd think that a fast charger would be even more valuable. You've got a captive customer for ~20 minutes, should be even easier to sell them stuff.
The problem is that it's enough time to walk to the restaurant next door rather than spending money at the gas station store.
I'm sure somebody will figure it out. Probably something like the food court model rather than current gas stations which are basically convenience stores.
I believe the OP was talking about the old style drive-through where you parked and the server came to your vehicle to take your order. The order taker can plug your car in for you too.
What an "interesting" combination of high tech and low tech...
While this is basically true, it's not that terrible. A pure gas station operates on about the same profit margin as a grocery store. Both fairly thin, but both are successful businesses.
I think the profit margins suck. Especially since a lot of states have regulations about selling power without exceptions for EV chargers. Also people aren't usually willing to pay much for charging. This is why you mostly see EV chargers at hotels and shopping centers that can earn indirect revenue from attracting customers who are waiting for EV charging.
There are dozens (ChargePoint, EVgo, Volta, etc.) yet Electrify America is the one that's getting the most funding (government subsidies and automaker reparations for emissions scandals) for installations and therefore is the most visible.
They built a brand new gas station near my house, with full serve car wash and a "natural foods" cafe, along a running path around a wetlands, and I thought -- if there was ever a gas station formula that should've included a charging station too, it was something like that. But no, no charging.
There are dozens of various oil companies who have their own gas stations (subsidized by the oil industry?). Why don’t we see more electric companies building their own charging networks as well?