Fuel retailers are reminded not to miss out on revived Federal EV charger funding, as the results of a new survey by Gilbarco Veeder-Root, a Vontier company, reveal forecourts offer the experience drivers want while they’re plugged in.
Commissioned for World EV Day 2025, the survey of 5,500 battery-electric (BEV) and hybrid (including plug-in hybrid) vehicle drivers in the United States and Europe highlights the challenges and opportunities for fuel retailers as they integrate electricity into an increasingly diverse forecourt environment.
This year’s event falls just before states’ deadline to apply for a share of the Federal Highway Authority’s recently revised National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula program—a five-year, $5bn initiative providing up to 80% towards installation and equipment costs for DC rapid charging hubs. Fuel retailers have been the biggest recipients so far.
Europe already has a large BEV fleet, accounting for 4.7% of all cars and 1.4% of vans at the end of 2024 according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). It offers a glimpse of near-future expectations for charging point operators (CPOs) in the United States, which is forecast to have an 8.0% BEV share of cars and vans by 2030 – a figure that includes recent policy changes.
Convenience is critical in the United States demonstrated by 30% of EV drivers selecting convenience as the most important piece of deciding where to charge their cars. Similar to Europe where EV charging is more prevalent, representing 40% of respondents.
Although only half (51%) of Americans would avoid chargers that required a detour of more than 20 minutes, most (79%) would pay at least a third higher prices if it meant they could plug in closer to their route. Those near-highway locations align well with forecourt real estate.
Amenities are also influential, with only 25% of European BEV staying in their car during a 15-minute charging stop. Three quarters (74%) expected to either go to a shop or buy refreshments, 39% would use on-site restrooms and 21% cited workspaces or customer WiFi as attractive when selecting somewhere to charge. With longer dwell times, introducing EV charging could drive additional footfall into existing C-stores, cafes and restaurants.
In America, BEV drivers already want the charging experience to match what they’re used to with liquid fuels. Almost a third (31%) would avoid locations with only one charger, 27% wanted electricity to be part of retailers’ loyalty and rewards schemes, and most (79%) would travel more than ten minutes to get all the amenities they wanted.
With 160 years of industry experience, Gilbarco Veeder-Root is supporting fuel retailers thrive in a more energy-diverse future. The Konect charging ecosystem integrates seamlessly with the forecourt environment, combining proven hardware and software with end-to-end support—from site surveys and funding applications, to in-life maintenance by our US-wide field team.
“Challenges with public charging have long been cited as hurdles for electric vehicle adoption—and our survey shows drivers rightly expect this to be as convenient and comfortable as filling with fuel,” comments Merrick Glass, President Konect eMobility at Gilbarco Veeder-Root.
“Forecourts have a competitive advantage, with locations close to major routes and the drivers need to rest, refresh and re-connect while they’re plugged in. Recent changes to the NEVI program will make critical financial support more accessible. Delivering a three-times shorter return than self-funded projects, it’s an opportunity no fuel retailer should overlook.”
