The simple answer to this question is: yes! Gas stations are commonly found throughout the country. Converting them to charging stations would make it much simpler for electric vehicle drivers to find a charging station close to their destination. Converting gas stations to charging stations would allow the government to easily expand the existing charging infrastructure to accommodate electric vehicles. The legacy automotive industry is being dragged to the transition to electric vehicles. Many gas stations located on arterial routes have a supporting services ecosystem, such as restaurants and shops. With recharging taking longer than pumping gas, travel centers could flourish. However, installing charging technology can be extremely expensive. Existing infrastructure at most stations will require an electrical overhaul to support charging.
One thing is clear: Gas stations must offer fast charging technology. Slower charging won’t be acceptable to customers. Most gas stations will be unable to transition to electric without public funding. The first US gas station to fully convert spent $786,000 in grants to install chargers. By 2030, chargers will be commonplace, freeing up gas stations for conversion to specialty shops. As EVs become mainstream, this transition will accelerate over the next decade. The downfall leaves renters and multi-unit residents lacking access. The solution is simple: increase charging station demand.
The future of gas stations as electric cars take over is uncertain. Demand for gasoline will decline as electric vehicles become more common. Slow charging won’t be acceptable to customers. Without public funding, most stations can’t make the transition to electric. It’s difficult for gas stations to profit from charging alone. Charging takes longer than filling up with gas, so more customers are needed to cover costs. Getting customers to buy higher-margin products inside while charging can boost profits. But less convenience stores will dot street corners in the future since most charging happens at home. Gas stations remain vital for long-distance drivers.
They may not completely vanish since fuel powers more than just cars. But their numbers should drop substantially. Governments can easily expand existing stations with charging infrastructure. Many located on busy routes already have restaurants and shops to occupy drivers during longer charging stops.
Transition and Equity
Most gas stations require infrastructure upgrades to handle charging loads. By 2030, chargers will become common as more gas stations transform into specialty shops. Still, the transition leaves issues like equitable access unsolved. Increasing charging station demand encourages conversions. Governments, companies, and drivers must collaborate on the decades-long transition to electric. With planning and commitment from all parties, a clean energy transport future looks promising.
As long as there is a demand for gasoline, gas stations may continue to exist, albeit in reduced numbers. In conclusion, after 2035 gas stations are likely to undergo a significant transformation. As the world moves towards cleaner energy sources, gas stations may evolve into charging hubs for EVs, hydrogen refueling stations, or adapt to accommodate alternative fuels. The success of these transitions will depend on factors such as infrastructure investment, consumer behavior, and the development of new technologies.
One-quarter of all global gas and service stations may close entirely by 2035 as installing Level 3 EV fast-chargers can be cost-prohibitive. Shell hopes to have over 70,000 public EV chargers around the world by 2025.
When they do, it will be a slow economic death as most today are being built on parcels of high future development value. The year 2035 is significant because Gov. Gavin Newsom announced no new vehicles can be sold in California unless they are zero emission. Greenhouse gas activists have been questioning the wisdom of approving additional gas stations or even allowing existing locations to add more pumps.
While the gasoline brings customers in, the convenience store makes the business work. Boston Consulting Group calculates between 25% and 80% of gas stations could be unprofitable by 2035 as EVs need little maintenance and no smog checks. Beyond changes in cars are local bans on new/updated gas stations, and the expansion of delivery services.
The gas station of the future may serve autonomous EVs that fill up without a driver, and hand out online purchase packages delivered by drones – a new business model built upon service and convenience, not just fuel. With planning and commitment from industry players, gas stations can still have a place in a clean energy future.