IRVING, Texas—Charging forward with its environmental ambitions, 7-Eleven announced plans to build at least 500 Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) ports at 250 select U.S. and Canada stores by late 2022. Currently, the chain has 22 charging stations at 14 stores in four states.
The new DCFC ports, all owned and operated by 7-Eleven, would give the company one of the largest, most compatible fast-charging systems of any U.S. retailer.
"7-Eleven has always been a leader in new ideas and technology to better serve the needs of our customers," said Joe DePinto, president and CEO, 7-Eleven. "Adding 500 charging ports at 250 7-Eleven stores will make EV charging more convenient and help accelerate broader adoption of EVs and alternative fuels. We are committed to the communities we serve and to working toward a more sustainable future."
In addition, the company has "doubled-down" on its original commitment and pledged to meet a 50% reduction of CO2 emissions by 2030. In 2016, 7-Eleven set ambitious and measurable sustainability goals as part of a commitment to operate a globally sustainable business. The retailer planned to achieve a 20% reduction of CO2 emissions from its stores by 2027 but reached the 20% target in 2019, eight years ahead of schedule. This CO2 reduction equals the carbon sequestered by more than 349,000 acres of U.S. forests in one year.
7-Eleven is seeking renewable energy solutions for its stores nationwide and is purchasing 100% wind energy for 800+ Texas stores and 300+ Illinois stores. Additional renewable energy purchases include 150 Virginia stores that use hydropower, as well as 300 Florida stores powered by solar energy.
"7-Eleven's legacy is bringing convenience to the customer, and that continues to evolve—from ice on a dock in 1927 to electricity for your car today," said DePinto. "7-Eleven's rapid expansion of EV charging ports across the country is good for our customers and our planet and it's the right thing to do."
Additional details regarding 7-Eleven's ESG strategy will be announced later this year. To learn more about the chain’s sustainability efforts, visit corp.7-Eleven.com.
7-Eleven isn’t the only convenience store adding EVs to its locations. In a deal with New York state, Mirabito c-stores recently announced it would be installing 19 EV fast chargers in the state in partnership with the New York Power Authority (NYPA).
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