The Electric Vehicles Vision Group (evVG) released its second Vision Report, "The Changing EV Policy Landscape: How Does It Affect You?" which explores the evolving U.S. policy and regulatory landscape, market demand, infrastructure and development for electric vehicles.

“With challenges abound, there is continued momentum toward electrification. The role of AI, strategic retail investments and future-proofed infrastructure will be critical in shaping the next phase of the EV market,” evVG said.

Main topics of the report include:

• The future of electric vehicles and charging: Retailers face challenges from declining fuel demand and can find opportunities with increased in-store spending by EV owners during longer charging stops. Doenges explored directions the new Trump Administration may go with energy policy and its impact on EV policies and funding. He commented: “We are going to see a change in rhetoric from the Biden administration to the Trump administration. We do believe it will change the pace of the EV growth, but it will not stop it.”

• Market growth and consumer adoption: The group discussed EV charging and the role of convenience stores, noting that while EV customers tend to spend more per visit, there are fewer of them compared to gasoline customers. Site layout and additional options such as car washes are important to attract EV drivers as well (dirt particles can affect computer functionality).

• Economics of EV charging and retail locations: The group also discussed shifting EV charging patterns, with members predicting a move toward “top-off” charging behaviors, prompting retailers to focus on inside sales.

• EV charging infrastructure and development: EV charging infrastructure development was also a hot topic, highlighting the cost advantages of incorporating charging during initial construction versus retrofitting, the benefits of standardizing connectors and concerns about potential market competition between utility-owned and private charging stations.

The report features insights from Karl Doenges, executive director, Charging Analytics Program (CAP), Transportation Energy Institute (TEI). Join NACS and Doenges April 8-10 in Dallas for the NACS State of the Industry Summit, where Doenges will be speaking about EVs during the Tracking Key Metrics of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations session.

Doenges will compare the performance of chargers that are near convenience and fuel retailing facilities, those that are near or far from a highway ramp, and which level of charger power outperforms others. However, the ultimate decision must be driven by local conditions. This presentation will also include comparative benchmarking data relative to markets of similar characteristics so you can better understand how chargers in counties that are similar to yours are performing to help you make a more informed decision about the future of EV charging at your store.

Read more about TEI and CAP in the December 2024 issue of NACS Magazine feature “How Data Can Power Your EV Charging Strategy.”