Circle K recently opened its first electric–vehicle (EV) charging-only location in Europe, located in Gårda, near central Gothenburg, Sweden, according to a press release. “With ten ultra-fast chargers and a 100-square-meter (1,076-square-foot) convenience store, Gårda is the largest EV charging-only convenience location in Circle K's global network,” the retailer said.

Circle K said that Gårda is well-positioned alongside Sweden's E6 motorway, which carries more than 100,000 vehicles daily and has over 10,000 people who work in the vicinity. The location’s “ten ultra-fast 400 kW chargers power vehicles from zero to 80% in about fifteen minutes, while the store—which offers fresh pizza, kebab and award-winning sausage—gives customers a comfortable gathering space that brings new life and convenience in the neighborhood,” Circle K said.

“Our new location at Gårda marks a significant step in our ambition to win the EV customer—offering easy and convenient charging with a complete retail experience. With ultra-fast chargers, great food and beverage options, Wi-Fi and ample seating, the site has been designed to meet our customers' needs. It’s a safe harbor on the road, and a clear step forward in our ambition to be the preferred on-the-go charging destination across Europe,” said Hans-Olav Høidahl, EVP European operations and global eMobility.

The opening of the Gårda location follows the opening of Circle K’s flagship store in Järna, southwest of Stockholm in Sweden—a 30,000-square-meter EV charging location with 26 ultra-fast charging points for light and heavy vehicles. It is the retailer’s largest EV charging location worldwide, according to a press release from Circle K.

Circle K said its European network now includes more than 3,000 Circle K branded chargers and continues to grow quickly to meet rising demand.

Read more about what North American retailers can learn from Europe’s prolific EV adoption in “The Latest on Norway’s EV Explosion,” in the October 2024 issue of NACS Magazine.