Dive Brief:
- NACS has unveiled an electric vehicle charging matchmaking program that will make it easier for c-store retailers to find EV charging companies that meet their criteria, according to a Tuesday press release.
- The tool, which can only be used by NACS members, lets retailers upload information about the site they want to add EV charging to, or help retailers in deciding which site would be best if they have multiple locations.
- Owners of existing or upcoming c-stores can pick from a variety of implementation plans, whether they host a third-party charging company or own and operate ports independently.
Dive Insight:
In a crowded field of EV charging providers, NACS’ tool aims to simplify the process by shifting some of the burden from c-stores to charging companies. It allows retailers to send their project specifications to a number of providers at once and have companies who meet those specifications reach out to them.
Karl Doenges, NACS’ EV charging infrastructure liaison, said in an email that the matching program includes traditional and battery-buffered direct-current fast-charging options.
“While EV charging demand will not roll out across the U.S. at the same time and in the same way, there are certain markets where retailers need to move now and other markets where the retailer wants to be prepared and get ahead of the coming opportunity,” Doenges said in the press release.
NACS also plans to supplement the matchmaking tool in the near future with EV U-Finder, which connects retailers to the appropriate utility company for charging programs by inputting the proposed site’s zip code. It will also return a list of funding assistance programs available in that area.
These tools will join the trade group’s existing EV charging calculator, a program which lets companies input data about a site’s power costs and expected usage to calculate the potential profitability of an EV charging installation.
