NACS, NATSO urge the U.S. Department of Transportation to incentivize the nation’s existing refueling locations to incorporate EV charging into their suite of fueling options.
North American convenience stores, travel centers and truckstops have urged the U.S. Department of Transportation to incentivize the incorporation of EV charging to existing infrastructure. The incentive is part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula grant program.
NATSO, representing truckstops and travel centers, SIGMA: America’s Leading Fuel Marketers and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) are asking the government to help existing retailers adopt EV charging technology.
The organizations representing more than 150,000 refueling locations nationwide want to implement the NEVI grant program in a manner that does not simply invest public funds but drives policies that will positively shape the future of vehicle fast-charging markets. If federal investments are made without any effort to drive necessary policy and market reforms, or with unnecessary strings attached, the NEVI grant program will result in charging stations being placed in undesirable locations, limiting consumer interest in purchasing EVs and minimizing private companies’ desire to invest in charging stations, NATSO, NACS and SIGMA said in comments filed with the U.S. DOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
“Retail fuel companies are capable of single-handedly eliminating range anxiety. All they need is a level playing field and an opportunity to generate a modest return. EV charging availability at existing retail fuel locations will mean drivers do not need to change their refueling habits if they choose not to. They can refuel on-the-go with the same safe, reliable service and amenities that they enjoy today,” said NATSO Executive Vice President of Government Affairs David Fialkov.
“Encouraging private investment will mean state-of-the-art chargers in convenient locations with competitive low prices alongside the types of amenities that drivers have come to expect while they refuel,” said NACS General Counsel Doug Kantor.
Retailers want the government to flexibly administer the requirement that states locate electric vehicle charging stations every 50 miles along designated corridors, encourage states to allow EV charging station operators to sell electricity to EV drivers without being regulated as a utility, and require states to consider driver safety and convenience by locating chargers at sites that have on-site employees to call emergency personnel when needed and offer amenities that attract other highway travelers.
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