With the increase in sales of electric vehicles, they are becoming available everywhere. Many people want to take long journeys in electric vehicles. But the battery of an electric car is a major concern for them. When the temperature decreases, the driving range of electric cars also decreases, so the infrastructure layout of electric car chargers is crucial. Truck stops have undergone a radical change under the influence of rapidly evolving electric vehicles, evolving from a traditional fuel station model to a multi-purpose station that supports EVs, with truck stop operators and EV charger manufacturers planning commercial EV charging solutions. This article will delve into the evolution of truck stops and the new opportunities that EV charging facilities present for retail shops.
Table of Contents
1. What is a truck stop?
Traditionally, truck stops in the U.S. were sites that focused on providing basic services. These sites typically featured large fuel pumps that provided the diesel or gasoline refuelling services required by traditional trucks. In addition, these stops include buildings and infrastructure such as simple rest areas, restaurants, restrooms, and some small conveniences. Drivers have the option of stopping at these stations to refuel, rest or eat during long journeys. Such traditional truck stops mainly serve fuel vehicles and meet the basic needs of truck drivers on long-distance journeys, as well as serving as a place for socialising and information exchange. However, with the rise of electric trucks and electric cars, these traditional truck stops are undergoing a transformation with the gradual introduction of electric vehicle charging facilities to accommodate changing transport and driving needs.
2. The rise of electric vehicles transforms traditional truck stops
According to a report by the International Energy Agency, the use of electric vehicles in 2022 has resulted in a net reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions of about 80 million tonnes. Vehicle electrification is expected to cut global oil demand by at least 5 million barrels per day by 2030, and the transport sector will be less dependent on oil. Electric vehicles are therefore one of the keys to mitigating the greenhouse effect and reducing energy consumption.
The rise of electric vehicles has had a profound impact on traditional truck stops. Truck stops are no longer just places to provide fuel service in order to support electric vehicles for long distance travel and attract more people to truck stops.
The longer range and faster charging speeds of electric vehicles have made drivers more reliant on truck stops to provide EV charging services on long-distance trips. The provision of charging facilities for EVs at traditional truck stops not only meets the charging needs of drivers, but also improves the level of service at the sites, providing users with more comprehensive and convenient services.
In addition, the rise of electric vehicles has driven the diversification of truck stops. In order to accommodate different types of vehicles, truck stops continue to retain traditional fuel refuelling services in addition to EV charging services, enabling the stops to meet the needs of all types of drivers in a more comprehensive manner and ensuring the diversity and flexibility of services.
Overall, the rise of electric vehicles has changed the business model of traditional truck stops, driving the gradual integration of EV charging infrastructure into the stations and providing drivers with more diverse and environmentally friendly options. This shift not only reflects the rise of new energy modes of transport, but also prompts innovation and upgrading of services in the infrastructure of truck stops.
3. Popularity of electric vehicle chargers
The popularity of EV chargers plays a key role in the refurbishment of truck stops. Truck stops have been further adapted to the charging needs of EVs by introducing charging facilities produced by advanced commercial EV charging station distributors.
For fast charging, commercial EV charging solutions generally take the form of level2 and level3 EV chargers, especially level3 EV chargers, which provide higher power charging for EVs in a short period of time, effectively alleviating mileage anxiety during long journeys.
The benefits of DC fast chargers for truck stops
The level3 EV charger, also known as a DC fast charger, is a charging device for electric cars and electric trucks that provides relatively high charging power to quickly charge electric vehicles in a short period of time. Compared to traditional alternating current (AC) chargers, DC fast chargers are able to deliver higher currents, speeding up the battery charging process.
These charging devices are typically able to provide a large amount of power to an electric vehicle in a short period of time to meet the user’s need for fast charging. The development of DC fast charging technology is important for the popularity and diffusion of electric vehicles as it significantly reduces charging time and improves the ease of use of an electric vehicle, especially when travelling long distances.
- Alleviating Mileage Anxiety: DC fast chargers can significantly shorten the charging time of electric trucks, effectively reducing the driver’s waiting time. This helps to alleviate driver anxiety due to lack of mileage and improves confidence when travelling long distances.
- Improved service efficiency: The introduction of fast chargers makes charging at truck stops more efficient. Drivers are able to finish charging in a short period of time and thus get back on the road faster, improving the efficiency of the service at the stops and reducing queues of vehicles waiting at the stops.
- Attracting more EV users: Truck stops with fast-charging facilities are more attractive, attracting more drivers with electric trucks to choose the stop for rest and charging. This helps the site expand its user base, increase traffic, and improve business competitiveness.
Upgrades to truck stop facilities, particularly the introduction of DC fast chargers, can help promote the wider use of electric trucks. This infrastructure investment in support of new energy transport is a positive contribution to the development of the industry as a whole.
4. New business opportunities for commercial EV charger dealers
The addition of commercial EV charging stations at truck stops provides new business opportunities for commercial EV charger distributors. EV charger manufacturers can provide the best commercial EV charging solutions for traditional truck stop operators, such as the dual-port level3 EV charger from Joint EV Chargers, which can provide charging for two EVs at the same time, increasing convenience and efficiency.
Summary:
The evolution of the truck stop is a great example of the positive acceptance of new energy sources and technologies. The success of this evolution not only enhances the experience of truck drivers and EV users, but also drives the sustainability of the overall travel and business model. EV chargers, EV charging post producers and commercial EV charging solutions are playing an integral role in this evolution, injecting new energy and dynamism into the industry.
With the advancement of technology and the continuous development of the market, we have reason to believe that truck stops will become a complex of EV charging, resting and commercial services in the future, providing users with a more convenient and efficient travelling experience.