Dive Brief:

• 7-Eleven has unveiled 7Charge, a proprietary electric vehicle charging network and app in the U.S. and coming soon to Canada, according to a press release March 16. 
• The company’s EV charging stations are already live in parts of Texas, Florida, Colorado and California, where customers can charge any vehicle that can use the CHAdeMO or Combined Charging System plug types or has an adapter. The chargers provide direct-current fast charging, or level 3 charging.
• The app will offer seamless charging and payments and the ability for customers to save their favorite locations or set up notifications for when their car is done charging, among other benefits, the company said.

Dive Insight:

7-Eleven aims to have a significant presence in the EV charging space, thanks to a 2021 commitment to build 500 chargers at 250 North American locations. It joins convenience stores Pilot, which is building 2,000 chargers at 500 locations, as well as Alimentation Couche-Tard, Circle K’s parent company, which is planning for hundreds of EV charging locations. 

"For over 95 years, 7-Eleven has innovated to meet our customers' needs — delivering convenience where, when and how they want it," said Joe DePinto, president and CEO. "Now, we are innovating once again to meet our customers' where they are by expanding our business to provide EV drivers convenience."

The company hopes to expand its network into areas which have previously lacked sufficient charging access, it said. 

The electricity used for the 7Charge network is 100% green energy, continuing 7-Eleven’s focus on lowering emissions. In October, the company signed a 20-year green energy commitment with diversified energy company DTE Energy for 160 stores in Michigan.

7-Eleven’s North American EV charging network will also include Speedway and Stripes locations once it’s complete. 

The 7Charge network app aims to make it easier for EV drivers to get in and out when charging. They can initiate payment by scanning a QR code or typing the station ID into the app. It can also find charging locations near the driver and show if they’re available, as well as help drivers avoid fees for leaving an EV plugged in once it’s done charging.

Irving, Texas-based 7-Eleven owns, licenses or franchises about 13,000 locations in North America, including 7-Eleven, Speedway, Stripes and more. Its loyalty program has more than 50 million members.