Dive Brief:
- Arko Corp.’s convenience store arm, GPM Investments, has extended its electric vehicle charging footprint through a partnership with EV charging company Red E, according to an announcement from the tech provider.
- This partnership covers EV charging stations at 39 sites in GPM Investments’ portfolio, an Arko spokesperson noted in an email. The company also offers chargers from other providers at 50 locations.
- Although EV charging expansion has slowed among c-store retailers, major chains like Circle K, Global Partners and Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores continue to grow their networks.
Dive Insight:
Arko, which grew its store count primarily through M&A for years, has a footprint that spans many states and banners. Red E offers comprehensive charging network management, including tasks, such as infrastructure strategy, deployment, software integration and uptime optimization. This allows the retailer to lean on Red E’s expertise in site selection and compliance.
“Rolling out EV charging across a portfolio like ours isn’t simple — every site has different needs, different markets, and different operational considerations,” said Chris Giacobone, chief operating officer for GPM Investments.
The EV expansion comes as the company is winding down its dealerization program, under which it is converting some locations from company-owned to wholesale, as well as growing its proprietary fresh food program and increasing the personalization of its loyalty app.
