7-Eleven, Inc., announced its new proprietary electric vehicle EV charging network on Friday at select stores across the U.S. and Canada, as well as a related app.
The convenience retailer said it plans to build one of the largest and most compatible EV fast-charging networks of any retailer in North America with the launch of the 7 Charge network.
7 Charge is already delivering charging services to customers in several locations in Florida, Texas, Colorado and California.
Customers can charge any EV make and model compatible with common CHAdeMO or Combined Charging System plug types, provided a driver has a CCS or CHAdeMO adapter.
The network will serve communities and customers at charging stations across its entire family of brands including Speedway and Stripes stores once its expansion is complete.
7 -- Eleven said that the app would allow for seamless charging and payment and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store, Google Play or by visiting 7 -- eleven.com 7 charge.
The Texas-based company said the network delivers on the growing consumer need for EV charging infrastructure. By expanding the 7 Charge network, while continuing to use third-party fast-charging network options, 7 Eleven will have the ability to match consumer demand and make EV charging available to neighborhoods that have, until now, lacked access, according to the release.
More than 13,000 stores are licensed and franchised by 7-Eleven in the U.S. and Canada.
Subway also announced last week that it would place EV charging parks near some of its sandwich shops and Starbucks said early last year that it had intentions of putting EV charges at up to 15 coffeehouse stores in approximately 100 mile intervals on a route between Seattle and Denver.
The Biden administration announced $2.5 billion in new grants on Tuesday for the construction of EV charging stations and alternative fueling infrastructure. The move was aimed at increasing access in the less well-served neighborhoods and communities. The grants also focus on highway chargers.