Subway, the world’s largest fast-food chain, is looking to add another reason for customers to visit its locations: EV charging stations. The sandwich company has teamed up with GenZ EV Solutions to create the “EV Charging Oasis of the Future” in select locations across the United States. According to the company, the charging stations will be accompanied by picnic tables, Wi-Fi, restrooms, green space, and even playgrounds. Subway and GenZ EV Solutions intend to test smaller-format, quick EV charging stations at newly converted or newly built restaurants across the US beginning in 2023, as well as roll out the Subway Oasis at select locations over a multi-year period.
This follows Starbucks’ lead, which has already begun testing EV charging stations at some locations. Starbucks partnered with Volvo in March of last year to add EV charging stations to its parking lots along popular driving routes. The pilot programme included chargers spaced approximately 100 miles apart, allowing EV owners to easily recharge at Starbucks locations. The coffee chain has also worked to make its stores more appealing to customers who are working from home and adding EV charging stations is just one way it has sought to accomplish this.
Subway, which has nearly 37,000 locations in more than 100 countries, wants to use its retail footprint to provide EV charging infrastructure to millions of Americans. “Equitable access to charging is essential to the future adoption of EVs,” says GenZ EV Solutions CEO Jose Valls, “and Subway’s scale will play an important role in democratising charging infrastructure for millions of Americans.”
The move could help Subway revitalise its brand by providing convenient charging locations for EV owners. The fast-food chain has recently launched an advertising campaign featuring Steph Curry, Serena Williams, and Tom Brady, among others, as well as a main menu “refresh.” Adding EV charging stations and other amenities to its locations could help Subway stay competitive in a crowded fast-food market while also attracting a new generation of customers who want more than just a quick bite to eat.
As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, EV charging stations in retail locations such as Subway and Starbucks may become more common. By leveraging their vast retail footprints and collaborating with companies such as GenZ EV Solutions, these chains are not only providing a valuable service to their customers but also positioning themselves as leaders in the push towards a more sustainable future.
