September 26, 2023
Refueling an electric vehicle is nothing like a traditional gas stop — and the experience at many EV charging stations still falls short. Too often, drivers arrive to find chargers located in the back corners of parking lots, far from food, trash bins, shelter, or restrooms. And when charging can take 30+ minutes, those missing amenities become more than a minor inconvenience.
Many EV charging stations lack the hospitality that gas stations have perfected over decades:
These may seem like small inconveniences, but they create friction in the EV ownership experience — and experts say they’re now a major barrier to EV adoption.
According to JD Power, dissatisfaction among EV drivers often centers not around charging speed — but around what to do while they wait. Drivers want basic comfort and safety, just as they would expect at any roadside stop:
“We constantly hear EV owners say they just want shade, a seat, or even a trash can while they charge,” said Brent Gruber, Executive Director of EV research at JD Power.
When EV charging stations are placed behind shopping centers or in closed retail lots after hours, even simple needs like a bathroom break become a challenge.
Most EV charging stations were built quickly to qualify for government incentives, prioritizing fast deployment over ideal locations. Networks placed chargers wherever they could — banks, hotels, grocery lots — often without control over amenities.
But as EV adoption grows beyond early adopters, expectations have changed. Drivers want reliable power and a comfortable wait.
Industry leaders say the next generation of EV charging stations will look more like modern rest stops:
Companies are already acting. Blink Charging is refusing new locations that lack basic amenities. Electrify America is building flagship hubs with lounges and retail. Tesla plans a retro diner and movie screen alongside Superchargers. Startups like Rove are designing full-service charging campuses with coffee, groceries, and rest areas.
If the United States wants more drivers to switch to electric, then EV charging stations must evolve beyond just plugs in parking lots. Improving comfort, convenience, and safety will not only make long trips easier — it will build confidence in EV ownership for millions of future buyers.
