Fuel forecourts are undergoing a period of significant transformation, with the rise of EV charging and the retail landscape of fuel forecourts evolving. With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), the landscape of these traditional refuelling stations has changed dramatically. One notable change is the increase in dwell time as individuals spend more time at forecourts due to the introduction of EV charging stations. This shift has brought new opportunities and challenges, particularly in terms of the demand for increased bandwidth to support these changes.

The integration of EV charging stations at fuel forecourts has significantly increased the amount of time customers are spending on site. On average, for a typical electric car, it takes just under 8 hours (empty to full) to charge with a 7 kw charging point. Due to this, most drivers will top up their chargers rather than wait. As a result of this, more customers are using fuel forecourts to charge their EV vehicles. For many electric cars, you can add up to 100 miles in 35 minutes with a rapid charger. The statistics demonstrate the increase in dwell time at the forecourt.

This leads to an era of digital transformation for fuel forecourts. Not so long ago, fuel was the sole reason for visiting a fuel forecourt; today, this has dropped to a 50/50 split between fuel and non-fuel retail. In some cases, service stations are becoming as much of a destination as a pit stop.

Digital transformation reports suggest that in the future we will see a significant increase in the retail and leisure presence at forecourts as people begin to spend more time on the premises.

Because of the increase in dwell time and EV at fuel forecourts, there is an increasing need for enhanced bandwidth. Greater bandwidth not only supports these technological aspects of the forecourt, but it also supports the customer experience, transaction speeds, data processing for EV charging, and managing multiple users. Forecourts without adequate bandwidth face significant challenges such as slow transactions, connectivity issues, and potential customer dissatisfaction.

EvolveISP, Evolve’s connectivity solution, can help aid the transition to increased bandwidth. EvolveISP provides business-grade, seamless connectivity that promises to minimise downtime and provide high-speed internet access.

In conclusion, the convergence of EV charging, increased dwell time, and the demand for heightened bandwidth represent a pivotal moment in the evolution of fuel forecourts. Embracing these changes and investing in technology and infrastructure will not only address the current challenges and opportunities but also pave the way for a more efficient, customer-centric forecourt experience in the future.