Dive Brief:
- Pilot Company has opened the first 17 locations in its long-term electric vehicle charging program, according to a Tuesday announcement.
- The 17 locations are scattered across 13 states. Each features multiple fast charging stations capable of delivering up to 350 kilowatts with onsite monitoring by staff.
- Pilot expects to open at least eight more of these EV charging stations by the end of this year, and hopes to hit 200 locations by the end of 2024, according to the announcement.
Dive Insight:
Pilot first revealed its ambitious EV charging program — created in conjunction with auto maker General Motors and charging manufacturer EVgo — in October 2022. At the time, the retailer said it was aiming for 2,000 fast charging stations across 500 of its U.S. travel centers.
Each of the charging stations now open is built under a canopy and features pull-through charging stalls, which allow easier charging for electric pickup trucks and SUVs pulling trailers.
The chargers also use a “plug and charge” model, which asks customers to set up their payment the first time they charge, and automatically uses that payment information on subsequent charges for that vehicle.
Pilot CEO Adam Wright said these charging stations — and the others to come — “will be critical for improving range confidence” for long distance drivers.
"As interest in EVs continues to grow, we believe our network can be a catalyst to getting more EV drivers on the road,” Wright said in the announcement.
Drivers can find available charging stations through Pilot’s myRewards mobile app, as well as General Motors’ vehicle brand apps, the EVgo app and others.
Starting next spring, drivers of General Motor vehicles will become eligible for various benefits at Pilot charging stations, including the ability to reserve a charger and discounts on charging.
Founded in 1958, Knoxville, Tennessee-based Pilot operates more than 870 travel centers across 44 U.S. states and six Canadian provinces.
