INDIANAPOLIS -- In a move that makes Ricker Oil a convenience-store leader in the electric-vehicle (EV) charging segment, the Anderson, Ind.-based chain has installed nine Level 3, DC fast chargers at its Ricker's locations in central Indiana.
With the assistance of Greater Indiana Clean Cities Coalition, Ricker partnered with Nissan on its "No Charge to Charge" program, which offers two years of free public charging to buyers of new Nissan LEAF EVs. This marks reportedly the largest city-wide installation of EV chargers at a retail fuel chain in the United States.
"Whatever the future of fuel is, Ricker's will be here to dispense it to our loyal, Hoosier customer base," said Quinn Ricker, president and CEO of Ricker Oil Co. "Our desire to deliver a quality product in a clean and friendly environment is a top priority for us. Through our partnership with Nissan, we are thrilled to be able to provide electric-charging stations at no cost and be among the largest providers of electric-charging stations in America."
The Ricker's DC fast charging stations, which deliver a full charge in 30 minutes, are part of the Greenlots network of EV charging stations that participates in the Nissan "No Charge to Charge" promotion. Beginning April 1, new Nissan LEAF buyers or lessees will get 30 minutes of free charging at Ricker's DC fast-charging stations, as well as at three chargers installed at local malls.
EVgo network sites that participate in the promotion are a mix of retail and public locations, ranging from convenience stores such as Ricker's, to Walgreens drug stores, to restaurants such as Cracker Barrel, to Nissan dealerships and parking garages.
The "No Charge to Charge" program launched in 2014, and with Indianapolis on board, has since expanded to 14 top markets for LEAF sales across the country (the program's goal is 25 markets). In March, Nissan also delivered its 75,000th Nissan LEAF, which has an EPA mileage rating of 126 miles per gallon for city driving, and a range of 84 miles.
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard has been a proponent of EV charging, championing an all-EV car sharing service, and giving an executive order pledging that the city would convert its entire municipal, non-police fleet to EV or plug-in hybrids by 2025. The fleet, which includes LEAFs, currently tops more than 100 EVs and hybrids.
"In Indianapolis, we are taking bold steps to reduce our city's oil dependence," said Mayor Ballard. "Growing our citywide network of EV charging stations is important as we transition the city's entire fleet off foreign oil and work with residents to increase their access to electric vehicles."
"Indianapolis has quickly become a very EV-friendly market, thanks to the efforts of Ricker's and local leaders like Mayor Ballard," said Brendan Jones, Nissan's director of electric vehicle sales and infrastructure deployment. "With chargers now conveniently placed throughout Metro Indianapolis, owners can enjoy even more all-electric miles in their quiet, fun-to-drive Nissan LEAF."
Ricker Oil Co. Inc., Anderson, Ind., was founded in 1979 by Jay and Nancy Ricker. The chain now includes more than 50 Ricker's convenience stores.
In other charging news, Gate Petroleum Co. recently installed a Nissan DC Fast Charger at a GATE convenience store in Jacksonville, Fla., the company posted on Facebook. The fast charger works with the Nissan LEAF and other vehicles compatible with the CHAdeMO charging standard. Drivers may pay with an RFID card, credit card, call the posted toll-free number or use the Greenlots smart phone app.
And The Effingham Daily News reported that a Jack Flash gas station in Effingham, Ill., will install six Tesla charging stations. Tesla produces two models of fully-electric cars. It has dozens of "Supercharger" stations across Illinois and in most states.
Gas station owner John Wortman told the newspaper that Tesla representatives approached him last fall about adding the chargers to his location. He signed a lease for the charging stations in February. He said he believes Tesla chose Effingham because of its proximity to the interstates and because it lies between Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis. He said the charging stations at his store will only work with Tesla cars.
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