A Stewart’s Shops convenience store in Potsdam, New York, is now home to four high-speed electric vehicle (EV) chargers, installed by the New York Power Authority to help advance the state’s clean energy goals.
The chargers were installed as part of New York state’s Evolve NY fast-charging network. They sit adjacent to four Tesla superchargers, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in announcing the installation.
Stewart’s Shops now has six stores equipped with Evolve NY chargers, six with Tesla Superchargers and two additional Tesla sites under contract, Claire Flannery, Stewart’s Shops PR specialist, told CSP Daily News. Its first Tesla chargers were installed in January 2018 in Clinton Corners, New York.
“By having chargers in Potsdam, it can ease the range anxiety EV drivers may feel when driving long distances in this remote area of northern New York. Potsdam is also a town with two universities which draw traffic from significant distance,” Flannery said of the latest EV charging addition.
- Stewart's Shops is No. 23 on CSP’s 2023 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by number of company-owned retail outlets.
The chargers have next-generation power-sharing technology that allows any compatible EV to fast-charge at the maximum level of 350 kilowatts, Hochul said. Having multiple new units in St. Lawrence County will enable charging for the growing number of EVs statewide and support the state’s clean energy goals that are positioned to reduce carbon emissions and pollution on roads and create healthier communities, Hochul said. In 2021, she signed legislation requiring all new passenger cars, pickup trucks and SUVs sold in New York to be zero emission by 2035.
The New York Power Authority maintains the largest open-access high-speed charging network in New York state with 144 ports at 37 sites along major travel corridors and urban hubs, according to the governor’s office.
The power authority paid for the chargers at Stewart’s Shops, and the c-store chain has a modest land lease for the space, Flannery said.
Since installing EV chargers nearly six years ago, Flannery said they have broadened Stewart’s Shops demographics. People traveling through the area may stop at a Stewart’s for the first time because they need a charge.
“It gives these new customers a chance to come inside and learn about the wonderful things we have to offer” she said. “We have restrooms, snacks, Refreshers, award-winning food to go and ice cream, coffee and so much more.”
But the retailer also has learned that there are still challenges to implementing an EV charging network.
“The government and media’s estimation of the transition timeline is much quicker than the customer, utility and commercial sector is ready for,” Flannery said.
Electricity costs that businesses who host EV chargers have to foot can also dramatically increase a location’s power bill for the month, she said, as commercial electric bills have a demand charge.
“The current costing structure penalizes charging providers for EV customers to charge during business hours when they need it the most,’ Flannery said. “This demand charge is important, however, and makes sure the grid infrastructure is strong enough to support these EVs without causing brown/blackouts.”
Stewart’s Shops, Ballston Spa, New York, has more than 357 stores in upstate New York and southern Vermont.