Charging infrastructure 2030: How e-mobility redefines gas stations and what operators need to be aware of
Published on: Jun 5, 2025
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E-mobility is fundamentally transforming the gas station industry. Learn how infrastructure, service processes & customer expectations are reshaping the market.
The rapid increase in electric vehicles (EVs) is fundamentally changing how and where energy is “refueled.” Instead of traditional fuel pumps, EVs charge at power outlets – at home, at work, in parking lots, or along highways. This shift presents gas station operators with enormous changes.
Success Factor: Charging Infrastructure
Studies and industry experts emphasize that a widespread network of charging points with sufficient density and, above all, high technical availability is crucial for the acceptance of e-mobility. Consumers hesitate to buy an EV if they are uncertain whether enough functional charging stations are available – “range anxiety” and charging frustration are seen as the biggest hurdles to e-mobility.
Governments and industries have therefore set ambitious targets: In Germany alone, the number of public charging points is expected to grow to one million by 2030. But the transformation goes beyond simply expanding capacity – it also affects business models, service processes, pricing models, and the entire customer experience surrounding charging.
Developing and Managing Charging Infrastructure
Planning and organizing charging stations differs significantly from the traditional fuel business. On the one hand, far more locations are needed: public chargers should offer similar convenience and density as the existing gas station network. On the other hand, EVs are more flexible – they can charge anywhere there is electricity. Short-distance drivers often charge at home or while shopping. As a result, an important revenue stream for traditional gas stations, particularly in urban areas, will disappear over time. New competitors such as charging park operators, utilities, and supermarkets are also entering the market. Traditional oil companies are responding in different ways: some are equipping their stations with high-performance chargers, while others are even divesting their gas station networks.
Challenges in Location and Grid Capacity
Expanding charging infrastructure confronts operators with practical problems. Fast charging requires high electrical power – the site’s grid connection must be powerful enough. Especially in cities and at highway rest stops, existing grid capacity is often insufficient to operate several 150+ kW fast chargers. Options range from grid expansion to battery storage and connections to the medium-voltage grid.
The spatial requirements also change: while combustion engine vehicles drive off after five minutes, EVs may remain at the charging point for 30 minutes or more. Stations must therefore plan for more parking and waiting space – for example, additional parking bays, seating areas, food service, and clean restroom facilities. Several operators are already investing in such concepts: BP, for instance, is expanding its offering with "on-the-go fast charging" using high-performance stations to reduce charging times. Shell plans to install 500,000 charging points worldwide by 2025 and is cooperating with retail (e.g., Waitrose supermarkets in the UK) – charging parks are intended to provide customers with attractive waiting areas.
Overall, two main environments are emerging for infrastructure growth:
- Urban: many AC chargers near residential areas for drivers without private parking
- Highways: HPC (High-Power Charging) for long-distance travel
In addition, a professionally managed site makes a significant difference – especially at night, on long trips, or in unfamiliar areas. Operators with a strong service concept stand out here. Platforms like omis support the planning, implementation, and quality assurance of these processes – across locations, with transparency and audit-proof documentation.
Forward-Looking Planning
Operators like EnBW plan charging sites with a future-oriented perspective – often based on expected utilization in ~5 years. As a result, some charging points today are still underutilized: in Germany, only 17% of public chargers were occupied at any one time in 2024. This surplus is partly intentional: many of the currently “unused” stations will be needed as EV adoption accelerates. The challenge is to provide enough charging infrastructure in time without wasting resources. For the coming years, the rule is: the network is growing faster than the number of EVs – and that is exactly what should stimulate demand. After all, consumers will only choose an EV if they trust that charging will be available.
Strengths of Traditional Providers
Traditional gas station operators have certain advantages in building charging infrastructure. Their sites are already developed – land, parking spaces, stores, and restrooms are available. This saves investment costs compared to newcomers who must build new locations. Additionally, established brands enjoy customer trust and can better showcase existing food and service offerings. Major oil companies also have the capital and operational know-how to finance charging hardware and integrate it into ongoing operations.
However, this transformation requires significant investments and new skills. Legacy structures – such as established procedures in fuel logistics – are losing value, while expertise in electrical engineering, software, and grid connection is becoming increasingly important. Traditional players must therefore retrain internally or bring partners on board to stay competitive in the “charging business.”
Maintenance, Servicing, and Availability
High availability of charging stations is a critical success factor – even more important than in the gasoline and diesel business. A combustion engine driver can find an open gas station at nearly every exit – and multiple fuel pumps with almost 100% uptime. EV drivers, however, often have fewer alternatives if a charging station fails. Reliability is therefore essential to the customer experience.
Unfortunately, the reality of today’s young charging infrastructure still leaves room for improvement: According to J.D. Power, one in five charging attempts in the U.S. ends in failure, usually due to defective or inoperative stations. Studies in Europe also show that depending on the operator, 10–20% of fast chargers may be out of service at any given time. Such outages would be unthinkable in the fuel industry and highlight the need for action. “Uptime” has rightly become a key performance indicator (KPI) in the charging sector.
New Forms of Fault Management
Modern charging stations are highly complex IoT devices – they include power electronics, software, payment systems, and connectivity. Malfunctions range from hardware failures (e.g., cables, plug connectors, power electronics) to display or card reader issues and communication or software problems. This requires a shift in the approach to service: traditional fuel station technology (mechanics, pumps) was quite different.
Efficient fault management is therefore essential. Digital monitoring solutions track the status of each charging point in real time and enable automated fault analysis. Systems like omis use automated workflows to ensure that service interventions are quickly initiated and SLA requirements are met – helping reduce downtime by up to 30%.
End-to-end service workflows – from the first error alert to resolution – are essential to minimize downtime. Maintenance contracts define clear response times and uptime guarantees for service partners. For example, agreements may stipulate that a technician must be on-site within 24 hours of a report. Such processes are already well established in IT or ATM service and are now being transferred to EV charging infrastructure.
Prevention and Regular Maintenance
In addition to fixing acute problems, preventive maintenance is becoming increasingly important. Operators conduct regular checks: Is the charging cable insulation intact? Do locking mechanisms and emergency stop buttons function correctly? Are displays and connectors clean and undamaged? Weather effects and vandalism also play a role.
Routine tasks such as cleaning connectors, managing cables (to prevent breakage), and performing software updates keep stations operational. Clarifying responsibilities is also crucial: Who bears the cost of maintenance and repairs – the site owner, the charge point operator (CPO), or the hardware supplier?
Many choose full-service contracts with manufacturers, including spare parts guarantees, to avoid costly failures after warranties expire. For example, the California Energy Commission found that extended service contracts for DC chargers can cost over $800 per year – a necessary investment in reliability.
Given the new technology, the industry still lacks enough trained service technicians. Experts highlight a shortage of electrical technicians, who often cover large regions. Standards and training become all the more important: standardized error codes, certified training programs, and knowledge sharing can help reduce repair times.
Integrating these measures into centralized maintenance systems not only improves availability but also reduces lifecycle costs. For example, volenergy has digitized its explosion protection zone plans and implemented them into their existing omis instance. This allows employees and partners to access them quickly during maintenance – without hauling physical folders. This greatly enhances safety at fueling stations.
From Fuel Station to Charging Service
Fuel station operators are used to ensuring smooth 24/7 operations – and they are now applying this standard to charging. Some proven processes can be adapted: just like daily inspection rounds check fuel pumps, price displays, and hygiene, charging stations and their surroundings must now be regularly inspected.
Special attention must be paid to the functionality of the equipment and cleanliness of the site – both of which the operator can use as quality features. KPMG confirms that EV drivers particularly value clean and well-functioning charging stations. This is where traditional providers can shine, drawing on their experience in on-site facility management and customer service.
Of course, this doesn't replace technical support, but it complements it: a trained service team on-site (or via hotline) can offer basic assistance – similar to the attendants of the past who helped customers with fueling. A new service paradigm is emerging: away from the anonymous charging post toward a professionally managed charging hub that builds customer trust through high availability.
Process Digitization Pays Off
Tools like omis enable systematic planning and documentation of all maintenance activities. Operators gain visibility into inspection intervals, regulatory requirements, and the condition of their infrastructure. This provides planning certainty, reduces administrative burden, and simplifies audits.
At the same time, central dashboards and analytics help derive strategic decisions from maintenance data: Which stations generate high service costs? Where are failures accumulating? This information enables more targeted investments.
Pricing and Monetization Models
Another key aspect of the “charging business” is the question of how to make money from charging services. Business models in this area are still in their early stages; many providers are experimenting with pricing and service concepts.
One fact is clear: electricity as a commodity is significantly cheaper than fuel, and home chargers often pay only around €0.30 per kWh – which is cheaper than gasoline in terms of cost per distance. However, public fast-charging providers can charge a premium, as they offer convenience and time savings. Typically, DC charging is billed per kWh consumed – usually at fixed rates between €0.40 and €0.80 per kWh, depending on the provider.
A U.S. example: A major fast-charging network charges $0.48 per kWh for pay-as-you-go users, while members pay $0.36. In comparison, the average residential electricity price in the U.S. in 2022 was about $0.16/kWh. This price differential highlights that public charging commands a value-added premium that helps cover infrastructure and operating costs.
Various Pricing Models
In addition to the standard per-kWh tariff, other pricing elements exist: time-based components (e.g., idle fees for staying after charging is complete) and flat fees (e.g., a session start fee). Some operators offer subscriptions or memberships that provide reduced per-kWh rates in exchange for a monthly base fee – similar to loyalty programs in the fuel market.
Others rely on dynamic pricing: higher rates during peak times or for high-power charging, to reflect load spikes. Roaming agreements also influence pricing – for example, if a driver charges at a third-party station via a roaming network, additional fees may apply.
The EU is working toward standardization to make charging more transparent and accessible, without requiring dozens of apps. Since April 2024, all new fast chargers in the EU must support card payments directly at the terminal, facilitating spontaneous charging. Existing stations must be retrofitted by January 1, 2027. Standardized price displays – such as in ct/kWh like the fuel price per liter – are also under discussion to improve comparability for consumers.
Direct vs. Indirect Revenue
Even in the traditional gas station business, most profits didn’t come from selling fuel, but from the shop and food services. The same will likely be true for EV charging: while electricity sales often yield thin margins, the charging break presents opportunities for additional revenue.
Coffee, snacks, restaurants, shops, and car washes all help keep drivers satisfied and contribute to overall sales. On long journeys in particular, drivers are willing to spend money for a pleasant break.
Highway stations benefit most from this effect: demand for high charging power results in more kWh (and revenue) per minute, and customers spend money in the café while they wait. Some providers are thinking even further ahead: added services such as reservable charging spots (guaranteed availability without waiting), premium lounges for a fee, or "Park & Charge" bundles (combined charging and parking in city centers) could become new revenue streams.
There are also considerations to integrate charging infrastructure into energy grid services – e.g., load management or vehicle-to-grid (V2G) power return – in exchange for compensation from grid operators. In the short term, however, the focus remains on traditional revenue: selling electricity and building customer loyalty through regular use.
Monetization in Practice
Many oil companies view EV charging as a growth market and are investing heavily despite currently low returns. BP, for example, forecasts its EV business will become profitable by 2025. Shell has defined clear strategic pillars: urban charging hubs, fast chargers along major roads, and retail partnerships – all aiming to build a critical mass of users.
Because one principle holds true: utilization is the key to profitability. A charging park only pays off when enough vehicles charge there daily (similar to a gas station shop requiring minimum customer numbers). Operators are therefore pursuing scale – large, well-positioned charging hubs – and differentiation to attract drivers (more on this in the next section).
Despite high upfront investment, early success stories (e.g., Tesla’s Supercharger network) demonstrate that a well-connected, reliable charging network can not only generate revenue but also increase customer brand loyalty.
Customer Expectations and the Charging Experience
E-mobility introduces new demands on the customer experience that go beyond the act of charging itself. EV drivers today expect a process that is comfortable, safe, and seamless – ideally as simple as refueling a gasoline vehicle, even if it takes longer.
Importance of Availability
Arguably the most critical expectation is that a required charging station is available and functional. Nothing is more frustrating than arriving with a low battery only to find a charger that is broken or occupied. Many drivers have already had negative experiences in this regard – as mentioned, a significant number report charge interruptions or out-of-service stations.
The industry is responding with transparency apps (showing real-time availability) and by opening up previously proprietary networks. For example, Tesla now allows non-Tesla vehicles to access parts of its Supercharger network, whose high reliability has set industry benchmarks. Ultimately, what matters to drivers is the dependable availability of electricity – those who can deliver it win trust and market share.
Convenience and Simplicity
Charging experiences should be as user-friendly as possible. Customers expect intuitive handling of charging stations, hassle-free authentication (ideally via Plug & Charge, where the vehicle automatically identifies itself), and common payment methods without obstacles. The days of needing five different apps or RFID cards are coming to an end – roaming agreements and EU regulations are improving accessibility.
Already today, many charging cards are interoperable, and integration is advancing: automakers are embedding charge finders into navigation systems and offering centralized billing. Mercedes-Benz, for instance, is building its own “Charging Hubs” with reservable spots and brand-specific design to create a premium charging experience. These offerings aim to seamlessly integrate charging into the mobility journey.
Waiting Time and Added Services
Because charging takes longer than refueling, customer comfort and how drivers spend their time are becoming more important. Drivers want meaningful ways to spend or relax during the wait. According to surveys, charging speed, cost, and time use are the top satisfaction drivers.
Many charging locations respond by offering “more” to customers: free Wi-Fi hotspots, comfortable seating, cafés, or shopping options right at the charging point. This allows the charging break to be used for coffee, checking emails, or shopping.
Near highways, lounge areas for travelers are emerging, while in cities, shopping centers combine parking with charging as a value-added service. This customer experience is a key differentiator: a clean, safe, well-lit, and sheltered environment builds trust – especially for nighttime charging. Family-friendly features (like playgrounds or changing rooms) can also be decisive factors in whether drivers choose a particular location.
Overall, the charging experience should be positive and stress-free – the car charges while the driver makes the most of the enforced break, either productively or enjoyably.
High Expectations, High Competition
Because EV drivers are digitally connected, good and bad charging experiences spread quickly (think: app reviews). Providers are therefore in a competitive race for customer satisfaction. This includes not only availability and pricing, but also “soft” factors like friendly customer service (e.g., hotline availability during issues), transparency (clearly displayed pricing, charge progress indicators), and goodwill in the event of malfunctions.
Those who perform well here build long-term customer loyalty – just as gas stations once did with perks like free windshield cleaning or loyalty programs.
Competitive Advantage Through Charging Infrastructure – Conclusion
Charging infrastructure has evolved from a secondary infrastructural concern into a central competitive factor in the mobility industry. Automakers, energy providers, and oil companies alike are investing in charging networks as strategic assets. A dense, reliable, and customer-centric network of charging stations can influence brand choice and site attractiveness.
Tesla exemplifies this: for a long time, its proprietary Supercharger network was considered a unique selling point that drew buyers into its ecosystem and delivered high satisfaction. Now, other manufacturers and operators are opening their networks or forming partnerships to avoid falling behind.
The key to differentiation is quality: charging providers aim to stand out through superior locations, higher charging speeds, or value-added services. McKinsey identifies three core success factors for charging providers:
- Network coverage – numerous conveniently located charging points within reach of customers,
- Charging speed – faster chargers reduce waiting time,
- Partnerships – e.g., with retail or fleet operators to increase usage and value.
Combined with an attractive customer experience (reservations, retail, food services), this creates an offering that attracts and retains drivers.
For traditional fuel stations, the way charging infrastructure is managed could become a key differentiator in an increasingly competitive landscape. Not every location will survive as combustion engine sales decline – but those that position themselves as reliable “charging hubs” have strong prospects. Here, decades of experience in gas station operations can be leveraged: customer proximity, site management, and safety standards.
At the same time, innovation must take hold – from high-voltage systems to digital platforms. The “charging business” requires a complete shift in mindset across all levels. It’s more than installing charge points – it includes forward-thinking planning, proactive service, intelligent pricing strategies, customer-oriented offerings, and the right partnerships.
Those who successfully piece together this puzzle will play a leading role in the era of electromobility. The traditional fuel station is transforming into the mobility hub of the future – and this current pioneering phase will determine who leads in the new ecosystem.
omis is one such partner and can help you gain the foresight you need.
Request a demo and see for yourself how your charging infrastructure can become digitally future-proof.
