The Growing Value of Electric Vehicle Drivers for Retailers and Convenience Stores Amid Rising Global Used Electric Vehicle Sales

The profile of an electric vehicle (EV) driver is changing. For years, EV ownership was concentrated among early adopters with the income to absorb a premium purchase. That is shifting. Used EV prices have declined sharply, tax credit expirations have pushed buyers toward the secondary market, and rising fuel costs are making gasoline-powered vehicles more expensive to operate. The result is a broader, more price-conscious pool of EV drivers entering the market, with direct implications for fuel retailers, convenience stores (c-stores), grocers, and restaurants positioned near public charging infrastructure.

Used EV Sales Are Growing in Both the US and Europe

In the first quarter of 2026, used EV sales in the United States reached 93,500 units, up 12% year over year, according to Cox Automotive’s Q1 2026 Industry Insights. The average used EV now lists at $34,821, within $1,300 of the average used gasoline vehicle, down from a gap that exceeded $10,000 as recently as early 2023. Used EVs are also turning on dealer lots at nearly the same pace as gasoline cars, a signal of genuine consumer demand rather than excess supply.

The national average gasoline price climbed to $3.54 per gallon on March 10, 2026, up 43 cents in a single week, and California prices reached $5.29 per gallon, according to Edmunds, citing AAA data. Cox Automotive reports new EV interest was up 16% through March 2026 compared to the final quarter of 2025. Much of that interest is flowing into the used market among buyers who cannot justify a $50,000-plus new vehicle but can find a three- to five-year-old EV priced comparably to a used gasoline car.

In Europe, new battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales grew 29.7% in 2025, reaching 2.59 million units, according to Autovista24, citing EV Volumes data, expanding the pipeline for used EV supply. In France, Aramisauto reported that used EV transactions nearly doubled over three weeks in March 2026, rising to 12.7% of all used car sales, according to EV Mechanica. Similar activity was observed in Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Portugal, and Romania.

What does the growth of the used EV market mean for non-fuel retailers and convenience stores?

This trend indicates that the range of EV drivers visiting retail locations is expanding to include demographic segments that were not well represented among EV owners two or three years prior.

EV Charging Turns a Stop Into a Stay

Traditional gasoline refueling typically requires less than five minutes, whereas an EV charging session generally lasts 15 to 30 minutes. This extended dwell time presents a commercial opportunity, as it increases foot traffic into stores and creates additional purchasing opportunities.

According to Oliver Wyman’s 2025 global driver survey, more than 70% of EV drivers use public charging regularly, even though most have access to charging at home or work. The survey found that supermarkets and shopping centers are among the top two preferred public charging locations for 41% of drivers, ahead of dedicated EV hubs. Average public charging sessions run approximately 35 minutes, with 51% of drivers spending between 15 and 30 minutes per session. That dwell window is time that retailers, c-stores, and restaurants can fill with in-store visits, food and beverage purchases, and loyalty program engagement.

Grocers, pharmacies, and restaurants that previously lacked involvement in the fuel retail sector now have a clear opportunity to attract these customers. The charging event serves as the primary reason for the visit, while the retail environment enables value capture during the waiting period.

What Do EV Drivers Actually Represent as Customers?

Oliver Wyman’s 2025 driver survey found that EV drivers actively choose to charge near destinations rather than at dedicated standalone hubs. Supermarkets and shopping centers ranked as the top preferred charging locations, a finding consistent across global markets. Roughly half of drivers who stop at a site enter the adjacent retail or food space. For c-store and retail operators, that means a meaningful share of drivers who charge at or near their location are already inclined to come inside.

This customer profile aligns with the evolving direction of convenience stores. According to the Intouch Insight 2025 Convenience Store Trends Report, the convenience store of 2025 is increasingly characterized by foodservice, loyalty programs, and technology-enabled experiences that extend dwell time and increase per-visit spending. EV charging directly supports this evolution.

Used EV Market Growth at a Glance

Reliability Is the Foundation of the Opportunity

The commercial opportunities described above are contingent upon a reliable charging experience. Drivers who encounter non-functional chargers are unlikely to return. The ChargerHelp 2025 EV Charging Reliability Report found that, although reported uptime ranges from 98.7% to 99%, first-time charge success rates decline from 85% at new stations to below 70% by the third year without active monitoring.

For fuel retailers or convenience stores that have invested in charging infrastructure as a strategy to increase traffic and revenue, a failed charging session results in customer frustration, negative reviews, and a reduced likelihood of repeat visits.

How should retailers and convenience stores manage EV charging operations if they have no prior experience in the space?

The most practical approach is to use a single charging management platform that handles all operational functions in one place. Managing energy costs, billing, session monitoring, and network health through one system eliminates the operational complexity that would otherwise require specialist knowledge. Smart energy management matters especially for locations with variable loads from refrigeration, foodservice equipment, and other systems running alongside chargers. A platform that balances these loads prevents demand charge spikes that can significantly increase electricity costs. For practical guidance, the Driivz EV charging strategies resource covers cost structure, charger selection, pricing models, and energy management. For a broader strategic framework specific to fuel retailers and c-stores, the Driivz white paper on fuel retailers and convenience store chains is available as a free resource.

Businesses that will successfully capture value from the expanding used EV customer base are those that prioritize charging reliability as a core service commitment. This requires selecting infrastructure and management tools that ensure high uptime and provide clear visibility into network performance.

The growth of the used EV market is introducing cost-conscious, fuel-price-sensitive drivers into the EV ecosystem. These individuals select vehicles based on total cost of ownership and will apply the same criteria when choosing charging locations: reliability, location, and value during charging sessions.