Charging on the go at fuel retailers

Ireland’s market share for electric vehicles continues to rise at a considerable rate, with pure-electric vehicles representing almost 15% of new car sales in 2022.

The springboard for this sharp increase in the popularity of EVs is ascribed to the Irish Government’s drive toward net zero and the impending ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035  as detailed in its Climate Action Plan.

As a consequence, motorists in the market for a new car after that date will be faced with a choice of battery-electric vehicles or other environmentally friendly alternatives, without the availability of fossil fuel options.

Many countries have already embraced the natural progression to EVs and possess a robust charge infrastructure to support the move,  others (including Ireland) are striving to keep pace with charge point demand as EV sales soar.

As established fuel suppliers, large forecourt networks and independent retailers are best placed to assert their dominance in the EV charge sector. By treating it as incremental business and capitalising on their existing locations and facilities to deliver charge points, they could generate a high return on investment via supplementary store and café sales.

Nevertheless, as with any large-scale investment, it is always wise to exercise due diligence to identify past and current trends of EV sales within a site’s vicinity and establish a baseline for electric vehicle penetration. Once the decision has been made to offer charging facilities, it is critical that forecourt owners partner with a reputable engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor to project manage the installation.

Destination charging

Improving the charge infrastructure

Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle drivers enjoy the convenience and security of a filling station every few miles, no matter how far they plan to travel. By contrast, EV owners embarking on a long journey, live in fear of running low or out of energy, due to a potential lack of operational charging points en route.

In recent years, EV chargers have been appearing in numerous public and semi-public places, such as shopping centres, gymnasiums, car parks, hotels and restaurants – typically referred to as ‘destination charging’. Whilst there is still a shortage of workplace chargers, employers now recognise that offering charging facilities to their EV-driving employees is a valuable tool for attracting and retaining staff. Despite these new installations, the charging infrastructure in Ireland remains woefully inadequate to cater to the escalating number of EVs.

Charging on the move

The opportunity for fuel retailers

The opportunity for fuel retailers

This situation presents an ideal opportunity for fuel retailers to upscale their facilities with the introduction of electricity to their energy offering, and in doing so attract additional customers to the store. The vast majority of EV drivers were once ICE vehicle owners and as such, they were familiar with frequenting forecourts for fuel and other daily essentials, but now that familiarity has gone and EV drivers are taking their custom elsewhere. It is time for forecourt owners to take the plunge and invest in charge points to halt the gradual erosion of their customer base, as more and more people make the switch to EVs.

Leading the way

It is important for the fuel retailing sector not to get left behind by adopting a wait-and-see approach, the transition to EVs is happening now right across Ireland. Adding a dedicated bank of chargers to the forecourt will benefit the local community, businesses, commuters and visitors to the area, whilst boosting the site’s brand image and reputation.

EV drivers who are looking for a fast charge in a convenient location with ample refreshment and shopping facilities can search on one of the many public charge point locator apps and be directed to their local service station.

Maximising the potential

Offering charge points will attract new customers to the forecourt and see the return of those EV drivers who previously refuelled their ICE vehicle there. It is important for forecourt owners to maximise the potential presented by customers who spend time on site waiting for their cars to recharge. By providing a comfortable seating area with free Wi-Fi, or a café if space allows, forecourts will generate a new revenue stream from those drivers wishing to partake of some refreshments while they wait. Alternatively, customers may choose to stock up on essentials from the store. Either way, the advantages for forecourt owners are clear, customers with time on their hands will invariably spend money during their visit to the site.

EV Charging

TSG is here to help

TSG Charge Ireland supports fuel retailers willing to take the next step in the transition from fossil fuels to greener, more sustainable alternatives. With over 30 years of experience in the energy sector, TSG provides a complete end-to-end turnkey EV charge solution, from site survey, design, consultancy and distribution network operator (DNO) connections.

TSG is now established as one of Ireland’s first-choice engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, delivering all works within a predefined timescale and budget.  Working with fuel retailers to determine the ideal charger type for the business, location and the number of points required, TSG can project manage the entire installation with ease.

TSG Ireland can supply and install a wide range of charge points

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging info

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging info

Fast Charging Speed - typically 6-12 hours
A 6 - 12 hour charge time makes 'fast charging' generally suitable for workplace or hotel use, along with fleet operators wishing to charge vehicles overnight.

Rapid Charging Speed - typically 20-60 minutes
Rapid chargers use a Type 2 charging standard. Rapid AC chargers usually charge an EV up to 80% in 20 to 60 minutes.

Ultra Rapid or Hyper Charging Speed - typically 20-25 minutes
Delivering power from 100kW and more, 100kW, 250kW, 270kW or 350kW, a full charge can be accomplished in as little as 20 to 25 minutes with Ultra-rapid / Hyper chargers

*All charge times are dependent on the capacity of the battery and the % energy stored at the start of the charge. In most cases, EVs charge at a faster speed to 80% of capacity, then slow down to protect the batteries.

EV Charging
7kW - 22kW Fast Charger

7kW - 22kW Fast Charger

7kW-22kW AC Charger - Compact and fast EV Charger installation

- Charge time - typically 6-12hrs
- Type 2 connector; fits most types of electric cars
- Robust all-weather enclosure for indoor and outdoor use

- For vehicles that are parked for longer periods of time.
• Office and workplace
• Hotel and hospitality
• Parking structures
• Dealerships
• Urban fleet
• Public or private campus

EV Charging
24kW Fast Charger

24kW Fast Charger

Compact 24kW Electric vehicle DC fast charging station installation

- Charge time - typically 6-10hrs
- 24kW peak, 22.5kW continuous fast charging
- DC wall box or post-mounted
- Compact 24kW DC fast charger
- CCS2 connector fits most types of electric cars
- Robust all-weather enclosure for indoor and outdoor use

- For vehicles that are parked for a short period of time.
• Office, workplace
• Hotel and hospitality
• Parking structures
• Dealerships
• Urban fleets
• Public or private campus

TSG EV Charge logo
50kW Rapid Charger

50kW Rapid Charger

50kW (2 x 25kW) DC fast/rapid charging station installation

- Charge time - typically 40-120 Minutes
- Wall mountable or post-mountable fast charge point
- 50kW charging on one vehicle
- 2 x 25kW parallel charging possible
- Robust all-weather enclosure for indoor and outdoor use

- For vehicles that are parked for a short period of time.
• Office, workplace
• Hotel and hospitality
• Parking structures
• Dealerships
• Urban fleets
• Public or private campus.

TSG EV Charge logo
75kW - 150kW Hyper charger

75kW - 150kW Hyper charger

75kW -150kW Hyper charge point installation

- Charge time - typically 20-60 Minutes
- Full power capability even at low vehicle battery voltage (300V)
- Future-proof wide output voltage range from 150V to 1000V
- CCS2 connector fits most types of electric cars

- For vehicles that are parked for a short period of time.
• On the go charging
• Commercial fleets
• Public charging
• Forecourts
• Office, workplace
• Hotel and hospitality
• Parking structures
• Dealerships
• Urban fleets
• EV Charging Hubs

EV Charging
175kW - 300kW Hyper charger

175kW - 300kW Hyper charger

175kW, 180kW, 225kW and 300kW DC Ultra-Fast EV Hyper charger stations

- Charge time - typically 20-25 Minutes
- Installation of ultra fast EV Hyper charge points
- Providing speed, convenience, flexibility, reliability, low TCO
- Future-proof wide output voltage range from 150V to 1000V
- CCS2 connector fits most types of electric cars

- For vehicles that are parked for a short period of time.
• On the go charging
• Commercial fleets
• Public charging
• Forecourts
• Office, workplace
• Hotel and hospitality
• Parking structures
• Dealerships
• Urban fleets
• EV Charging Hubs

EV Charging
350kW - 360kW Ultra-fast Charger

350kW - 360kW Ultra-fast Charger

DC 350kW-360kW Ultra Fast EV Hyper charger stations

- Charge time - typically 20-25 Minutes
- Ultra Fast EV Hyper charger station installation
- Universal charger that fits all types of electric cars

- For vehicles that are parked for a short period of time.
• On the go charging
• Commercial fleets
• Public charging
• Forecourts
• Office, workplace
• Hotel and hospitality
• Parking structures
• Dealerships
• Urban fleets
• EV Charging Hubs

EV Charging

Related articles outlining TSG Charge solutions

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