Waffle House and bp pulse announce a partnership to install 400kW DC fast chargers at diner locations, addressing EV charging gaps in Southern states.
Waffle House and bp pulse have joined forces to deploy 400kW DC fast chargers at select diner locations across the Southern U.S. by 2026. This initiative, part of bp’s $1.7 billion investment in U.S. EV infrastructure, aims to address the lack of roadside amenities for EV drivers, particularly in rural areas.
Strategic Partnership Targets Southern EV Gaps
Waffle House and bp pulse announced on June 20, 2024, a partnership to install 400kW DC fast chargers at select diner locations across Texas, Georgia, Florida, and other Southern states by 2026. This move aligns with bp’s broader $1.7 billion investment in U.S. EV infrastructure, partially funded by Inflation Reduction Act tax credits.
The 24/7 diner model directly addresses a critical gap identified in a 2023 JD Power study, where 35% of U.S. EV drivers cited lack of roadside amenities as a major deterrent to charging. “This isn’t just about electrons – it’s about creating destinations where drivers can recharge themselves too,” said bp pulse CEO Richard Bartlett in the press release.
NACS Standard Ensures Broad Compatibility
The chargers will feature Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors, now compatible with 85% of U.S. EVs following Kia and Hyundai’s adoption in May 2024. This strategic choice ensures maximum accessibility for drivers across brands.
Energy Department data from June 2024 reveals the acute need for such infrastructure in the targeted regions. Southern states account for 22% of U.S. EV registrations but have less than 0.5 chargers per 1,000 EVs, compared to California’s 2.1.
Oil Industry’s EV Infrastructure Race Intensifies
This partnership follows Shell’s June 18 acquisition of European EV network NextCharge, highlighting the oil industry’s accelerating pivot toward electrification. Analysts see Waffle House’s cultural footprint in the South as a potential game-changer for EV adoption in politically resistant regions.
“The familiarity of Waffle House locations could help overcome range anxiety in areas where EV skepticism remains high,” noted BloombergNEF analyst Corey Cantor. “It’s smart infrastructure placement – leveraging existing real estate with 24/7 staffing and comfort food.”
Historical Context: From Gas Stations to Charging Destinations
The concept of combining refueling with amenities isn’t new. In the 1950s, gas stations evolved into full-service destinations with diners and repair shops to compete for customers during America’s car culture boom. Waffle House’s move echoes this strategy for the EV era.
This development also follows Tesla’s 2023 decision to open its Supercharger network to other brands, creating new revenue streams. The Southern focus addresses what Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm called “charging deserts” in April 2024 testimony, where rural EV adoption lags due to infrastructure gaps.
