Convenience store chain Wawa has announced its entry into the realm of electric trucks, in partnership with Penske, marking a significant step towards sustainable transportation. Thesix-month pilot programme aims to explore the potential of electric trucks in its fleet, while simultaneously expanding its electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Wawa, the convenience store chain, has embarked on its electric truck journey through a collaboration with trucking and logistics firm Penske. The strategic partnership aims to initiate a six-month pilot programme, enabling Wawa to gain insights and knowledge about electric trucks’ feasibility for potential future use and fleet expansion. The debut electric truck in Wawa’s fleet is a Freightliner eCascadia.
In addition, Wawa has also introduced electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to its 150th store. The company has witnessed significant growth in its EV charging offerings, with over six million charging sessions hosted in the six years since it first introduced this service.
Wawa’s foray into electric trucks aligns with similar efforts by major convenience retailers, highlighting the industry’s growing interest in sustainable transportation. In November of the previous year, Pilot Company joined forces with auto manufacturer Volvo to establish a charging network tailored for medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks, situated at select Pilot and Flying J travel centers throughout the United States.
Brian Schaller, President of Wawa, said that entering the electric truck arena provides valuable insights into the evolving charging landscape. Wawa initially launched its EV charging programme in 2017, which experienced gradual growth. By 2021, the company had only 50 charging sites integrated into its store network. However, this number has tripled over the past two years, and Wawa currently boasts more Tesla Superchargers on its premises than any other retail chain in North America. Furthermore, Wawa offers DC fast chargers through partnerships with EVgo, ChargePoint, and Electrify America.
As part of its strategic growth plan, Wawa operates over 1,000 stores across several states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and Washington DC. The retailer is committed to expanding its presence, with plans to extend into 14 states and establish over 1,800 locations by the year 2030.
