Industry Leaders Oppose RECHARGE Act, Warn of Chilling Effect on Electric Vehicle Charging Network

NATSO, SIGMA: America's Leading Fuel Marketers, and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) have voiced strong opposition to the RECHARGE Act, citing the potential to discourage private investment in electric vehicle charging stations. The proposed legislation threatens to undermine the development of a safe and reliable EV charging network by allowing states to install charging stations at rest areas.

Critics argue that this move will create an unlevel playing field, where state governments do not have to compete with private businesses for customers. They also point out that allowing EV charging stations at rest areas will undermine the dynamics that have helped build a refueling network and put EV charging at a permanent disadvantage. The industry experts advocate for policies that catalyze fuel retailers committed to building out a safe, reliable network of EV charging stations.

Key Takeaways:

• NATSO, SIGMA, and NACS strongly oppose the RECHARGE Act, citing its potential to discourage private investment in electric vehicle charging stations.
• The proposed legislation threatens to undermine the development of a safe and reliable EV charging network.
• Industry experts argue that allowing EV charging stations at rest areas will create an unlevel playing field between state governments and private businesses.
• Fuel retailers are making significant investments in electric vehicle charging stations and working with state departments of transportation to install EV charging stations at locations off the Interstate Highway System.
• The RECHARGE Act comes at a time when the U.S. Department of Transportation has unveiled Interim Final Guidance aimed at ensuring a consumer-oriented approach to state EV charging station implementation.
• Industry leaders emphasize the importance of continuing to catalyze fuel retailers committed to building out a safe, reliable network of EV charging stations.

Statistics:

• Nearly 70 years have passed since federal law prohibited the sale of automotive services and food at state-operated rest areas.
• Over 1,000 retail member companies of NACS, including 152,000 stores nationwide, conduct 160 million transactions daily and had sales of $837 billion in 2024.
• About 250 independent chain retailers and marketers of motor fuel, as part of SIGMA, serve to further the interests of both the branded and unbranded segment of the industry.
• Fuel retailers have been investing in electric vehicle charging stations, with many working with their state departments of transportation to install EV charging stations off the Interstate Highway System.

Sources:

• NATSO, Inc.
• SIGMA: America's Leading Fuel Marketers
• National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS)