Wawa grows electric vehicle charging stations
Wawa expands its electric vehicle charging network with new stations across Pennsylvania, offering faster and branded EV charging solutions.
Wawa is expanding its self-branded electric vehicle charging network by adding new stations at eight convenience stores across Pennsylvania through a partnership with Electrify America.
The chargers will be installed this year in Bristol, Allentown, Quakertown, Upper Darby, Phoenixville, Media, Williamsport, and Reading. The announcement follows Wawa’s earlier move to purchase and self-brand Tesla chargers for some locations.
Owning and branding its own chargers gives Wawa more control but also more responsibility. A poor charging experience now directly affects the company’s reputation rather than a third-party provider. Rich Makin, Wawa’s senior vice president and chief fuel and development officer, stated the shift is meant to provide a smoother and more reliable experience for drivers.
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The new chargers differ in speed and connector types. Stations in Upper Darby, Phoenixville, Media, Williamsport, and Reading will offer up to 400 kilowatts and support both North American Charging Standard and Combined Charging System connectors. The Bristol, Allentown, and Quakertown locations will max out at 350 kW and only include CCS.
Some sites will also include existing Tesla Superchargers. The Upper Darby, Phoenixville, Media, Williamsport, and Reading locations will have two chargers capable of powering two vehicles at once. Bristol, Allentown, and Quakertown will get four chargers, each serving one vehicle.
This expansion builds on Wawa’s existing efforts. The chain already operates nearly 300 locations with some form of charging, making it one of the most active convenience retailers in the space. Last year, it also partnered with Ionna, a charging network, to install its Rechargeries at select sites, though details of that collaboration remain limited.
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The transition has challenges. Charging speeds, reliability, and compatibility with different vehicles remain concerns for drivers. Wawa’s decision to self-brand its chargers shows it believes these issues can be resolved and are worth addressing.
The chain hasn’t said how many more locations will get chargers. Its nearly 1,000 stores across the Mid-Atlantic and Florida provide plenty of room for growth.
