Gilbarco Veeder-Root launches turnkey EV charging ecosystem for fuel retailers

Konect empowers fuel retailers to access profitable new revenue streams without the bottlenecks and complexity of traditional multi-supplier solutions.

Gilbarco Veeder-Root has launched a turnkey electric vehicle charging ecosystem for fuel retailers, enabling them to deploy robust and profitable infrastructure backed by end-to-end support from one of the industry’s largest global suppliers.

Konect encompasses a unique, fully integrated, site-wide suite of market-leading hardware and software solutions, including consultancy, installation and integration, and customer support. Built on 159 years of fuel retailing experience, it’s designed to deliver a seamless EV charging experience while redefining customer engagement through connected, intuitive products and services.

The e-mobility landscape is evolving quickly. International Energy Agency figures show the global fleet of electric cars increased eight-fold between 2018 and 2023, to 28m vehicles, and the world’s largest markets are electrifying quickly. The UK, EU and Canada will end sales of new combustion engine cars and vans by 2035, while United States EPA targets require up to 56% of new light-duty vehicles to be electric by 2032.

Electrification will re-shape fuel retail, presenting a much wider choice of places to ‘refuel’ – including homes, workplaces and destinations such as restaurants and shopping malls – and forecourt operators are under pressure to adapt and retain those customers. Boston Consulting Group claims up to 80% of fuel retail sites are at risk of closure by 2035 with no change to their business model.

Gilbarco Veeder-Root believes electric vehicle charging is a natural evolution of this sector. Drivers are in the habit of filling up at convenience stores, while sites are typically illuminated, staffed 24 hours a day and provide amenities that are desirable while charging. Longer dwell times also enhance the revenue opportunities from on-site retail – trade association NACS claims non-fuel items accounted for 32.7% of U.S. c-store revenue but 61.4% of profits in 2023.

Meanwhile, the EU’s €1bn Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Fund (AFIF) and the $5bn National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program in the United States are both prioritising installing charging points at regular intervals alongside major routes – and convenience stores are ideally located to host them, with generous incentives to support operators. More than two thirds (68%) of NEVI-funded charging points are at c-stores and truck stops.

Konect manages every step of the electrification journey for fuel retailers, providing easy integration with on-site energy storage, loyalty schemes and point-of-sale equipment. The result is a simple, efficient set-up process offering maximum uptime and profitability for operators, while underpinning a seamless charging experience for end-users.

Dave Coombe, President, Gilbarco Veeder-Root, said: “We are forging a future where charging for EVs isn’t just a necessity, but a profitable venture globally – and we are seeing exciting growth in this area for our business and clients. With the launch of Konect, we are signalling our commitment to helping customers transcend current limitations in the EV charging market and accelerate value realization for their business.”

Om Shankar, Vice President & General Manager, Konect , added: “EV adoption is at a critical point, with the sector needing to incentivize more people and businesses to make the switch, and help drive further uptake. There is an enormous opportunity for forecourt retailers and fleets to deliver the seamless, reassuring EV charging experience that we need – and that’s what Konect will deliver.”

“We fully recognize the challenges that retailers and fleets face when looking to electrify. With Konect , Gilbarco Veeder-Root’s extensive expertise, strong financial footing, and existing forecourt retail offering, we’re uniquely positioned to support retailers and fleets each step of the way – establishing a rock-solid business case for electrification and helping to drive the industry towards future-proofed, sustainable mobility.”

Konect is now live in the North America and Europe, with further markets to follow. To find out more, read our exclusive white paper for decision-makers available HERE.