Norway Transforms Gas Stations to EV Charging Hubs

As electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to surge in Norway, traditional gas stations are beginning to make significant changes to their operations. In areas like Oslo, nearly half of all passenger vehicles are now electric, prompting a shift from gasoline to battery-powered transportation. This transformative trend is leading service center operators to replace gas pumps with EV chargers.

Transitioning from Gasoline

Gas stations, which have traditionally catered to drivers of gasoline and diesel vehicles, are faced with the task of attracting the new generation of EV drivers. Many stations are now reimagining their offerings. For instance, the Uno-X Furuset service area on the outskirts of Oslo has removed one gas pump to make way for an EV charger. Ole Johannes Tonnessen, chief operating officer of Uno-X Mobility Norway, noted, “We have gone from the traditional, to targeting the future.”

Similar transformations are taking place at Circle K and St1, two of Norway’s largest service center operators. These companies are determined to adapt their business models to cater to the growing EV market. Currently, about ten percent of Norway's 2,000 gas stations now provide EV charging alongside traditional fuel pumps.

Declining Gas Demand

According to data, gasoline sales in Norway have declined to one-third of what they were a decade ago, with diesel fuel sales seeing a decrease of approximately six percent in 2023. The decreasing demand for liquid fuels, coupled with the maintenance costs associated with gas pumps, is pushing service stations to consider whether they can afford to keep traditional pumps operational. Anders Kleve Svela, senior e-mobility manager at Circle K, highlighted these economic factors, stating that investment in EV chargers is crucial, even in less populated areas like Minnesund.

Current Developments in Charging Infrastructure

The movement toward replacing gas pumps with EV chargers is just beginning. Uno-X has replaced about 30 pumps with chargers, while Circle K has refitted over a dozen locations. The company anticipates further transitions at an additional 10 to 15 service areas in the upcoming year. Notably, St1 is set to open its first EV-only charging station in Oslo next month, occupying a previously fuel-centric site.

Circle K has been making strides toward EV charging for the last decade through partnerships, now offering services under its own brand. The company operates around 20 stations equipped with roofed EV chargers to enhance user experience during inclement weather.

Increasing EV Charger Capacity

Uno-X has expanded significantly from having no EV chargers five years ago to currently operating over 170 chargers. Their locations include grocery store parking lots and dedicated rapid charging stations, designed to accommodate all types of electric vehicles. At the Uno-X station in Furuset, Tonnessen showcased new high-capacity 400 kW chargers aimed at supporting commercial electric trucks, suggesting a proactive approach to market needs.

In another development, the city of Oslo is collaborating with St1 to create a comprehensive high-power charging network for larger vehicles, commencing with the installation of three 400 kW chargers at the St1 Shell station in Rommen. Jonas Bæk, responsible for business development at St1, emphasized the importance of a reliable charging network to meet the growing demand for electric commercial vehicles.

The Future of EV Charging Stations

The renovated Rommen station represents a shift in how stations cater to EV drivers, offering modern amenities such as added seating and dining options for customers during charging. This facility serves as a prototype for future service areas not only in Norway but globally, as the urge to transition to electric vehicles continues to grow.

With conventional car usage waning, service stations are adapting to retain relevance in a changing automotive landscape. Companies like Uno-X, Circle K, and St1 are paving the path for the future, redefining service stations to meet the needs of the ever-increasing population of EV drivers.

In the pursuit of a greener future, Norway stands at the forefront, illustrating a commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.