CITGO launches its first EV charging station in Michigan as part of a pilot program

CITGO Petroleum Corporation, a leading refiner and marketer of transportation fuels, has entered the electric vehicle (EV) space with a pilot program in Michigan. The company, along with its longtime Marketer Folk Oil Company, has installed an EV charging station at a CITGO and PS Food Mart location in Battle Creek, Michigan. The station offers both regular transportation fuel and EV charging options, catering to the needs of different types of drivers.

The EV charging station is equipped with both Charging System (CCS) and the North American Charging Standard (NACS) plugs, which are compatible with most EV models. The station also features a touchscreen interface, a payment system, and a customer loyalty program. The station is powered by renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, to reduce its environmental impact.

The pilot program is part of CITGO’s strategy to diversify its offerings and adapt to the changing market trends. According to Statista, the EV market in the U.S. is projected to reach a revenue of US$82.8 billion in 2024, and a market share of 9.5% of the total light vehicle sales. The demand for EVs is driven by various factors, such as consumer preferences, environmental awareness, government incentives, and technological innovations.

CITGO devised an internal model to assess the viability of EV sites and collaborated with national electrical company AGI for implementation. The turnkey solutions provider will work with stores throughout the entire process, even facilitating access to available grants via the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, the Inflation Reduction Act and U.S. Department of Transportation’s Utilities.

Kevin Kinney, CITGO General Manager of Brand Equity, explained how the CITGO approach differs from the conventional industry approach. “Instead of a store receiving a monthly rent for EV Charger installation, the CITGO program provides upfront assistance, while still giving the Marketer full ownership of the installed EV charger.”

Jim Linton, President of Folk Oil Company, expressed his appreciation for CITGO’s support and vision. “As a Marketer, we need to provide offerings that meet all types of transportation needs for our consumers, so we appreciate how CITGO is approaching the EV space in a way that ensures its Marketers’ success. Working together we were able to pinpoint the best location to launch this program.”

Brad Hinkley, Vice President of Business Development for AGI’s ELM Division, highlighted the benefits of their turnkey solutions and the range of EV charger brands they offer. “In addition to our turnkey solutions, we offer an extensive range of EV charger brands, giving CITGO Marketers the flexibility to choose the best solution for their site. With so many moving parts in the EV space, we’re here to provide a streamlined program that covers everything from charger selection to post-installation maintenance.”

The table below summarizes some of the key features and advantages of the CITGO EV pilot program in Michigan:

Feature Advantage
EV charging station with CCS and NACS plugs Compatible with most EV models and offers fast charging
Touchscreen interface, payment system, and customer loyalty program Enhances customer experience and satisfaction
Renewable energy sources Reduces environmental impact and supports sustainability goals
Internal model to assess site viability Optimizes site selection and performance
Turnkey solutions and upfront assistance from AGI Simplifies installation and operation process and lowers costs
Full ownership of EV charger by Marketer Increases revenue potential and control
Range of EV charger brands Provides flexibility and choice

CITGO plans to expand its EV pilot program to other locations and states in the near future, as part of its commitment to innovation and customer service. The company hopes to leverage its strong brand equity and network of approximately 4,200 locally owned and independently operated branded retail outlets to become a leader in the EV space. CITGO believes that EVs are not only a viable alternative to conventional vehicles, but also a key component of a sustainable, clean-energy future.

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