When a new store opening in Ridgefield, Washington faced EV charging requirements, the global member-only retailer needed a solution that would align with their premium member experience while still meeting aggressive timelines. Traditional utility upgrades can require multiple years – they only had weeks.
Working with Electric Era, they implemented a battery-backed DC fast charging solution that enabled rapid deployment while maintaining their high standards for reliability and member service. The result was an industry-leading deployment that set a new benchmark for retail EV charging implementations.
The Challenge:
Local mandates required EV charging at the retailer’s Ridgefield location prior to permit closeout. Installing EV fast charging stations (level 3) traditionally requires significant utility infrastructure resulting in lengthy design and construction timelines. Their key priority was to keep their new store opening on track.
The retailer needed an innovative solution that would:
- Comply with local EV charging requirements
- Operate within the constraints of only 200kVa of available grid power
- Meet their fixed store opening deadline
- Maintain their premium member experience with highly reliable charging
- Support future loyalty integration to deliver value to members
"Traditional EV charging projects often take years to complete. This timeline simply didn't align with their urgent needs for their store opening."— Lang Reynolds, VP of Implementation & Operations at Electric Era, former Circle K executive
The Solution:
Reimagining EV Charging for Retail Success
The global retailer selected Electric Era's approach because it uniquely addresses the complex needs of large-scale retail operations. By focusing on reliable member experience, cost efficiency, and unmatched speed-to-market, Electric Era delivered a comprehensive charging solution that is specifically tailored for premium retail environments.
Reliability and Speed to Market
At the core of the solution is Electric Era's patented battery-backed technology, delivering 98%+ uptime per port—ensuring charging stations are consistently operational and available. This innovative approach allowed the retailer to bypass traditional infrastructure constraints and avoid lengthy construction and utility timelines, enabling rapid deployment to meet their store opening deadline.
Enhanced Member Experience
The solution goes beyond basic charging infrastructure to maximize the lifetime value of EV-driving members by having:
- Premium brand and member experiences through a customizable touchscreen
- Fast charging sessions aligned with shopping patterns to drive in store sales
- Future loyalty program integration capabilities to increase member retention
Operational Excellence
Electric Era's solution delivers significant business advantages through:
- Cost savings through avoided grid upgrades and reduced demand charges
- Transparent per-port reliability and financial metrics to make informed business decisions
- Streamlined energy management to deploy in grid constrained areas
Implementation Details
Electric Era executed an industry-leading pace of deployment by utilizing their proprietary software with battery-backed storage to bypass traditional infrastructure constraints. The team installed three 200kW chargers and a standalone battery with 250kW discharge power and 379kWh energy capacity, all connected by the patented energy management software system.
This advanced system saves costs on grid infrastructure (CapEx) and demand charges (OpEx).
To drive accountability as a premier and reliable solution provider, Electric Era offered a financial guarantee of 98%+ uptime per port. Electric Era installed customizable full-screen displays for personalized messaging and promotions as an extension of the retailer’s brand. The station is monitored 24/7 by Electric Era's Network Operations Center and ongoing operations and maintenance services. The retailer’s team has full visibility to station performance and operations with real-time dashboard data analytics.
Results
While specific performance metrics are not yet available due to the recency of the installation, the deployment of the Electric Era Charging station in Ridgefield has already yielded significant impact:
- Unprecedented Speed: The rapid deployment time (significantly faster than industry standards), allowed the retailer to meet its store opening deadline.
- Enhanced Member Value: The reliable and efficient charging infrastructure provides a positive experience to members, increasing store traffic and member satisfaction.
- Cost Efficiency: The battery-backed storage system offers significant cost savings on grid upgrades and demand charges, benefiting the retailer’s return on investment.
- Brand Alignment: The customizable interface allows the retailer to extend its brand experience from the store to the parking lot, reinforcing member loyalty.
- Future Growth Potential: The successful deployment at the Ridgefield location paves the way for potential expansion to other stores and underscores the company's commitment to sustainability and member experience.
Results Looking Ahead
By prioritizing reliability, speed, and member experience, the retailer has created a blueprint for modern retail EV charging that enhances their premium brand while meeting growing sustainability demands.
Interested in learning if your project can be deployed as quickly as this example?