Revolutionizing DC Fast Charging: How Edge Energy's EdgeEV™ Empowers Convenience Stores and Gas Stations with Single-Phase Power

As electric vehicles (EVs) surge in popularity—projected to account for over 50% of new car sales by 2030—convenience stores and gas stations stand at a pivotal crossroads. These roadside staples, long synonymous with quick fuel stops and grab-and-go snacks, are prime candidates to evolve into EV charging hubs. However, a major hurdle persists: the high cost and lengthy timelines associated with upgrading to three-phase power infrastructure required for fast chargers. Enter Edge Energy's innovative EdgeEV™ solution—a game-changer that leverages existing single-phase power to deploy DC fast charging stations faster and cheaper than ever before.

The EV Charging Challenge for Convenience Stores and Gas Stations

Convenience stores and gas stations are ideally positioned for EV adoption. They boast high-visibility locations, ample parking, and built-in amenities that keep drivers lingering for while charging—plenty of time for impulse buys like coffee, lottery tickets, or fresh sandwiches. Yet, many of these sites, especially in rural or suburban areas, operate on single-phase power, sufficient for lighting, refrigeration, and pumps but inadequate for the robust three-phase electricity needed for Level 3 DC fast chargers.

Traditional installations demand extensive grid upgrades: trenching new lines, installing transformers, and navigating utility approvals. These projects can take 6-18 months and cost $100,000 to $500,000 per site, often deterring small operators wary of disrupting cash flow. Demand charges—fees for peak power draws—further inflate ongoing expenses, sometimes comprising up to 90% of electricity costs. The result? A sluggish rollout of charging infrastructure, exacerbating "range anxiety" for EV drivers and leaving potential revenue on the table for retailers.

EdgeEV™: Unlocking Fast Charging with Single-Phase Simplicity

Edge Energy addresses these pain points head-on with the EdgeEV™ platform. This solid-state digital phase converter transforms standard single-phase utility power into clean, balanced three-phase output, powering DC fast chargers without batteries or major grid overhauls. The system is designed for "edge-of-grid" locations—think remote gas stations or urban c-stores with limited electrical service.

At its core, EdgeEV™ uses patented technology to deliver isolated, stable power up to 150 kW, supporting multiple charging sessions simultaneously, with any charger. Unlike battery-based alternatives, which limit runtime and require frequent recharges, EdgeEV™ provides continuous, on-demand output to connected DC Fast Chargers. It's plug-and-play: connect to existing single-phase lines (typically 240V or 480V), and you're operational in days, not months. Recent collaborations, such as with Lincoln Electric's Velion 50 kW chargers and DC America's platforms, have refined the system into a compact, modular unit that scales easily.

Faster Installations: From Concept to Charge in Weeks

Speed is where EdgeEV™ truly shines. Conventional three-phase upgrades involve coordination with utilities, environmental assessments, and construction crews—delays that can span a year. With EdgeEV™, installation boils down to a site survey, a simple electrical hookup, and software configuration. Edge Energy reports deployments in as little as 10-12 weeks, thanks to its prewired and pre-commissioned single-phase charging skids.

For a typical convenience store, this means minimal disruption. No digging up parking lots or rerouting fuel lines. Shaun Shuler, Edge Energy’s CEO, emphasizes this agility: "Our technology eliminates the bottlenecks, allowing operators to capitalize on EV growth without waiting on the grid." In one case study, a rural Canadian gas station went live with a 50 kW chargers in under a month, drawing from its existing single-phase feed and immediately boosting vehicle traffic.

Cheaper Deployment: Slashing Costs by Up to 70%

Cost savings are equally compelling. By bypassing three-phase infrastructure, EdgeEV™ cuts upfront expenses dramatically—often by 50-70% compared to traditional setups. A standard 100 kW fast charger install might run $300,000-$400,000 with upgrades; EdgeEV™ brings it down to $150,000-$250,000, including the converter. Ongoing operations benefit too: continuous power delivery avoids battery degradation costs, and optimized energy use reduces demand charges. Edge Energy's domestic Ohio manufacturing further shortens lead times and shields against supply chain volatility.

For budget-conscious operators, these economics translate to quicker ROI. Charging fees ($0.40-$0.60 per kWh) combined with increased in-store sales can recoup investments in 12-24 months, per industry benchmarks. Plus, federal incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act's 30% tax credits for EV chargers amplify the appeal, making EdgeEV™ a low-risk entry into the $100 billion EV infrastructure market.

A Win for Business and Drivers

Beyond the numbers, EdgeEV™ fosters equitable EV access. Rural gas stations, often underserved by major networks, can now offer ultrafast charging—up to six times quicker than Level 2 alternatives—reducing wait times and extending range for drivers. This not only combats range anxiety but also drives sustainability.

Convenience store chains like Kum & Go and Sheetz are already pivoting, with early adopters reporting 15-25% sales uplifts from charging customers.

The Road Ahead: Plug In and Accelerate

The transition to EVs isn't a distant horizon—it's here, and convenience stores and gas stations that adapt will thrive. Edge Energy's EdgeEV™ removes the biggest barriers, enabling faster, cheaper installations that turn potential obstacles into profit centers. Whether you're a single-site owner or a regional chain, exploring EdgeEV™ could be the spark your business needs to charge ahead.

For more details, visit Edge Energy at www.edgeenergy.com or contact their team to assess your site's single-phase potential. The future of fueling is electric—and it's easier than you think.