Convenience store retailers across the globe are ramping up electric vehicle (EV) operations to accommodate a growing market of travelers. Circle K is among the operators fully embracing the trend.
In December 2024, the retailer announced a new partnership with Vontier-owned Sparkion Energy to enhance its energy management software as it prepares for future EV growth.
“At Circle K, our mission is to help make our customers’ lives a little easier every day. With this partnership, we are taking another step in our ambition to be a part of the solution in the communities we serve by delivering industry-leading charging power to our customers while minimizing our impact on the power grid,” said Maria Estenstad-Friis, director of charge point operator function at Circle K, at the time of the announcement. “We relentlessly pursue cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships, and we are very pleased to select and now implement the Sparkion Platform.”
This announcement, however, was just the beginning for Circle K, as the retailer just opened its largest EV charging hub to date just southwest of Stockholm, Sweden, in Järna. The new, flagship service station stands at over 300,000 square feet and features 26 ultra-fast charging ports for light and heavy vehicles.
“Our customers are at the heart of our eMobility journey at Circle K. Our newest location in Järna represents our commitment to making our customers’ EV journey as easy and convenient as possible, offering not only a charging opportunity but a complete retail experience,” noted Hans-Olav Høidahl, executive vice president of European operations and global eMobility. “This is an exciting moment for our team in Sweden and our global organization as we continue to build a leading position in the European EV charging market and become our customer’s preferred on-the-go charging destination.”
The station in Järna includes a covered charging area with solar panels, benches at the charging points and modern lighting. It also features clearly marked crosswalks and a drive-through solution for more convenient charging. Additionally, all standard grades of fuel will be available for non-EV drivers.
Høidahl also revealed that the company will be adding its first EV-only Circle K location later this year.
“We are also excited to further expand our EV charging network in Sweden later this spring in Gårda, where we will open the first Circle K location to be exclusively dedicated to electric vehicle charging,” he stated.
Circle K has doubled down on its EV efforts, noting that the company’s vision for the future is to combine innovative technology, sustainable energy and customer-focused design to make EV journeys as seamless as possible.
