One of the most beloved fast food restaurants, Taco Bell, is always looking for new ways to serve its customers, introducing irresistible menu items like nacho fries. Taco Bell’s latest idea, however, is aimed at drivers, as it seeks to cater to the growing population of EV drivers with super-fast charging stations in its stores so they can “get both an EV charge and a chalupa, all in one stop.”
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Taco Bell's first EV fast-charging station opened Tuesday morning as the restaurant chain looks to cement its position in a new era of driving.
Electric vehicle sales are outpacing their gas counterparts, and it's not even close. More than 200,000 EVs were sold in the U.S. last quarter, a record number as automakers ramp up production to meet overwhelming demand.
A Consumer Reports study finds that more than 70% of Americans express some interest in electric vehicles as their next car. With new options available in nearly every segment, Americans are transitioning to electric at a record pace.
Meanwhile, the majority of willing EV buyers are younger adults living in urban areas, exactly the market Taco Bell is targeting. The fast-food chain targets consumers between the ages of 18-34, while adults in the U.S. aged 18-29 are the most likely group to buy an electric car at 55%.
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Taco Bell is introducing its first fast charger for electric vehicles in California, after the state banned sales of natural gas cars by 2035 to accelerate the shift toward zero-emission transportation.
One of Taco Bell's largest franchise owners, Diversified Energy Group, is partnering with EV fast-charging and software company, ChargeNet, to allow customers to charge while they eat.
Taco Bell will use Tritium that use software to integrate solar and energy storage solutions. ChargeNet says its stations are compatible with all types of EV sockets and on average, a 100-mile charge in 20 minutes will cost about $20.
The use of solar and energy storage solutions, according to ChargeNet, can reduce restaurants' operating costs while increasing renewable energy options.
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Taco Bell has opened its first six EV charging stations at its 465 El Camino Real location as it looks to add up to 120 additional locations across California. SG Ellison, president of Diversified Restaurant Group, said:
“We are always looking for opportunities to bring innovative and sustainable ideas to market, especially those that create a “win-win” for our customers, the community and business .“
