The sandwich chain is building EV parks at US outlets for customers with electric vehicles, just like McDonald’s built in-store playgrounds for children. Dubbed Subway Oasis, these EV parks will be equipped with charging canopies, picnic tables, Wi-Fi, restrooms, green space, and playgrounds for kids.

Subway is partnering with tech startups GenZ EV Solution and RED E Charging to open these parks, and plans to install smaller fast-charging EV stations at new or recently renovated restaurants across the United States this year. The smaller-format chargers will offer a 120-mile charge in just 17 minutes for approximately $20 on average.

Subway’s vision is not just about offering charging services to customers but also providing a space where drivers can relax and enjoy their Subway sandwich while their car charges. Once the EV parks are open, customers may also receive Subway discounts while waiting for their cars to charge.

The first Subway Oasis location is yet to be announced, but this promising venture has the potential to change the way people view fast-food chains. Subway is leading the charge alongside Taco Bell, which became one of the first fast-food chains to announce plans for public EV charging stations in restaurants.

Subway’s plans to create an EV charging network in the US are significant in several ways. Firstly, it represents a major shift in the fast-food industry’s focus on sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. This initiative will set Subway apart from its competitors and enhance its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen.

Secondly, the creation of EV parks and fast-charging stations by Subway and other fast-food chains has the potential to boost the growth of the EV industry by making it more convenient and accessible for customers. With the development of a reliable charging infrastructure, range anxiety – one of the biggest challenges for EV drivers – will be alleviated.

Thirdly, Subway’s plans are a sign of the growing importance of EV charging infrastructure in the broader automotive sector. As more consumers purchase EVs, the demand for a convenient, accessible, and efficient charging network will continue to increase. The addition of Subway’s EV parks and fast-charging stations will contribute to the overall expansion of EV charging infrastructure in the US.

Overall, Subway’s initiative is a positive development that has the potential to impact the environment, the EV industry, and the broader automotive sector in meaningful ways. It represents a shift towards a more sustainable and convenient future, and could serve as a model for other businesses looking to embrace renewable energy and support the growth of the EV industry.

As we all know there are several major challenges in building an EV charging network:

1. High upfront cost: The cost of installing charging infrastructure can be prohibitively high, making it difficult for many businesses and individuals to invest in.
2. Range anxiety: The fear of running out of charge and not being able to find a charging station is a significant concern for many EV drivers. Addressing range anxiety is critical to expanding the adoption of EVs and building out a robust charging network.
3. Regulatory barriers: Regulatory issues such as zoning, permitting, and other legal requirements can present significant challenges to the installation of charging infrastructure.
4. Lack of standardization: There is a lack of standardization in charging protocols, which makes it difficult for businesses and individuals to choose the right charging equipment and for charging infrastructure to be interoperable.
5. Energy demand: As more EVs hit the road, there will be a significant increase in demand for electricity, which could put a strain on the grid and require significant investment in infrastructure to support the charging network.
6. Location: Finding the right location for charging stations can be a challenge, especially in dense urban areas where space is at a premium.

Overall, these challenges highlight the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to building a charging network, involving collaboration between businesses, governments, utilities, and other stakeholders.

Addressing these challenges will be critical to realizing the full potential of electric vehicles and creating a sustainable transportation system for the future.