• by Todd Wasserman , Staff Writer, February 28, 2023

Credit for image above: Subway Restaurants

In the near future, travelers will be able to stop and recharge their EVs at Subway and maybe pick up a sandwich while they’re at it.

Subway this week announced it would partner with GenZ EV Solutions on an “EV charging oasis of the future.” Select Subway locations will get “charging canopies with multiple ports, picnic tables, Wi-Fi, restrooms, green space and even playgrounds,” according to the company.

This is part of a multiyear plan to roll out the Subway Oasis, a smaller-format location. Fast EV charging stations will be piloted at “select, new or newly remodeled restaurants across the U.S., starting in 2023.”

The effort comes as the International Energy Agency estimates that EVs hit 13% of light duty sales globally. Bloomberg New Energy Finance projects that by 2030, EVs will be 43%  of the car market.

"We're constantly exploring new ways to innovate and exceed our guests' expectations for a high-quality, convenient experience," said Mike Kappitt, chief operating and insights officer of Subway, in a press release. "Our partnership with GenZ EV Solutions is a win for our guests, our franchisees and our planet, creating a dedicated space for drivers to charge their vehicle while enjoying their favorite Subway sandwich."

Subway is not alone in its plan to develop EV charging stations. Last year, Starbucks announced a program with Volvo to install 60 Volvo-branded EV chargers at 15 Starbucks stores on a 1,350-mile route between Denver and Seattle.