It’s a move with possible global implications – gas stations also serving as electric vehicle charging stations.
Japanese gas companies Cosmo Oil, Idemitsu Kosan, JX Nippon Oil and Showa Shell Sekiyu KK will install EV charging stations at 27 of their various gas stations during the first quarter of 2012.
The chargers will not operate as “pay by the charge” units, but instead drivers will pay a flat monthly fee of 3,000 yet (approximately $38.62) for unlimited “fill ups”.
EV drivers joining the “EV Service Station Network” can then plug-in and charge at any participating station throughout the Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefectures.
We expect that gas stations in other countries will monitor the success of the Japanese program, and possibly consider similar installations at their own facilities worldwide.
To find out more, check out Sign of the times: Gas stations in Japan get into EV charging game.