Subway Plans EV Charging Stations With Wi-Fi And Playgrounds

Subway plans to install electric vehicle charging stations at some locations for a pilot project this year, according to a press release from the restaurant chain. Dubbed Subway Oasis, the Subway locations will include charging ports for your devices, Wi-Fi, picnic tables, restrooms and playgrounds.

Subway is partnering with a company called GenZ EV Solutions to provide the fast EV charging stations, which uses technology from the Red E Charging network that’s primarily focused on the upper Midwest.

The charging stations will be installed at new or newly remodeled Subway locations in the U.S., though it’s not clear yet how many will be part of the pilot project.

Subway isn’t the first restaurant chain to get in on the electric vehicle charging game. Back in August, Starbucks announced a pilot program with Volvo to install EV chargers at locations stretching from Utah to Colorado. And in October, Taco Bell announced it would be installing charging stations at 100 restaurants.

But Subway’s plans appear to be unique, if only because they’re being billed as having additional green space and playgrounds—an interesting branding exercise in appealing to the eco-conscious consumer. Because while electric vehicles are being billed as the future, they’re still a niche product in many respects when you consider their market share. Electric cars accounted for less than 6% of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2022.

Electric cars have been the promise of the future for over a century, but we’re just now starting to see the industry make real headwinds. Subway’s recognition of that market is one small but significant step in making EVs mainstream.

“We’re constantly exploring new ways to innovate and exceed our guests’ expectations for a high-quality, convenient experience,” Mike Kappitt, Chief Operating and Insights Officer of Subway, said 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,” Kappitt continued.

Subway did not immediately respond to questions about where the first Subway Oasis locations will be installed. I’ll update this post if I hear back.