United Dairy Farmers Expands EV Charging with Level 3 Stations Across Ohio

United Dairy Farmers Rolls Out Level 3 EV Charging Across Ohio

United Dairy Farmers, Inc. (UDF), a family-run ice cream brand and convenience store chain, is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to install Level 3 DC fast charging stations at six of its locations throughout the Greater Cincinnati and Columbus areas. This marks a significant pivot towards integrating electric vehicle (EV) charging into UDF's operations, aligning with modern energy needs and evolving customer expectations.

This initiative is the company’s first venture into Level 3 charging, a technology designed to cater to the fast-paced needs of EV users who will typically spend 20 to 30 minutes charging their vehicles. UDF is collaborating with Electric Era, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), and utility companies to offer an excellent customer experience that extends beyond mere vehicle charging.

Strategic Location Selection

The selected locations have been thoughtfully chosen based on factors such as charging demand, proximity to major highways, and their ability to enhance guest experiences. With these stations, UDF aims to provide a welcoming environment with expanded amenities for customers that include food and beverage options, comfortable seating, and more. This transformation aligns perfectly with UDF’s mission of evolving alongside their customers, having served communities for over 85 years.

Jim Dwenger, UDF’s Head of Retail, expressed the company’s commitment to maintaining convenience and adding value to customer lives. He stated, “Adding fast EV charging allows us to provide the fuel of the future while giving guests a welcoming place to recharge themselves—whether that's with a scoop of their favorite ice cream, a meal, a snack, or a drink from our wide selection of offerings.”

Technology and Integration

The Electric Era chargers employ innovative battery-backed technology that enables quick charging while managing electricity consumption on the grid efficiently. This approach minimizes demand during peak usage times and boosts charging reliability, ensuring about 98% uptime for users. Quincy Lee, CEO of Electric Era, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “The EV charging experience at stores like UDF is not only reliable and fast, but guests also have the added benefit of enjoying all the wonderful amenities UDF has to offer.”

Moreover, UDF’s charging stations will be seamlessly integrated with the company’s U-Drive Plus loyalty program. This allows customers to earn rewards for charging their vehicles just like they can earn points on gasoline purchases. Guests will also have access to various personalized food and beverage promotions, enhancing the synergy between charging and customer rewards.