Retail

United Dairy Farmers to add EV charging stations at 6 Ohio stores

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October 8, 2026

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United Dairy Farmers plans to install Level 3 electric vehicle fast-charging stations at six Ohio convenience stores, marking the company's first deployment of the technology, according to a press release.

The Cincinnati-based retailer is working with Electric Era to bring chargers to locations in Greater Cincinnati and Columbus, with the first units expected to come online in early 2027.

The six stores were selected through Ohio's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Transportation and utility partners. UDF said it selected locations based on factors including anticipated charging demand, highway access and available customer amenities. The company expects EV drivers to spend about 20 to 30 minutes at the stores while their vehicles charge.

Electric Era's charging systems combine grid power with on-site battery storage and software designed to manage power demand. UDF also plans to integrate the chargers with its U-Drive Plus loyalty program. Members will be able to receive discounts on charging and earn additional charging credits through qualifying in-store purchases. The system could also deliver personalized food, beverage and other promotions through the UDF app and charging stations.

UDF said it will monitor charging demand, store traffic, customer behavior and engagement with its loyalty program as it evaluates possible expansion. The retailer operates more than 170 locations across Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.