They make profit on non-fuel items because they already have fuel-buying customers to upsell to. These two are co-dependent and are likely to fail together. Once people don't have to come to refuel, the store next to the pumps won't be in a convenient location any more.
Simply swapping pumps for EV chargers may not sustain a good-enough business. EV charging needs about 30-60 minutes. Current 5-minute shops that sell cigs and energy drinks aren't an attractive destination.
I think it's more likely that malls and supermarkets will add EV charging and take over both sides of gas stations' business.
(This is based on first-hand experience. My nearest fast charger is at a gas station.)
Simply swapping pumps for EV chargers may not sustain a good-enough business. EV charging needs about 30-60 minutes. Current 5-minute shops that sell cigs and energy drinks aren't an attractive destination.
I think it's more likely that malls and supermarkets will add EV charging and take over both sides of gas stations' business.
(This is based on first-hand experience. My nearest fast charger is at a gas station.)