Third-Largest Gas Station Chain in Michigan to Close 1,000 Locations Amid EV Shift

A major gas station chain has announced that it is closing 1,000 locations across the country. This chain happens to be the 3rd largest in Michigan, with 413 locations, so it’s a big deal!

Shell is making headlines with its plan to shut down 1,000 of its retail gas stations between 2024 and 2025. According to their Energy Transition Strategy 2024 report from Intersolar, this is all part of a grand plan.

Shell's New Electric Adventure

Why the big move? Shell is shifting gears to focus on electric vehicles (EVs). They’re on a mission to roll out 70,000 public charging stations in the next year and aim to hit 200,000 by 2030.

Volta Acquisition and Michigan’s Charging Boom

To ramp up their EV game, Shell recently bought the charging company Volta. Look out for new EV charging stations popping up in Michigan cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor—your next pit stop might be a bit different!

Getting Ready for an Electric Future

According to Inside EVs, Shell predicts that by 2030, there’ll be 275 million EVs cruising the roads. They’re envisioning a future where gas stations are more of a backup plan rather than the main show.

Which Locations Are Saying Goodbye?

While Shell is set to close 1,000 stations, they haven’t spilled the beans on which ones just yet. It’s likely the first closures will hit less-bustling areas, so Michigan might just see a flurry of new EV charging spots before those gas stations disappear.