Electric Chargers Deemed Unprofitable, Warn Automatic Service Stations

Manuel Jiménez, President of the Spanish Association of Automatic Service Stations (AESAE), has issued a stark warning about the future of service stations in Spain. During his speech at the recent Motortec event, Jiménez was clear: "The forced implementation of electric vehicles, without real demand or economic return, could jeopardise the sustainability of service stations in Spain."

He emphasised that electric chargers are currently "not profitable" for these businesses, insisting that "a transition that does not respond to the market cannot be forced."

"We are being forced to make investments that are not viable. The electric charger has no return if the customer has to wait more than 20 minutes to charge their vehicle. That, for the daily logistics of a station, is not sustainable," Jiménez explained.

The association claims that operators are bearing increasing costs due to regulatory demands that do not correspond to real user demand. "No one in logistics chooses an electric vehicle if they have to stop for such a long time to recharge. It is not profitable," he insisted.

In addition to the lack of economic return, Jiménez addressed the impact of fiscal burden, regulatory bureaucracy, and rising labour costs, all in a context of a shortage of qualified personnel for these types of operations.

AESAE proposes a deeper reflection on the energy model. "All available technologies must be used. The electric car is not the only solution. Renewable fuels or hybrids are also viable," assured the association's president.

Despite the scepticism of the Spanish Association of Automatic Service Stations (AESAE) regarding the current implementation of electric vehicles, the sector views digitalisation as key to its future with optimism.

Manuel Jiménez highlighted at Motortec that automation, artificial intelligence, and smart payment systems are already transforming many stations, laying the groundwork for their evolution. "Those who do not adopt technology will be left behind. We cannot put up barriers to progress. Digitalisation helps us to overcome the lack of personnel and to be more competitive," he stated.

For the executive, the sector's commitment to customer service and adaptation is clear: "Energies will change, but not our commitment." The Spanish Association of Automatic Service Stations (AESAE) has 21 members representing a total of 589 automatic service stations across Spain.