How B.E.S.T Turns Convenience Stores into EV-Ready Profit Centers

Buima Energy Service
Sep 15
3 min read

Convenience stores win on proximity, speed, and impulse buys. B.E.S.T (Buima Energy Storage Tile) adds a new edge: fast DC charging from single-phase 220 VAC, ultra-thin wall-mounted tiles, and a data-driven EMS—so you attract EV drivers, control energy costs, and stay open even when the grid blinks.

Why convenience stores are a perfect match

1) Fast DC without 3-phase upgrades

Most c-stores only have single-phase service; upgrading to 3-phase can be slow and expensive. B.E.S.T buffers energy and delivers 400 VDC fast charging from single-phase 220 VAC, often cutting site CAPEX by up to 50% versus a standard 3-phase DC build (actual savings vary by utility and civil works).

What it means for you

Faster time-to-revenue (install the chargers customers are already searching for)
Fewer utility delays; leaner trenching/switchgear scope
A scalable platform as charging demand grows

2) More traffic, longer dwell, bigger baskets

Charging customers spend time in store. With chargers on-site, you turn the forecourt into a magnet for new foot traffic and higher basket sizes.

How to capture the upside

Offer charger-linked promos (coffee/snack bundles during a 15–30 min top-up)
Surface loyalty rewards in the charger app and receipts
Use custom-print facades on B.E.S.T tiles for branding, LTOs, or sponsor ads

3) Peak-shaving and bill control (no surprises)

Demand charges can hurt margins. B.E.S.T’s AIoT EMS schedules when to store and discharge, flattening peaks and shifting consumption to cheaper periods. You see the impact in plain numbers—kWh, cycles, demand-charge deltas—on a clear dashboard.

Owner benefits

Lower, more predictable utility bills
Configurable rules (price signals, time-of-use, solar forecasts)
Portfolio-level visibility across multiple stores

4) Stay open during outages (no more “free parking” or cash-only)

Storms and brownouts shouldn’t shut your business. With B.E.S.T, priority loads—gate arms, POS/payment terminals, LPR cameras, lighting, CCTV, and selected refrigeration circuits (as sized)—can remain powered so the site keeps operating and revenue continues.

Practical outcomes

Avoid “free parking” mode in attached lots
Keep checkout lines moving (no cash-only fallback)
Protect perishable inventory on critical refrigerated lines

5) Space-smart, signage-ready, and safer sites

B.E.S.T tiles are 90×90×6.7 cm and mount flush on walls, fences, or compact plinths—preserving parking stalls and sightlines. Hidden cable routing and architect-grade, custom-print facades minimize clutter and elevate the store’s look.

On-site wins

Keep walkways open; maintain ADA/accessible paths
Use branded tiles as wayfinding for chargers and store entrances
Cleaner installs that neighbors and landlords appreciate

6) Solar-ready economics

If your store has rooftop or canopy PV, B.E.S.T stores daytime generation and serves evening/peak charging, improving your energy mix and margins. Think: cheaper self-produced kWh fueling premium charging revenue.

A day in the life (example flow)

Morning: EMS charges B.E.S.T off-peak and tops up with solar.
Lunch/commute peaks: B.E.S.T discharges to flatten demand while drivers fast-charge and shop.
Evening: System balances charger load and store operations; dashboard logs savings and uptime.

Rollout playbook for c-stores

Power survey: Confirm single-phase 220 VAC capacity and meter position.
Layout & safety: Choose wall/fence mounting for tiles; protect cable runs; add bollards and clear signage.
Charger spec: Select DC charger power (kW) and number of bays; plan payment/loyalty integration.
(Optional) PV: Canopy or rooftop design for daytime buffering.
Commissioning: EMS rules for peak-shaving, outage priorities, and portfolio reporting.

What success looks like (KPIs to watch)

New visits per day from charger maps & apps
Average dwell time and basket lift vs. baseline
Demand-charge reduction and kWh shifted to off-peak
Charger uptime and store uptime during outages
Ad/brand impressions on custom facades

Built for longevity and trust

Designed and manufactured in-house in Taiwan—from battery packing to EMS software—B.E.S.T uses Japanese LFP cells (8000+ cycles @ 1C) and exposes clear, auditable performance data. You get a resilient system that aligns with ESG goals and everyday retail realities.

Ready to turn charging into foot traffic?

Send a site photo, meter info, and how many bays you want. We’ll size a B.E.S.T layout, propose charger power options, and share a tailored CAPEX/OPEX outlook for your convenience store.