On July 19, 2026, U.S. travel center operator Pilot Flying J announced that its network of electric vehicle (EV) DC fast charging (DCFC) locations has officially surpassed 300 sites, with a total of 1,323 individual charging ports, making it one of the largest EV charging networks in the United States. This expansion not only includes 50 new publicly accessible fast charging sites but also increases the total number of EV-friendly locations to 309, marking a growth of over 50% in less than a year and demonstrating the company’s rapid advancement in EV infrastructure deployment.
Pilot Flying J also announced the opening of two new travel centers in Chicopee, Massachusetts, and Ponce de Leon, Florida, while completing curb-to-counter upgrades across existing locations in 13 states. These upgrades include 24/7 site monitoring, enhanced lighting, and the installation of overhead canopies at select sites to ensure safe and convenient charging for drivers in all weather conditions. Sean Marrero, President of Retail at Pilot, stated, "We continue to invest in areas that matter most to our guests and team members, creating spaces that people want to return to. Whether it’s charging, refueling, or taking a break, we are committed to making every journey smoother."
In terms of charging network expansion, Pilot Flying J has increased its fast charging locations from 200 to over 300 in less than a year, a 50% growth that reflects the rapid rise in EV market demand and the accelerating pace of charging infrastructure development. According to Electrek, Pilot Flying J’s expansion is seen as a significant milestone in the development of the U.S. EV charging network, with its scale and service quality helping to boost consumer confidence in long-distance EV travel. The company emphasizes that its charging sites offer the same level of convenience and reliability as traditional fueling stations, including healthy food options at convenience stores and 24/7 operational availability.
Despite the impressive expansion, Pilot Flying J has not yet disclosed the power specifications of the newly added charging sites or provided a detailed list of the 13 states where upgrades were completed. Additionally, the company has not released data on usage rates or customer satisfaction metrics for the new sites. As the summer travel season approaches, Pilot Flying J’s cross-state charging network is expected to further enhance the convenience of long-distance EV travel and set a new benchmark for EV infrastructure development in the United States.
Pilot Flying J’s charging network expansion "is doing much more than 'keeping pace' with the growth of plug-in vehicles in the US market—it is redefining the speed and quality of charging infrastructure development."
