Retro drive-in restaurant chain Sonic (NYSE: SONC) has become the latest retailer to jump on the EV charging bandwagon, installing stations at locations in Boerne, Texas and Westminster, Colorado. Charging is free for customers.

Sonic VP of Facilities Wayne Brayton told the San Antonio Business Journal that the chargers are part of a pilot to see how well they are received by customers. “It seemed like a custom fit for us, so we’re excited to see what happens for us over the next few months.”

EVSE vendor Sun Country Highway conducted market research, and recommended the two sites because surrounding areas had a high percentage of EVs. It installed the charging stations for $6,000 per location, each of which has two 40-amp chargers.

Sonic’s drive-in design allows solar panels on the canopies above the auto stalls, and the company is exploring this with a pilot in San Antonio.

Fast food chains are arriving at the charging party a bit late. McDonald’s is the leader, with 46 charging stations nationwide, followed by Starbucks with 4.

Source: Nation’s Restaurant News, San Antonio Business Journal