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Cracker Barrel expands new network of EV charging stations along Texas interstates

New eVgo Chargers at Texas locations give EV drivers more options

LEBANON, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Cracker Barrel Old Country Store continues to drive its support of electric vehicle travel with the unveiling today of high-powered rapid charging eVgosm Freedom Station sites at four old country stores located in and around Dallas/Fort Worth.

NRG Energy Inc. recently completed the installations at Cracker Barrel® stores in Burleson, Arlington, DeSoto and Mesquite. The new charging stations, available around the clock for eVgo network subscribers, are a significant part of NRG’s plan to enhance their Texas network and provide more charging options and range confidence for electric vehicle (EV) owners.

“Cracker Barrel’s proximity to interstate highways adds a reassuring layer of confidence as well as a high level of convenience for EV drivers,” said Cracker Barrel President and Chief Executive Officer Sandra B. Cochran. “We were founded along interstate highways with the traveler in mind and, today, Cracker Barrel has evolved into an indelible part of the automotive travel experience. Participating in NRG’s eVgo network fits with our traditional efforts to anticipate our guests’ needs and, at the same time, allows us to contribute in a meaningful way to national interests regarding energy use.”

Each eVgo Freedom Station located at Cracker Barrel includes one DC Fast charger, capable of delivering 30 miles of charge in 10 minutes, and one Level 2 charger that delivers up to 25 miles of range for every hour plugged in. With the DC Fast charger, Cracker Barrel guests will essentially be able to fill up in about the same time it takes to order and eat a meal. “One of the challenges for EV drivers is overcoming range anxiety, much the way early cell phone users worried about running out of power,” added Cochran. “Cell phone users now easily keep their phones charged at a high level throughout the day and, as the number of EV charging stations increases, more EV drivers will be able to keep their cars charged at a high level, too,” she said.

NRG plans to install a total of 70 Freedom Station sites in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and 50 in the Houston area, with 11 already in place in Houston and six installed in Dallas/Ft. Worth. As the stations are installed, the company monitors their usage and gathers information to strategically place the remaining stations to sustain and grow the network.

“Cracker Barrel’s participation in the NRG charging station project will create key links for EV drivers traveling around and between eVgo cities and will also generate important data to help us develop a well-connected infrastructure,” said Arun Banskota, President, NRG Energy EV Services. “Cracker Barrel’s interstate locations are a natural fit for eVgo Freedom Station sites and offer everything travelers need in one-stop: food, power and fun.”

Cracker Barrel Dallas/Fort Worth Freedom Station locations
Arlington: 1251 North Watson Road
Burleson: 13301 South Freeway
DeSoto: 1421 N. Interstate 35E
Mesquite: 5304 North Galloway Avenue

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL) was established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn. and operates 615 company-owned locations in 42 states. Every Cracker Barrel unit is open seven days a week 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. crackerbarrel.com.