Assaí considers fuel and EV charging expansion in Brazil
Wholesale retailer explores adding fuel stations and EV chargers as part of a broader strategy to build a consumer services ecosystem.
Wholesale Brazilian retailer Assaí Atacadista is evaluating an entry into the fuel retail and electric vehicle (EV) charging markets, as the company looks to expand the range of services offered at its store locations. The retailer’s CEO, Belmiro Gomes, said the company is studying the possibility of establishing service stations and EV chargers at its sites, signaling a potential diversification beyond its core business.
According to Gomes, the initiative is aligned with a long-term vision of transforming Assaí stores into broader service hubs. The company believes its high-volume operating model could also be applied to energy services, potentially offering competitive pricing for consumers.
“Within a few years, customers will not only look for a place to buy food. They will be looking for an ecosystem of services. That is the future we are preparing for,” Gomes said in an interview with exame.
With hundreds of locations across Brazil, ample parking areas and high customer traffic, Assaí already has some of the infrastructure that could support fuel retailing and EV charging operations. However, the company has not yet defined a timeline, business model or product offering for the initiative.
The move reflects a broader trend of large retailers exploring mobility-related services as a complement to their existing businesses. Growing EV adoption is seen as a key driver, as Brazil is the leader in this aspect across Latin America with over 473,000 vehicles, accounting for more than half of the region’s total fleet.
