Retail Store Targets Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Nomad, launched by the global tech company Juxta, enables drivers to purchase food and drinks while waiting for their vehicles to charge

Juxta, a global technology company, has introduced a portable, micro convenience retail store targeted at operators of electric vehicle charging stations. According to Juxta, the fully equipped, pre-assembled, autonomously operated Nomad can be installed and operational within 12 hours, enabling drivers and passengers to purchase food and drinks while waiting for their vehicles to charge.

Juxta is a US-based corporate start-up formed in 2022 by Vontier, a global industrial technology company, which also incorporates Gilbarco Veeder-Root, a supplier of fuelling and convenience store equipment. “Juxta was born to deliver a technology-driven step change in the micro-retail landscape,” said Om Shankar, co-founder and CEO, Juxta. “Our mission is to support station operators transitioning from traditional hydrocarbon fuel stations to EV charging points and collaborate with established retail brands to extend their presence beyond fuel pumps by adding value to the charging station experience and driving top-line growth.”

With no requirement to accommodate staff or a counter, optimum space is devoted to stock within the 264 square feet (24.5 square metres) Nomad interior. Coupled with shelving and presentation units, the expanse enables customers to stock between 500 and 600 fast-moving, high-margin items. With no need to download an app or register for membership, shoppers can gain instant access to the Nomad with the touch of a debit or credit card, whether carried physically or stored digitally on their smartphone’s wallet or smartwatch.

Inside Nomad, shelf and cabinet sensors instantly detect when an item is picked up, and an array of cameras will anonymously identify by whom. The information is combined in the cloud to create a digital basket for each customer. If a family or group of shoppers enter the store, Nomad’s AI-driven technology will collate their purchases.

Where legislation permits, the technology will enable compliant retail of age-restricted items such as alcohol or cigarettes. Contained within specific age-verified fridges and dispensers, restricted items will only be released after cameras have confirmed the purchaser is of appropriate age. The technology will also have the scope to request and verify IDs, such as driving licences, to confirm the purchaser’s age if necessary. “EV players have always known that they have to solve the retail challenge on their sites, but until now, there has been no immediate solution,” added Shankar.

“Nomad is the world’s most technologically advanced walk-in vending machine. All our customers need to do is take delivery, connect to electricity power, stock the shelves, cut the ribbon and then walk away, leaving Nomad to start retailing immediately.”