PetrolPlaza Podcast: John Eichberger answers the big questions

John Eichberger, Executive Director of the Transportation Energy Institute, sat down with Oscar Smith Diamante at the NACS Show 2023 to discuss the present and future of fuel and convenience retail industry.

We talk to John Eichberger about the recent rebranding from the Fuels Institute to the Transportation Energy Institute. The rebrand further reflects the breadth of how the industry has evolved and the shift in focus to non-liquid options.

In this episode we discuss the NEVI programme, how should retailers look at their EV strategy, the zero-emission vehicle myth, how to decarbonise the transportations sector, and the future of fuel retailers.

“Never make decisions based on national or global trends. Look at your local market – are you seeing EVs driven in your market? Are there dealers selling EVs? If the answer is no, be careful. If you don’t have enough transactions at your charger, you cannot make money,” he explains.

Founded by NACS in 2013 as the Fuels Institute, the Transportation Energy Institute is a non-profit social welfare organization that publishes fact-based research designed to answer relevant market questions, not advocate for any specific outcome. Led by a diverse Board of transportation experts, the Institute is an objective and collaborative research organization that does not advocate.

Previously, Eichberger served more than 14 years at NACS, representing the convenience and fuel retailing industry before the media and federal government. With more than 25 years of related experience, Eichberger is a recognized expert on the transportation energy market.