In a bold move that reflects his forward-thinking leadership and commitment to innovation, Mark Eddins, 12-time Chevrolet Dealer of the Year and owner of Friendly Chevrolet, has turned his dealership into a hub for electric mobility by launching EVHQ — a full-service electric vehicle charging park that welcomes all EV drivers, regardless of brand.
Founded in 1956 by his father Roy Eddins, Friendly Chevrolet has long been a Dallas institution. Under Mark’s leadership for the past 41 years, the dealership has grown to become one of the largest in the region by volume, in large part due to Eddins’ willingness to embrace change.
“I’ve always been a progressive dealer,” said Eddins. “At the leading edge of technology, development, and marketing — all to capture more of the market and sell Chevrolets.”
EVHQ: More Than Just a Charging Station
Opened in March 2023, EVHQ was conceived as a destination charging facility—the first of its kind operated by a U.S. car dealership. The site features eight 120 kW fast-charging stations, shaded by canopies to shield staff and customers from the Texas heat. But EVHQ offers more than power: it includes an exclusive dog park, a fire pit, and a cafe, transforming a standard charging stop into a relaxing experience.
Though located at a Chevrolet dealership, 75% of monthly EVHQ users drive non-GM vehicles, including Porsches, Teslas, Subarus, and BMWs. That’s no accident — it’s part of Eddins’ strategy.
“One of the goals is to capture people that don’t have a Chevy, haven’t had a Chevy, and show them that General Motors has a competitive product that’s one-third the price of what they bought,” he explained. “And it’s come to fruition.”
Many visitors have traded in their high-end EVs for Chevrolet models after discovering the brand’s growing lineup of affordable electric vehicles.
High Voltage, High Impact
Eddins projects that EVHQ will attract more than 10,000 unique EV customers in 2025, delivering around 2 million kilowatt-hours of energy. The site has become a model of how dealerships can create value beyond traditional sales — and serve as crucial infrastructure in America’s EV transition.
With the EVHQ brand now copyrighted, Eddins is exploring the possibility of launching additional locations and believes more dealers nationwide could follow suit. He’s also expanded into rental and ride-sharing partnerships, positioning Friendly Chevrolet at the forefront of new revenue models.
“Charging, as EVs become more prevalent in the marketplace in the next few years, could offer great opportunities to dealers,” said Eddins.
Through innovation, openness, and bold vision, Mark Eddins and Friendly Chevrolet are helping redefine what a dealership can be in the age of electric mobility.
