EVgo says it plans to add more than 400 fast-charging stalls at grocery-anchored shopping centers across the United States, giving drivers a chance to plug in while they shop, grab a meal, or pick up prescriptions.
Here's what to know
According to Electrek, EVgo's buildout will reach more Regency Centers properties.
The company owns or manages more than 480 shopping centers nationwide, and major supermarket brands such as Publix, Kroger, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, Safeway, and Albertsons anchor over 80% of those locations.
EVgo announced in a press release that it plans installations in centers in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia, with additional states included.
It also said each location could feature up to 24 high-power fast chargers, with certain EVs able to reach a full charge in as little as 15 minutes.
As Scott Levitan, executive vice president of growth at EVgo, put it in the release: "EV drivers are looking for convenient charging options where they already spend their time, like grocery-anchored shopping centers."
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More background
Regency and EVgo have been working together since EVgo placed its first charger at one of the company's properties in 2020.
EVgo operates more than 150 charging stalls at Regency shopping centers, and the companies say the expansion will boost Regency's total EV charging presence by more than 20%.
The company says about half of drivers who use one of its charging sites also visit a nearby shop or restaurant. EVgo also noted in the release that the average American household spends 23 minutes at one of these types of grocery stores two to three times a week.
What's being done?
For many households, public charging is only part of the equation. Qmerit provides free, instant installation estimates for faster Level 2 home charger installations.
Public charging does certainly provide a niche for drivers, though. The expanding partnership works well for many drivers who want to charge in the background as they shop and eat.
"Increasing access to fast charging like this supports the widespread adoption of EVs and advances our broader sustainability goals," declared Mark Peternell, VP of Sustainability at Regency Centers, in the release.
Where can I learn more?
EVgo isn't the only company trying to make charging part of a regular shopping trip. Pricing and retail-based buildouts could determine whether plugging in starts to feel as ordinary as any other errand.
• EVgo's holiday pricing showed costs can still vary widely from Tesla chargers nearby.
• Walmart has 612 connectors at 73 stores in its rollout.
• Walmart's network surges into the top 20 as fast chargers spread nationwide.
• Ikea is adding EV chargers in 18 states, widening fast-charging options beyond highways.
For drivers, that means a growing mix of charging options beyond highway stops. It is another sign that retail parking lots could play a much bigger role in everyday EV life.
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