EVgo and Regency Centers are significantly expanding their partnership, with plans to install more than 400 new public fast-charging stalls at Regency shopping centers across the United States.
The expansion will increase Regency Centers’ EV charging footprint by more than 20% once all of the planned chargers are operational. The new infrastructure will target high-traffic retail destinations, giving EV drivers more opportunities to charge while shopping, dining or running everyday errands.
EVgo, one of the largest public fast-charging networks in the U.S., first installed a charger at a Regency property in 2020. The companies now operate more than 150 EVgo charging stalls across Regency locations.
Regency Centers operates shopping centers in high-density metropolitan markets, many of which are anchored by major grocery stores. That makes the locations particularly attractive for public EV charging.
Shopping centers and supermarkets are among the most preferred destinations for EV charging because drivers can use their charging time to shop or eat. EVgo says roughly half of drivers who stop at a charging location also visit a nearby retail or food business.
The next phase of the partnership will bring EVgo fast chargers to Regency properties in markets including Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia, along with additional states.
The strategy reflects the growing importance of convenient charging locations as EV adoption continues to expand. Instead of requiring drivers to make a separate trip to a charging station, chargers located at familiar shopping destinations can fit naturally into existing daily routines.
Each new EVgo site developed through the partnership can feature as many as 24 high-power charging stalls. Depending on the vehicle and charging conditions, EVgo says its chargers can provide enough energy for a full charge in as little as 15 minutes.
The charging speeds are particularly well suited to grocery-anchored shopping centers. The average American household visits a grocery store two to three times per week, while the average visit lasts about 23 minutes.
That typical dwell time gives EV drivers an opportunity to add a significant amount of range without having to spend additional time waiting specifically for their vehicle to charge.
For drivers without home charging, expanding fast-charging access at frequently visited locations could be especially important. It also provides greater flexibility for EV owners who need a quick top-up during a shopping trip or meal.
The expanded EVgo and Regency partnership comes as automakers continue introducing new electric vehicles and charging demand increases across the country.
For Regency Centers, adding more fast chargers also supports its broader sustainability strategy while making its properties more attractive to EV drivers. For EVgo, grocery stores and retail centers provide strategically located sites where charging can become part of an existing consumer trip.
“Convenient” charging is increasingly becoming a key factor in the EV ownership experience. Locations near supermarkets, restaurants and other everyday destinations can help reduce the inconvenience associated with finding and waiting for a charger.
With more than 400 additional stalls planned, the latest expansion will give EVgo a larger presence at Regency properties while helping bring high-power charging closer to where drivers already spend their time.
As the U.S. EV market continues to grow, partnerships between charging networks and major retail property owners could play an increasingly important role in expanding the country’s fast-charging infrastructure.
