EVgo and Brixmor to Add 500+ Fast Charging Stalls at Grocery-Anchored Centers
The charging network and real estate giant are targeting shopping centers across six states to integrate EV power into daily errands.
EVgo and Brixmor Property Group have expanded their long-term partnership to install more than 500 additional DC fast charging stalls across the United States. The move aims to embed high-speed charging into the daily routines of drivers by placing infrastructure where consumers already shop.
The rollout will target at least 90 Brixmor shopping centers, representing more than 25% of the real estate company's total portfolio. These charging hubs will be primarily located at centers anchored by grocery stores, with new locations established in Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Each new site will feature up to 12 high-power DC fast chargers, with the first installation under this expanded agreement planned for Barn Plaza in the suburbs of Philadelphia.
The Shift to Destination Charging
This expansion is the latest evolution of a relationship that began in 2016 with a single fast charger in Pleasanton, California. The strategy reflects a broader industry transition away from dedicated "fueling" stops—which mimic the traditional gas station model—and toward "destination" or "routine" locations. By utilizing retail centers, the companies are betting that drivers prefer to charge their vehicles while simultaneously completing other tasks.
Scott Levitan, Executive Vice President of Growth at EVgo, noted that shopping centers are an ideal environment for this integration, allowing drivers to get groceries or eat while their vehicles power up. This approach is designed to reduce "charging anxiety" by making the process a seamless part of a consumer's existing schedule rather than a separate, time-consuming trip.
Market and Retail Implications
For Brixmor, the addition of high-power infrastructure is a strategic play to increase customer dwell time and foot traffic. As the demographic of EV owners grows, providing reliable fast charging makes retail properties more attractive and competitive. Laura McLaughlin, Vice President of Specialty Leasing at Brixmor Property Group, stated that expanding this infrastructure supports growing consumer demand and reinforces the company's focus on creating vibrant destinations for shopping and dining.
Future Outlook
As the rollout progresses across the six identified states, the industry will be watching whether this grocery-anchored model accelerates the adoption of EVs by removing the friction of dedicated charging stops. While the initial phase focuses on these specific regions, the success of the 90-property expansion may serve as a blueprint for further integration of high-power charging into commercial real estate portfolios nationwide.