Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- EVgo is significantly expanding its DC fast charging network by adding over 500 new charging stalls across the United States.
- This expansion focuses on high-traffic shopping centers, leveraging a strengthened partnership with Brixmor Property Group.
- The new EVgo fast chargers, capable of delivering up to 350 kW, aim to enhance convenience for millions of EV drivers in key states.
- The initiative underscores a growing trend of integrating essential EV infrastructure into daily consumer routines, addressing public charging accessibility.
- With deployments starting later this year, this move is set to substantially increase public charging options, especially for those without home charging solutions.
EVgo, a prominent name in the American electric vehicle (EV) charging sector, has announced a significant expansion of its fast-charging network. The company is set to install more than 500 new fast-charging stalls strategically located at shopping centers across the United States, places frequented by hundreds of millions of Americans annually. This move is poised to substantially enhance the accessibility of EV charging solutions for a broad demographic of drivers.
This ambitious expansion represents a deepened collaboration with Brixmor Property Group, one of the nation’s largest commercial real estate developers. The partnership aims to integrate robust EV charging infrastructure into the fabric of everyday consumer life, offering unprecedented convenience for electric vehicle owners.
Strategic Expansion Across Major Shopping Hubs
The core of this initiative involves deploying hundreds of EVgo’s advanced 350-kilowatt (kW) fast-charging stalls within the parking lots of Brixmor’s extensive portfolio of shopping centers. This strategic placement ensures that EV drivers can conveniently charge their vehicles while engaging in routine activities such as grocery shopping, dining, or retail therapy.
Upon the completion of this expansion, the partnership projects that at least 90 Brixmor shopping centers will feature EVgo fast chargers. This accounts for over 25 percent of the developer’s vast commercial property holdings, marking a significant milestone in public charging availability. The targeted integration into existing consumer destinations reflects a forward-thinking approach to meet the escalating demand for reliable EV infrastructure.
Enhancing Public Charging Accessibility
The new EVgo fast chargers will be rolled out in key states, including Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The deployment is scheduled to commence later this year, with the very first site anticipated to go live in Barn Plaza, located in a suburb of Philadelphia. Each of these new sites is designed to host up to 12 EVgo chargers, with each individual charger engineered to simultaneously deliver power to two electric vehicles. This dual-charging capability maximizes efficiency and throughput, helping to reduce wait times.
Placing these high-capacity EVgo fast chargers at shopping centers addresses a critical need for EV owners, particularly those who do not have access to dedicated home charging solutions. For many, public charging options at convenient, everyday locations are indispensable for daily mobility. Brixmor Property Group estimates that its locations collectively welcome over 900 million consumer visits each year, highlighting the immense traffic and substantial growth potential for EV charging utilization at these sites.
Industry Perspective on Consumer Convenience
The strategic rationale behind this expansion was articulated by Scott Levitan, Executive Vice President, Growth at EVgo. He underscored the importance of seamless integration into daily routines, stating, “Drivers across the U.S. want infrastructure options that integrate seamlessly into their routines, and shopping centers are an ideal place to get groceries, grab a bite, or shop while charging. Expanding our partnership with Brixmor will help make EV charging even more accessible for drivers across the country while supporting the growing demand for public charging in everyday, convenient locations.” This statement encapsulates the user-centric design of the deployment strategy.
A Decade of Partnership and Future Outlook
The collaboration between EVgo and Brixmor is not new; it builds upon a foundation established nearly a decade ago. EVgo installed its inaugural charger at a Brixmor location back in 2016, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to improving EV infrastructure together. This sustained partnership underscores a shared vision for advancing electric mobility.
Beyond its alliance with Brixmor, EVgo has cultivated an expansive network through collaborations with numerous other prominent companies. These include significant partnerships with Pilot Company and General Motors, further broadening its footprint across diverse commercial and travel corridors. According to data from the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center, EVgo’s robust network currently encompasses 5,158 individual DC fast-charging ports distributed across 1,178 locations nationwide. This comprehensive network positions EVgo as a crucial player in supporting the rapidly accelerating adoption of electric vehicles.
The Broader Impact on EV Adoption
The ongoing expansion of EVgo fast chargers at easily accessible commercial hubs plays a vital role in alleviating range anxiety, a common concern among potential EV buyers. By offering reliable and high-speed charging options where people already spend their time, EVgo is directly contributing to the normalization of electric vehicle ownership. This enhanced convenience is a powerful incentive for consumers considering the switch to electric, fostering greater confidence in the nascent EV ecosystem.
The integration of advanced charging technology, such as the 350 kW stalls, ensures that vehicles can rapidly replenish their batteries, minimizing downtime for drivers. This focus on speed and accessibility is critical for public charging solutions, mirroring the refueling experience of traditional gasoline vehicles more closely. As the market for electric vehicles continues its impressive growth trajectory, strategic deployments like those by EVgo and Brixmor are fundamental to building a resilient and user-friendly national charging infrastructure.
FAQs About EVgo’s Latest Charging Expansion
What is the scale of EVgo’s new fast charger expansion?
EVgo is adding over 500 new DC fast-charging stalls. These high-capacity chargers will be strategically placed across various shopping centers in the United States, significantly boosting the availability of public charging options for electric vehicle drivers.
Which company is EVgo partnering with for this expansion?
EVgo is expanding its partnership with Brixmor Property Group, a major commercial real estate developer in the U.S. This collaboration leverages Brixmor’s extensive portfolio of shopping centers to integrate EV charging into daily consumer routines.
Where will the new EVgo fast chargers be located?
The new EVgo fast chargers will be installed at shopping centers in Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The first site is projected to go online in Barn Plaza, located in a Philadelphia suburb, initiating the deployment later this year.
What is the charging capacity of these new stalls?
Each new EVgo fast charger stall can deliver up to 350 kilowatts (kW) of power. Furthermore, each individual charger is designed with the capability to deliver power to two electric vehicles simultaneously, enhancing efficiency and accessibility at high-traffic locations.
How many Brixmor shopping centers will feature EVgo fast chargers after this expansion?
Following this expansion, at least 90 Brixmor shopping centers, which represents over 25% of the developer’s entire property portfolio, will be equipped with EVgo fast chargers. This broad coverage aims to provide convenient charging for a vast number of consumers.
Why are shopping centers chosen as key locations for these chargers?
Shopping centers are ideal locations because they are high-traffic areas where millions of Americans already spend time on routine errands. Placing EVgo fast chargers here allows drivers to conveniently charge their vehicles while shopping, dining, or running errands, especially benefiting those without home charging.
How many EVgo DC fast-charging ports currently exist in the US?
According to the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center, EVgo currently operates 5,158 individual DC fast-charging ports across 1,178 locations nationwide. This extensive network continues to grow with strategic expansions and partnerships, solidifying its role in the EV infrastructure.