EVgo and Regency Centers to Install 400+ Fast Chargers at US Plazas

EVgo is significantly expanding its charging footprint by installing more than 400 high-power fast-charging stalls at grocery-anchored shopping centers across the United States. This infrastructure rollout focuses on placing chargers in high-traffic retail environments, allowing electric vehicle owners to power up their cars while completing routine errands.

The project is a collaboration with Regency Centers, a major developer and landlord that oversees more than 480 shopping properties. According to the original publisher, Electrek, these locations are strategically chosen for their proximity to essential businesses, including major supermarket chains like Whole Foods, Kroger, Safeway, and Publix. Over 80% of Regency’s portfolio features these grocery anchors, positioning them as high-convenience spots for daily visitors.

Each of the new installation sites is designed to host up to 24 high-power fast-charging stalls. EVgo claims that these chargers are capable of providing a full charge to compatible vehicles in as little as 15 minutes. While the specific rollout schedule remains unconfirmed, the expansion is slated for various states, including Texas, Colorado, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and California.

Scott Levitan, executive vice president of growth at EVgo, noted that the expansion is intended to meet rising consumer demand for accessible charging infrastructure. By integrating chargers into existing retail hubs, the companies aim to reduce the friction associated with "charging-only" trips, instead folding the task into the natural flow of a shopper’s day.

For Malaysian EV owners and investors, this model provides a compelling case study on the importance of "destination charging." While the Malaysian government continues to push for wider EV adoption—supported by a robust 6.0% real GDP growth as of the latest quarter—the availability of high-speed chargers in suburban commercial hubs remains a critical bottleneck. Malaysian drivers, currently navigating a landscape where unsubsidized petrol costs reach RM4.02, may find the concept of 15-minute grocery-run charging particularly attractive as they transition away from traditional combustion engines.

For local SMEs and retail developers in Malaysia, the partnership underscores a potential revenue stream and a way to increase "dwell time" at shopping centers. As Malaysia's unemployment rate holds steady at 3.0%, businesses that integrate such infrastructure could gain a competitive edge by catering to the growing demographic of affluent EV owners. This shift highlights how essential it is for property developers in urban centers like the Klang Valley to consider charging infrastructure as a standard utility rather than an optional add-on.

This development reflects a broader global trend where public fast charging is moving from isolated, purpose-built stations to ubiquitous community infrastructure. As Malaysia manages a headline inflation rate of 1.8%, consumers are becoming increasingly sensitive to energy costs and time efficiency. The success of the EVgo-Regency partnership in the US will likely serve as a benchmark for how local stakeholders in Malaysia approach public charging site selection in the coming years.

The specific construction timeline, the total investment value of the project, and the exact locations of the individual charging sites remain unconfirmed. Stakeholders are still waiting for details on how these facilities will be integrated into the existing power grids of each specific state.