Is EV charging becoming an essential retail amenity?

Electric vehicles have become impossible to ignore, but one of the biggest conversations isn't happening inside the car. It's happening in the parking lot.

As EV adoption continues to grow, retail real estate is becoming an increasingly important part of the charging network. Chris Ressa sits down with Scott Levitan, Executive Vice President of Growth, and Lane Chaplin, Head of Real Estate and Retail Portfolio Partnerships at EVgo, to discuss what it really takes to build and operate one of the nation's largest public fast charging networks.

Scott and Lane explain why shopping centers have emerged as the ideal home for fast charging, how customer behavior influences site selection, and why convenience means something entirely different in the EV world than it does at a traditional gas station. They also share how EVgo evaluates markets, partners with retailers and REITs, and navigates the challenges of permitting, utilities, and infrastructure that most consumers never see.

The conversation also explores the current state of EV adoption, including charging costs, battery longevity, range improvements, and the growing used EV market that is making electric vehicles more accessible than ever. Along the way, Scott and Lane address many of the misconceptions that continue to shape public perception of EV ownership.

For retail landlords, investors, and developers, the discussion offers valuable insight into what separates a sustainable charging operator from those that struggled during the industry's early years. From evaluating business models to understanding why some of the country's largest retailers and shopping center owners are expanding their EV strategies, this conversation highlights why charging infrastructure has become more than an amenity. It's becoming another way retail properties create value for both consumers and tenants.

What You’ll Hear

Why shopping centers are becoming EV charging destinations
The biggest myths about owning an electric vehicle
Why customer behavior drives site selection
How EVgo chooses where to build next
What landlords should look for in a charging partner
Why so many early charging companies failed
The rise of the used EV market
Why the future of charging isn't the gas station

Chapters

00:00 — Welcome to EVgo

Meet Scott Levitan and Lane Chaplin and learn how they entered the EV charging industry.

03:14 — How EVgo is building the charging network

An overview of EVgo's business and why retail real estate is central to its strategy.

04:15 — Is owning an EV really cheaper?

Charging costs, maintenance, range, and common misconceptions.

08:27 — Why so many charging companies failed

Government incentives, business models, and the industry's growing consolidation.

11:36 — Charging standards and industry maturity

How compatibility has evolved and why standardization is improving.

14:05 — The growth of the EV market

Used EVs, battery durability, affordability, and where adoption is headed.

23:42 — Why retail beats the gas station model

The connection between charging time, dwell time, and shopping centers.

30:15 — How EVgo chooses locations

Market selection, customer demand, and building a nationwide network.

35:14 — Rebuilding landlord trust

Lessons from early charging failures and what owners should look for today.

38:45 — How long does an EV charging deal take?

Construction timelines, utility delays, and power infrastructure.

42:19 — Advice for retail landlords

Choosing the right charging partner and why sustainable business models matter.

45:52 — What's next for EV charging?

Why leading retailers and REITs are expanding their EV strategies