Electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to accelerate across the country, and California leads the charge. As consumer demand for clean transportation surges, retail shopping centers are uniquely positioned to benefit from EV charging infrastructure. From increasing dwell time to enhancing property value, EV chargers are transforming how commercial real estate owners approach asset planning and tenant engagement.
Why EV Chargers for Retail Are on the Rise
Retail properties are ideal candidates for EV charging stations due to a natural alignment of customer behavior and parking availability. Shoppers often stay at centers for 30 minutes or longer, creating an opportunity for Level 2 and DC Fast Charging options that serve both customer convenience and sustainability goals.
According to the California Energy Commission, the state now hosts over 200,000 publicly accessible and shared EV charging ports. That number exceeds the total gasoline nozzles statewide by over 68%, signaling a major infrastructure shift (California Energy Commission). For retail center owners, participating in this movement is becoming less optional and more strategic.
Where EV Chargers Fit in California’s Retail Landscape
Data from CoStar shows that more than 300 retail shopping centers across California now list EV chargers as an amenity. These include a wide range of property types:
- Neighborhood Centers (97 properties)
- Community Centers (70 properties)
- Super Regional Malls (46 properties)
- Lifestyle and Outlet Centers (26 properties combined)
Super Regional Malls lead in rentable building area (RBA), averaging over 483,000 square feet, which allows greater opportunity for high-capacity charging infrastructure and dedicated EV amenities.
EV Chargers for Retail: Benefits and Challenges
Benefits for Property Owners
Installing EV chargers can bring measurable value to shopping center owners:
- Increased dwell time: EV chargers can increase customer dwell time and retail spending, particularly in high-traffic centers with strong amenity mixes.
- Tenant attraction and retention: National brands increasingly view EV charging as a baseline expectation.
- Sustainability goals: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting is an increasing priority for REITs and large property groups.
- Incentives and grants: Programs through the California Energy Commission (CEC) and utility providers help offset installation costs.
Potential Drawbacks
However, EV charger deployment is not a fit for every retail location:
- Infrastructure limitations: Sites with low power capacity or outdated electrical panels may face costly upgrades.
- Short parking durations: Centers designed for fast in-and-out trips (e.g., quick-service retail) may not benefit from long-duration charging.
- Demand charges: High energy rates during peak times can reduce profitability.
- Nearby competition: Chargers already available in close proximity may dilute potential ROI.
How Energy Pricing Influences EV Charger Viability
Electricity rates can vary widely across California. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average commercial electricity rate in California is approximately 29.94 cents per kilowatt-hour. However, some cities like Needles—which operate a municipally owned utility—report significantly lower rates, as low as 11 cents per kilowatt-hour. For retail property owners in zones like these, EV chargers may become financially viable faster than in high-cost regions like San Francisco or Los Angeles.
Top Charging Brands at Retail Properties
Retail landlords are choosing from a growing ecosystem of EV charging providers. Key players include:
- Tesla Superchargers: Primarily used for fast charging in high-traffic locations; increasingly co-located with grocery-anchored centers and destination retail.
- Electrify America: A subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, it operates over 950 fast-charging locations across the U.S. and is expanding within major retail footprints.
- ChargePoint: One of the largest independently operated charging networks, offering both ownership and leasing models suitable for commercial landlords.
- EVgo and Blink Charging: Publicly traded charging companies with a growing presence in retail real estate, often through partnerships with national brands.
Each network has unique pricing structures, maintenance agreements, and installation support packages that influence adoption.
5 Steps to Evaluate EV Chargers for Your Retail Property
If you’re considering adding EV chargers to your retail center, here’s a practical framework:
- Assess electrical capacity: Determine whether your site can support Level 2 or DC Fast Charging infrastructure.
- Evaluate customer behavior: Understand average dwell time and parking flow to align charger type with usage patterns.
- Research incentives: Explore state grants, utility programs, and tax credits for installation.
- Choose the right partner: Compare offers from Tesla, ChargePoint, Electrify America, and others based on support and cost.
- Plan for future demand: Anticipate growth by installing conduit and infrastructure for future expansion.
Summary
The rapid expansion of EV chargers across California presents both opportunity and complexity for retail property owners. With over 200,000 public charging ports statewide, shopping centers that adopt EV infrastructure now can position themselves as modern, sustainable, and customer-focused destinations. While energy pricing and infrastructure capacity remain important considerations, the overall market trend points toward greater adoption—especially in high-traffic retail environments.
Capital Rivers Commercial advises property owners and investors on strategic enhancements that drive asset value. Contact us to explore EV charger opportunities or browse our retail listings to find well-positioned properties in California.
