Electrify America Deploys 500+ Chargers at Simon Malls as Chevy Equinox EV Becomes America's Best-Selling Non-Tesla Electric Vehicle

Introduction

The EV charging industry celebrates major milestones this week as Electrify America and Simon Property Group surpass 500 hyper-fast chargers at shopping centers nationwide, while General Motors reports the Chevrolet Equinox EV has become the best-selling non-Tesla electric vehicle in America. At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we track these developments to help Los Angeles property owners understand the evolving charging landscape and make informed decisions about their commercial EV charger installations and residential charging solutions. This week's news demonstrates how retail properties are capturing value from EV charging, affordable electric vehicles are accelerating adoption, and workplace charging is becoming essential for employee satisfaction and retention.

Electrify America and Simon Deploy 500+ Hyper-Fast Chargers at Shopping Centers

Electrify America and Simon, one of the largest real estate investment trusts in the country, announced they have surpassed 500 hyper-fast chargers deployed at Simon properties across North America. This milestone caps seven years of collaboration since the partners launched their first DC fast charging site at Gulfport Premium Outlets in Mississippi in 2018. The 500-plus chargers are now installed across 105 Simon locations in 27 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. Source: EV Charging Stations.

The partnership has already dispensed more than 189 gigawatt-hours of energy, which Electrify America estimates would power over 549 million miles of EV travel. Electrify America now operates more than 5,000 individual DC fast-charging stalls at more than 1,080 locations across North America, making it one of the largest non-Tesla fast charging networks in the country. The Simon partnership represents a significant portion of this network, demonstrating how retail properties can serve as anchor locations for charging infrastructure.

For commercial property owners in Los Angeles, the Electrify America and Simon partnership provides a compelling model for capturing value from EV charging. Shopping centers benefit from extended dwell time as EV drivers charge while shopping, dining, or using other amenities. Electrify America's hyper-fast chargers can add significant range in 15 to 30 minutes, aligning well with typical shopping visits. Properties that install charging infrastructure attract the growing population of EV drivers who factor charging access into their destination decisions. Shaffer Construction helps retail clients design installations that complement their business operations while meeting the practical needs of EV drivers.

Chevrolet Equinox EV Becomes Best-Selling Non-Tesla Electric Vehicle

General Motors reported that the Chevrolet Equinox EV has become the best-selling non-Tesla electric vehicle in America, leading GM's EV sales with more than 8,500 vehicles sold in July 2025 alone. That figure represents not just the best U.S. sales month ever for the Equinox EV but the best ever for any non-Tesla EV in the country. In Q3 2025, the Equinox EV delivered 25,085 units, accounting for 38 percent of GM's total EV sales and representing a 156.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Source: GM News.

The Equinox EV's success reflects the growing market for affordable electric vehicles. Starting under $35,000 with up to 319 miles of range, the compact crossover has attracted buyers who previously found EVs too expensive. Notably, up to 60 percent of Chevy EV buyers are new to the brand, providing GM with substantial conquest sales from competitors. This momentum has made Chevrolet the fastest-growing EV brand in the United States. GM's total EV sales year-to-date now stand at 144,668 units, up 105 percent from the prior year. Source: GM Authority.

The Equinox EV's success carries important implications for property owners considering EV charging infrastructure. As affordable EVs bring electric vehicle ownership to mainstream consumers, the demographic of EV drivers is expanding beyond early adopters and luxury vehicle owners. Properties that install charging infrastructure now position themselves to serve this broadening customer base. As we discussed in our analysis of EV market trends, the acceleration of EV adoption creates growing demand for convenient charging locations at workplaces, retail centers, and multifamily properties.

U.S. Electric Vehicle Sales Hit Record 11 Percent Market Share

Americans purchased 438,500 electric cars and trucks in the third quarter of 2025, the highest number in a single quarter on record, comprising 11 percent of all new car sales. This figure eclipsed the previous quarterly high of 8.7 percent, demonstrating continued acceleration in EV adoption despite the expiration of federal EV tax credits. The global EV market recorded 15,183,434 sales between January and September 2025, representing a 30 percent year-over-year increase. Source: The Business Download.

General Motors captured 15 percent of U.S. EV sales in the quarter, up from 10 percent year-over-year, with growth led by the Equinox EV. BYD continues to lead the global market with 19.3 percent share of all plug-in vehicle sales through the first nine months of 2025, more than twice the market share of nearest competitor Tesla. The availability of EVs priced below the average new car purchase price is accelerating adoption, with at least 11 EVs now available in the U.S. starting below average transaction prices, including the Chevrolet Equinox at approximately $35,000 and the new Bolt at $29,000.

For Los Angeles property owners, the record 11 percent market share translates directly to growing demand for charging infrastructure. California consistently leads the nation in EV adoption, with approximately 23 percent of new vehicle sales being electric. Properties without charging capabilities face increasing competitive disadvantage as more residents, employees, and customers drive electric vehicles. The combination of affordable EVs entering the market and California's regulatory support for EV adoption suggests this trend will continue accelerating.

ChargePoint Omni Port Solves NACS and CCS Connector Transition

ChargePoint introduced a new Omni Port connector for its express plus stations that automatically adapts to either NACS or CCS inlets without user intervention. This innovation solves the fragmentation issue facing U.S. drivers during the industry's transition from CCS to NACS connectors. Rather than requiring separate cables or adapters, the Omni Port dispenser detects which vehicle is connected and delivers power through the appropriate connector automatically. Source: Auto Connected Car News.

The connector transition has created uncertainty for property owners installing charging infrastructure. While nearly all major automakers have announced adoption of NACS for future vehicles, millions of existing EVs use CCS connectors. ChargePoint's Omni Port technology ensures that charging stations remain compatible with all vehicles regardless of connector type, protecting property owner investments from obsolescence. ChargePoint operates the largest public charging network globally with over 300,000 active and roaming ports.

Property owners installing EV charging infrastructure should consider connector compatibility when selecting equipment. Installations that support both NACS and CCS connectors, whether through dual-cable dispensers or adaptive technology like Omni Port, serve the broadest possible range of vehicles. Shaffer Construction advises clients on equipment selection to ensure installations remain relevant as the vehicle fleet evolves and connector standards consolidate.

Workplace Charging Boosts Employee Satisfaction by 20-30 Points

The 2025 J.D. Power Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership Study found that access to workplace charging increases overall EV ownership satisfaction by 20 to 30 points on their satisfaction index. This significant uplift stems from the convenience of charging during the workday and employees' perception that their employer invests in sustainability. A separate 2025 Plug In America survey of over 1,000 EV owners found that employees with workplace charging were 15 percent more likely to report high job satisfaction, while 98 percent of respondents without workplace charging access expressed interest in having it available. Source: Qmerit.

Corporate fleet electrification is accelerating alongside workplace charging adoption. According to The Futurum Group's 2025 Fleet Electrification Index, 61 percent of organizations that currently have no electric vehicles are actively preparing to integrate them into their operations. Companies like Ecolab have partnered with Ford Pro to electrify their sales and service fleets, adding over 500 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro trucks and Mustang Mach-E SUVs with estimated savings of approximately $1,400 in annual fuel costs per vehicle. Source: Ford Pro.

Workplace charging also delivers environmental and certification benefits. By enabling electric commuting, companies directly lower their Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. Designating parking for EVs can help earn points toward prestigious green building certifications like LEED and Green Globes. These sustainability credentials increasingly matter for corporate tenants evaluating office space, making workplace charging a competitive advantage for commercial property owners. Shaffer Construction performs comprehensive electrical load studies to help commercial property owners understand their capacity for workplace charging installations and plan infrastructure that serves both current and future demand.

Blink Charging Reports Strategic Shift Toward Service Revenue

Blink Charging reported $27 million in Q3 2025 revenue with 7.3 percent year-over-year growth while significantly improving its financial efficiency. The company cut operating expenses by 26 percent year-over-year and reduced cash burn by 87 percent to just $2.2 million. Service revenue grew 35.5 percent year-over-year to $11.9 million through recurring business models. Blink now operates over 90,000 chargers globally and has become the fifth-largest DC fast-charging network in the United States. Source: EV Infrastructure News.

Blink's strategic shift to contract manufacturing under its BlinkForward initiative has cut annualized costs by $13 million, with the transition expected to complete by early 2026. The company's focus on recurring service revenue reflects broader industry trends toward subscription-based charging models. Industry reports indicate a 30 percent increase in customers opting for Charging as a Service solutions over traditional equipment ownership, reflecting growing preference for flexibility and reduced upfront costs.

The industry outlook remains expansive despite near-term challenges. By 2030, the United States will need approximately 30 million chargers, compared to roughly 4 million currently operational. This gap of 26 million chargers requires approximately $100 billion in capital investments by 2040, creating substantial opportunities for property owners, charging operators, and electrical contractors. Properties that install charging infrastructure now capture early positioning in a market that will continue growing for decades.

What These Developments Mean for Los Angeles Property Owners

This week's news reinforces the strategic importance of EV charging infrastructure across property types. The Electrify America and Simon partnership demonstrates how retail properties capture value from charging through extended dwell time and customer attraction. The Chevrolet Equinox EV's success as America's best-selling non-Tesla EV signals that affordable electric vehicles are bringing EV ownership to mainstream consumers, expanding the demographic of drivers seeking convenient charging. Record 11 percent U.S. market share confirms that EV adoption continues accelerating despite the expiration of federal vehicle tax credits.

ChargePoint's Omni Port technology addresses connector transition concerns, ensuring that charging investments remain compatible with all vehicles as the industry consolidates around the NACS standard. The workplace charging data showing 20 to 30 point satisfaction increases provides compelling justification for commercial property owners to install employee charging amenities. Blink's financial improvements and service revenue growth demonstrate that the charging business model is maturing and becoming more sustainable.

California's leadership in EV adoption, with approximately one in four new vehicles being electric, means Los Angeles properties face increasing pressure to provide charging access. The combination of regulatory requirements, tenant and customer expectations, and competitive dynamics makes EV charging infrastructure an increasingly essential property amenity rather than an optional feature.

Conclusion

From Electrify America's 500-charger milestone at Simon malls to the Chevrolet Equinox EV becoming America's best-selling non-Tesla electric vehicle, this week's developments confirm the accelerating mainstreaming of electric transportation. Record U.S. market share of 11 percent, ChargePoint's connector-agnostic Omni Port technology, and workplace charging data showing significant satisfaction improvements all point toward continued industry growth. For Los Angeles property owners, these trends underscore the strategic importance of investing in EV charging infrastructure while incentive programs remain available and before charging access becomes an expected property amenity.

Ready to explore EV charging options for your Los Angeles property? Contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. for a complimentary site assessment and expert guidance on the right charging solution for your needs.

Shaffer Construction, Inc.
325 N Larchmont Blvd. #202
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Phone: (323) 642-8509
Email: hello@shaffercon.com
Website: www.shaffercon.com