Investments in Charging: How Electric Cars Are Impacting the Shopping Mall Market

Like all evolutions, it started as a luxury — today it’s becoming a market trend.

Namor Del Castilho, Operations Manager at Tietê Plaza Shopping (Syn)

By: SiiLA News

11/12/2025

The future has arrived. What once seemed unimaginable — charging a car — is now possible in just a few hours or even minutes, depending on the battery level and vehicle model. As electric cars innovate and fascinate with their operation, they also create demand for charging stations.

This demand is silently reshaping the dynamics of shopping centers in Brazil. What used to be seen as a convenience service or a symbol of innovation is now becoming an essential part of the consumer experience. The arrival of charging stations in shopping center parking lots represents a new frontier for brick-and-mortar retail — merging sustainability, technology, and customer loyalty.

In an interview with REsource, Namor Del Castilho, operations manager at Tietê Plaza Shopping, a property under the Syn portfolio, said the company has been closely monitoring the expansion of electric mobility.

“Today, electric vehicle sales already represent about 15% of the total. We believe keeping up with this trend is essential — not only for market modernization but also for the experience we want to offer our customers.”

Tietê Plaza Case Study

Charging Stations at Tietê Plaza Shopping

According to Castilho, Syn was one of the first management companies to install conventional chargers in its assets, but rising demand pushed the project to a new stage.
Tietê Plaza Shopping is one of the main examples of this movement.

“In Tietê Plaza’s case, the two conventional chargers we had were used all the time. That showed us we needed to expand the infrastructure. In addition, the mall’s location — with access to major highways — is strategic for those who need to charge their car before a trip,” explains Castilho.

Currently, the mall has seven charging points — five conventional ones, offered free of charge, and two fast chargers, up to 120 kW, capable of completing a full charge in just 30 minutes.

Challenges and Future Projections

Fábio Lopes de Oliveira, president and spokesperson of Sistel Energia

Fábio Lopes de Oliveira, president and spokesperson of Sistel Energia, says the country’s charging infrastructure has been rapidly evolving:

“The number of charging points has grown from around 10,600 to nearly 16,900 in recent years, according to the Brazilian Electric Vehicle Association. We are still behind more mature markets, but growth is keeping pace with record electric vehicle sales.”

However, Oliveira also points out key challenges in the installation process:

“In shopping centers and corporate buildings, the main challenge is managing simultaneous charging and peak-hour energy demand. In residential condominiums, the biggest issues involve individual metering, shared billing, and compliance with fire department regulations,” concludes the executive.

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