NRG eVgo AND SIMON EXPANDING ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS IN TEXAS

04Mar
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Freedom Station® sites now open at Grapevine Mills and Katy Mills

GRAPEVINE and KATY, TX (March 4, 2015) – Electric Vehicle (EV) drivers will be able to plug-in and charge their cars while they shop, grab a bite or enjoy entertainment at Grapevine Mills and Katy Mills, the two largest outlet and value retail shopping destinations in Texas. Simon, a global leader in the retail real estate industry, and NRG eVgo (ee-vee-go), a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc., have installed new electric car fast-charging Freedom Station® sites at Grapevine Mills and Katy Mills that can recharge shoppers’ vehicles in 30 minutes or less.

“By adding fast charging stations for electric vehicles, we are ensuring a convenient and pleasant shopping experience for our customers,” said Kerri Bear, regional director of marketing for The Mills. “These additions enhance and secure Katy Mills’ and Grapevine Mills’ reputations as top destinations for families to shop, dine and play while being energy efficient and environmentally conscious.”

Simon is a long-time real estate leader in energy management and sustainability practices, including initiatives to measure and reduce overall energy consumption, water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Supporting the needs of energy conscious consumers is also part of Simon’s sustainability strategy. Shoppers can plug in to 152 electric vehicle charging stations located at 56 of Simon’s shopping destinations.

“eVgo and Simon properties make a perfect match for customer choice, convenience and sustainability,” said Arun Banskota, president of NRG eVgo. “These two Freedom Station sites are tremendous additions to the comprehensive Houston and Northern Texas networks designed to give Texas EV drivers range confidence, knowing they can charge their vehicles while enjoying the amenities of these two premiere destinations.”

There are now almost 50 Freedom Station sites in Texas where drivers can plug-in and charge-up quickly regardless of what kind of electric vehicle they drive. The Katy Mills charging stations can be found just outside of H&M and Bed, Bath & Beyond and Grapevine Mills’ are located between Neiman Marcus Last Call and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH.

While guests’ electric vehicles are charging, they can take advantage of up to 70% off everyday prices at popular retailers, including Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Levi’s Outlet Store, J.Crew Factory, Gap Outlet, Off Broadway Shoes, Nike Factory Store and Vera Bradley. In addition to an impressive mix of retail stores, families can also enjoy an exciting selection of dining and entertainment options.

About Katy Mills

Katy Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in South Texas, provides the ultimate shopping experience with more than 175 outlet and value retail stores, including Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Coach, Forever 21, Banana Republic Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, J.Crew Factory, Kenneth Cole Company Store and Guess Factory Store. Shoppers can dine at great restaurants including Rainforest Cafe or catch a movie at AMC 20 Theatres.

Katy Mills is located at I-10 and Pin Oak Road in Katy, TX, 28 miles west of Houston. It is open regularly from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Mon.-Sat., and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information on Katy Mills, please call (281) 644-5000, visit www.katymills.com or follow Katy Mills on Facebook at facebook.com/ShopKatyMills and on Twitter @KatyMeansMore.

About Grapevine Mills

Grapevine Mills, the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in North Texas, provides the ultimate shopping experience with more than 180 outlet and value retail stores including Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, H&M, J.Crew, Forever 21, Banana Republic Factory Store, G by Guess, Gap Factory Store, Tommy Hilfiger Company Store, Abercrombie & Fitch Outlet, Ann Taylor Loft, Nike Factory Store, Oakley Vault and Under Armour. Shoppers can dine at great restaurants including Rainforest Cafe and Chili’s, enjoy family entertainment experiences at SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center or catch a movie at AMC® 30 Theatres featuring its In-Theatre Dining experience.

The property is currently undergoing a multimillion dollar renovation to create a more inviting and enriching shopping environment. Architectural facelifts, a reimagining of retail facades, sleek new flooring, contemporary energy efficient lighting and new soft seating groupings designed to maximize comfort will be completed in the fall of 2015.

Grapevine Mills, now home to tax-free shopping for international guests, is located 2 miles north of DFW Airport on Highway 121N and Grapevine Mills Pkwy in Grapevine, TX, about 30 miles northwest of Dallas. It is open regularly from 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m., Mon – Sat, and 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Sunday. During the holidays, hours are extended for guests’ shopping convenience. For more information on Grapevine Mills, please call (972) 724-4900 or visit www.grapevinemills.com. Like Grapevine Mills on Facebook at facebook.com/ShopGrapevineMills and follow us on Twitter @ShopGrapevine and on Instagram @shopgrapevine.

About Simon

Simon is a global leader in retail real estate ownership, management and development and a S&P100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our industry-leading retail properties and investments across North America, Europe and Asia provide shopping experiences for millions of consumers every day and generate billions in annual retail sales. For more information, visit simon.com.

About NRG eVgo

The NRG eVgo SM network gives electric vehicle (EV) owners new freedom and range confidence via home and workplace charging docks, plus a network of fast charging stations conveniently located at retailers along major transportation corridors within eVgo cities. Service plans offered by eVgo can provide EV owners a home or workplace charger and use of eVgo’s Freedom Station® sites and other public charging stations. eVgo is a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 500 company at the forefront of changing how people think about, buy and use energy. Through eVgo, NRG will provide access to hundreds of public charging sites across the United States. To find out more, or to join the eVgo network, visit www.nrgeVgo.com. Connect with eVgo on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @nrgeVgo.

Fran Folic | Vice President, Lifestyle & Entertainment

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