What EVgo Is and How to Use It

EVgo is a network of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles located across the United States. You pull up to an EVgo charger, plug in your vehicle, pay through the station's screen or an app, and your car charges while you wait — usually 20 to 45 minutes for a meaningful charge, depending on your vehicle and the charger type.

EVgo operates roughly 850 fast-charging locations as of now, concentrated in California, Texas, the Southeast, and the Northeast, though the network continues to expand. Unlike home charging, which is slow and convenient, or workplace charging, which is free but limited to business hours, EVgo stations are designed for road trips and quick top-ups when you're away from home.

You don't need to own an EVgo membership to use the network — you can pay per charge through a credit card at the station or through the EVgo app. However, EVgo also offers membership plans that lower the per-minute charging rate if you use the network regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • EVgo stations are fast chargers designed for road trips and quick charging away from home, not for overnight charging.
  • You can pay per charge with a credit card at the station or through the EVgo mobile app without a membership.
  • EVgo membership plans reduce your per-minute rate if you charge frequently, and some plans include a monthly subscription fee.
  • Charging time varies by vehicle and charger type, but most drivers spend 20 to 45 minutes at an EVgo station.
  • The EVgo app shows you station locations, real-time availability, and lets you start and monitor charging remotely.

How to Find and Pay at an EVgo Station

The EVgo app is the easiest way to locate nearby chargers, see which ones are available right now, and reserve a spot before you arrive. The app shows you the address, the number of chargers at each location, and how many are in use. You can also search for EVgo stations on Google Maps or through other EV navigation apps that integrate EVgo data.

At the station itself, you'll see a pedestal or wall-mounted unit with multiple charging cables. Walk up to an available charger, open the door or panel, and plug the connector into your vehicle's charging port. The charger's screen will prompt you to either scan a card, enter payment information, or log into the EVgo app to start charging.

If you pay without an account, you'll enter your credit card details at the charger or through the app. The station will charge you based on the time you spend charging — typically a per-minute rate that varies by location and charger speed. Once charging starts, you can leave your vehicle and return when the charge is complete, or monitor it through the app from inside a nearby coffee shop or restaurant.

EVgo Membership Plans and Pricing

EVgo offers two main membership tiers: a free account and a paid subscription. The free account lets you pay per charge without a monthly fee, but you'll pay a higher per-minute rate. A typical pay-as-you-go rate is around 43 cents per minute, though this varies by location and time of day.

The EVgo Plus membership costs a monthly subscription fee (currently around $9.99 per month) and lowers your per-minute charging rate to roughly 31 cents per minute. If you charge more than once or twice a month, the membership usually pays for itself. You can cancel anytime through the app.

Some employers, car manufacturers, and other organizations offer discounted or free EVgo memberships as a perk. Check with your employer or your vehicle's manufacturer to see if you're already covered. Pricing and membership terms change periodically, so check the EVgo website or app for current rates in your area.

What Charger Types You'll Find at EVgo

EVgo stations use two main fast-charging standards: CHAdeMO and CCS (Combined Charging System). Most newer electric vehicles use CCS, which is becoming the industry standard in North America. Older vehicles and some Japanese brands use CHAdeMO. A few EVgo locations also have Tesla Supercharger adapters available, though this is less common.

The power output of the charger affects how fast your vehicle charges. EVgo's chargers range from 50 kilowatts (kW) to 350 kW. A 50 kW charger might add 100 miles of range in 30 minutes on some vehicles, while a 350 kW charger can do the same in 10 to 15 minutes. Your vehicle's onboard charger limits how much power it can accept, so a newer EV with a high-capacity battery will charge faster than an older model.

Before you visit an EVgo station, check your vehicle's manual or the EVgo app to confirm which connector type your car uses. Arriving at a station and discovering your vehicle doesn't match the available chargers is frustrating, so a quick check beforehand saves time.

Using the EVgo App to Monitor and Control Charging

The EVgo app does more than just find stations. Once you've started charging, the app shows you real-time charging progress, estimated time to full charge, and the cost so far. You can set a target charge level — say, 80 percent — and the app will notify you when you've reached it, so you don't overcharge and waste time.

The app also lets you start charging remotely if you've already plugged in your vehicle and walked away. This is useful if you want to delay charging until off-peak hours when rates might be lower, or if you want to start charging from inside a nearby building. You can also stop charging through the app if you need to leave early.

Push notifications alert you when charging is complete, when a charger becomes available at a location you've bookmarked, or when there are special promotions. You can save your favorite charging locations and payment methods in the app so you don't have to re-enter them each time.

What to Expect During Your First Charge

Your first EVgo charge will take a few extra minutes because you'll need to set up an account or enter payment information. read the EVgo app before you arrive, or be prepared to enter your credit card at the charger's screen. Have your vehicle's charging port door open and ready — some vehicles require you to press a button inside the car to unlock it.

Plug the connector into your port firmly until you hear or feel it lock. The charger's screen will confirm the connection and begin charging. Most chargers display the power flowing to your vehicle, the time elapsed, and the cost. Charging speed may vary — your vehicle might charge quickly at first, then slow down as the battery fills, which is normal and protects battery health.

If the charger malfunctions or won't start, the app usually shows a help button or phone number to call EVgo support. Most issues are resolved within a few minutes. If a charger is broken, you can reserve another one nearby through the app and move your vehicle.

EVgo Coverage and Expansion Plans

EVgo's network is densest in California, where the company operates hundreds of stations, particularly along major highways and in urban areas. Texas, Florida, Georgia, and the Northeast also have growing coverage. If you live in a rural area or a region with sparse EV infrastructure, you may find few or no EVgo stations nearby.

EVgo has announced plans to expand significantly over the next few years, with funding from the federal government's EV charging infrastructure program. New stations are being built regularly, so check the app or website to see if coverage is coming to your area. In the meantime, other charging networks like Electrify America and Tesla's Supercharger network may serve your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reserve an EVgo charger in advance?

The EVgo app lets you see real-time availability and locate nearby chargers, but you cannot reserve a specific charger for a future time. You can only use a charger when you arrive at the station. However, the app shows you how many chargers are available at each location, so you can choose a station with multiple units if you're worried about availability.

What happens if I leave my car plugged in after charging is complete?

Most EVgo stations charge an idle fee if your vehicle remains connected after charging finishes. This fee encourages drivers to unplug promptly so other vehicles can use the charger. The idle fee is typically lower than the charging rate but adds up quickly. The app notifies you when charging is complete, so set a reminder to return on time.

Do I need to create an account to use EVgo?

No. You can pay with a credit card directly at the charger or through the app without creating an account. However, creating a free account through the app makes it easier to track your charging history, save payment methods, and receive notifications about charger availability and promotions.

Will my vehicle charge faster at an EVgo station than at home?

Yes, significantly faster. A home Level 2 charger adds 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, while an EVgo fast charger adds 100 to 200 miles per hour depending on the charger power and your vehicle. This is why EVgo is designed for road trips and quick top-ups, not daily charging.

What should I do if an EVgo charger isn't working?

The charger's screen usually displays an error message and a phone number to call for support. You can also report the issue through the EVgo app. Most problems are fixed within hours. In the meantime, use the app to find another available charger at a different EVgo location nearby.