What EV Connect is and who operates it
EV Connect is a network of public electric vehicle charging stations operated by EVgo, a company that builds and maintains charging infrastructure across the United States. When you plug into an EV Connect station, you are using equipment owned and managed by EVgo, though the station itself may be located at a workplace, parking garage, shopping center, or municipal lot.
EV Connect stations come in two main types: Level 2 chargers, which add 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, and DC fast chargers, which add 100 to 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes depending on your vehicle and the charger's power output. The type available at any location depends on what the property owner installed and what EVgo operates there.
You do not need to own an EV Connect charger at home to use the public network. The stations are designed for drivers who charge away from home — at work, while shopping, or on road trips.
Key Takeaways
- EV Connect is a public charging network operated by EVgo with Level 2 and DC fast charger locations across the United States.
- You pay per charging session through the EV Connect app, a membership plan, or a credit card at the station, depending on the location.
- Finding an EV Connect station near you requires using the EVgo app or website map, which shows real-time availability and pricing.
- Charging times range from 25 minutes to several hours depending on whether you use a DC fast charger or Level 2 charger and your vehicle's battery size.
- Membership plans offer lower per-kilowatt-hour rates if you charge frequently, but pay-as-you-go pricing works for occasional users.
How to locate an EV Connect station
The easiest way to find an EV Connect station is through the EVgo app or the EVgo website map. Both show you the exact address, charger type (Level 2 or DC fast), real-time availability, and the current price per kilowatt-hour at each location. You can filter by charger speed, distance from your location, or whether the station is currently available.
Many EV Connect stations are located at workplaces, so ask your employer whether they have one in the parking lot or nearby. Retail locations like shopping centers and grocery stores often have Level 2 chargers. Highway corridors and travel centers have DC fast chargers for longer trips. The map will show you all three types in your area.
If you are planning a road trip, you can map your route on the EVgo website before you leave to see where stations are located along your path and whether they have the charger speed you need.
Pricing and payment methods
EV Connect stations charge by the kilowatt-hour, not by the minute, though some locations add a session fee. The cost per kilowatt-hour varies by location and time of day — peak hours (typically 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.) cost more than off-peak hours. DC fast chargers cost more per kilowatt-hour than Level 2 chargers because they deliver power faster.
You can pay three ways: through the EVgo app using a credit card or digital wallet, with a credit card directly at the station, or through a membership plan. EVgo offers monthly and annual membership options that lower your per-kilowatt-hour rate if you charge regularly. For occasional users, pay-as-you-go pricing through the app is usually cheaper than a membership.
Before you start charging, the app shows you the exact price for that session based on the charger type, time of day, and your membership status. You will not be surprised by the final bill.
Charging times and what affects them
A Level 2 charger adds about 25 to 30 miles of range per hour. If your vehicle has a 60-kilowatt-hour battery and is completely empty, a full charge takes roughly two to three hours. Most people do not charge from empty to full; they top up while parked at work or shopping, adding 50 to 100 miles in an hour or two.
A DC fast charger adds 100 to 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes, but the speed depends on your vehicle's battery chemistry, the charger's power output (measured in kilowatts), and how full the battery already is. Charging slows down as the battery approaches full capacity — the last 20 percent takes longer than the first 80 percent. Most drivers charge to 80 percent on a road trip and move on rather than waiting for a full charge.
The EVgo app shows you an estimated charging time before you plug in, based on your vehicle type and the current state of the battery.
Membership plans versus pay-as-you-go
EVgo offers a monthly membership (around $10 per month) and an annual membership (around $100 per year) that reduce your per-kilowatt-hour rate at EV Connect stations. If you charge once or twice a month, the pay-as-you-go rate is usually cheaper because you avoid the membership fee. If you charge multiple times per week, a membership pays for itself within a few weeks.
Some employers and apartment buildings negotiate group rates with EVgo, so check whether your workplace or building offers a discounted membership. A few locations offer free charging as an employee or resident benefit, though this is less common than paid charging.
You can switch between membership and pay-as-you-go at any time through the app, so you can try pay-as-you-go first and upgrade to a membership later if your charging habits change.
What to do if a station is broken or unavailable
The EVgo app shows real-time status for each charger — available, in use, or out of service. If you arrive at a station and find a charger is broken, you can report it through the app. EVgo aims to repair broken chargers within 24 to 48 hours, though the actual time depends on the problem and the location.
If you are stranded because a station you planned to use is down, the app can show you the next nearest EV Connect station or other public charging networks in your area. Many cities have multiple networks, so you usually have a backup option within a few miles.
If you were charged for a session at a broken charger, contact EVgo support through the app to request a refund. Keep a screenshot of the session and the charger's out-of-service status as proof.
EV Connect versus other charging networks
EV Connect is one of several public charging networks in the United States. Electrify America, ChargePoint, and Tesla Supercharger are other large networks, each with different pricing, charger types, and coverage areas. Some networks focus on DC fast charging for road trips; others emphasize Level 2 chargers for daily use.
Most modern electric vehicles can use chargers from multiple networks — you just need the right adapter or a compatible plug type. The EVgo app works only for EV Connect stations, but other apps like PlugShare show you all networks on one map so you can compare prices and availability across providers.
If you charge at home regularly, you may not need a membership to any public network. Public charging is most useful for people without home charging, those who take frequent road trips, or those who need to top up during the workday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to own an electric vehicle to use EV Connect?
Yes, you must own or lease an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid to use EV Connect chargers. The chargers are designed for vehicles with rechargeable batteries. You cannot use them with gas-only vehicles.
Can I reserve a charger in advance?
EV Connect does not offer advance reservations. Chargers are first-come, first-served. The app shows real-time availability, so you can see whether a charger is free before you drive to the station. Some workplaces and apartment buildings reserve specific chargers for tenants or employees, but the public network operates on availability.
What happens if I leave my car plugged in after charging is complete?
Most EV Connect stations charge an idle fee if your vehicle remains plugged in after the charging session ends. The fee varies by location but is typically a few dollars per hour. The app sends you a notification when charging is complete so you can unplug promptly and avoid the fee.
Can I use EV Connect if I live in an apartment without a driveway?
Yes. Many apartment buildings, parking garages, and public lots have EV Connect chargers. You can charge at work, while shopping, or at a nearby public station. Some cities also offer rebates or grants to help apartment dwellers install shared charging, so check with your local government about programs in your area.
Is EV Connect cheaper than charging at home?
Usually not. Home charging costs less per kilowatt-hour than public charging because you avoid the network operator's fees and infrastructure costs. Public charging is most cost-effective when you use it occasionally or when you have no home charging option. If you charge daily at home and use public chargers only for road trips, your overall cost is lower than relying on public charging alone.