EVgo is a public fast-charging network for electric vehicles across the United States

EVgo operates one of the largest networks of DC fast chargers in the country, with stations in more than 35 states. Their chargers are designed to add significant range to an electric vehicle in 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the vehicle model and charger power level. You do not need to own an EVgo charger at home to use their stations — they are built for drivers who need to charge away from home, whether on a road trip or during a daily commute.

EVgo chargers come in different power levels. Their standard DC fast chargers deliver 50 kW, while newer ultra-fast chargers deliver 150 kW or 350 kW. The higher the power level, the faster your vehicle charges — but not all vehicles can accept the highest speeds. Your car's onboard charger determines the maximum speed it can receive, so a 2018 Tesla Model 3 will charge slower than a 2024 model at the same 350 kW station.

You pay per charging session, either through a membership plan or a pay-as-you-go rate. EVgo does not require a long-term contract. Most drivers use the EVgo mobile app or a physical card to start a session at any station.

Key Takeaways

  • EVgo stations use DC fast charging to add 100 to 200 miles of range in 20 to 45 minutes, depending on your vehicle and the charger power level.
  • You can pay per session without a membership, or join a membership plan that lowers the per-minute rate if you charge frequently.
  • The EVgo app shows real-time availability and lets you start charging remotely, reserve a charger for up to 15 minutes, and pay directly from your phone.
  • Charging speed depends on both the station's power output and your vehicle's ability to accept that power — not all vehicles charge at the same rate.
  • EVgo chargers are located along highways and in urban areas, so you can find one using the app or website before you need it.

How to start charging at an EVgo station

First, read the EVgo mobile app or create an account on their website. You will need to enter a payment method — a credit or debit card. The app shows all nearby EVgo stations, how many chargers are available at each location, and real-time pricing.

When you arrive at a station, plug your vehicle's charging cable into the charger port. Most EVgo chargers use the CCS connector standard, which is the default on most non-Tesla electric vehicles sold in the United States since 2021. Tesla vehicles can use an adapter or visit a Tesla Supercharger instead. Open the EVgo app, select the charger you are using, and tap "Start Charging." You can also use a physical EVgo card if you have one.

The charger will begin delivering power to your vehicle. You can monitor the session in real time through the app — it shows how much charge you have added, how much time has elapsed, and the cost so far. When your vehicle reaches the charge level you want, you can end the session through the app or at the charger itself.

EVgo membership plans versus pay-as-you-go pricing

EVgo offers two main ways to pay. Pay-as-you-go means you pay a per-minute rate each time you charge, with no upfront fee or commitment. This rate varies by location and time of day, but typically ranges from $0.25 to $0.50 per minute for DC fast charging. A 30-minute charging session might cost $7.50 to $15, depending on the station.

Membership plans lower your per-minute rate if you charge regularly. EVgo offers a monthly subscription that reduces the per-minute cost, usually to $0.15 to $0.25 per minute. The monthly fee is typically $10 to $20, so membership makes sense if you charge more than once or twice a month. You can cancel a membership at any time without penalty.

Some employers and apartment buildings offer EVgo memberships as a benefit, so check with your workplace or landlord before buying your own. A few credit cards also offer EVgo credits as a cardholder benefit.

What to do if a charger is broken or unavailable

The EVgo app shows which chargers are available in real time. If you arrive at a station and a charger is out of service, the app will have marked it as unavailable before you got there. However, if a charger fails while you are using it, stop the session when ready and contact EVgo support through the app.

EVgo will not charge you for a failed session if the charger malfunctioned. Take a photo of the error message on the charger screen and report it through the app — support will review your account and refund the session cost. Response times vary, but most refunds are processed within a few business days.

If you need to charge and the nearest EVgo station is full or broken, use the app to find other networks nearby. Electrify America, Volta, and Tesla Superchargers (with an adapter for non-Tesla vehicles) operate separate networks in most areas.

Charging speed and what affects how fast your vehicle charges

A 50 kW charger will add roughly 50 to 100 miles of range in 30 minutes on most vehicles. A 150 kW charger will add 100 to 150 miles in the same time. A 350 kW charger can add 150 to 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes, but only if your vehicle is designed to accept that power.

Your vehicle's onboard charger has a maximum input rate, called its charging acceptance rate. A 2020 Chevy Bolt EV accepts up to 50 kW, so it will charge at the same speed at a 50 kW station and a 350 kW station. A 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 accepts up to 233 kW, so it will charge significantly faster at a 150 kW or 350 kW station than at a 50 kW station. Check your vehicle's manual or the manufacturer's website to find your car's maximum charging rate.

Charging speed also slows as your battery fills. Most vehicles charge fastest between 10% and 80% state of charge. From 80% to 100%, the charger deliberately slows down to protect the battery. This is why most drivers stop at 80% for daily driving and only charge to 100% before a long trip.

EVgo locations and how to find stations near you

EVgo operates stations in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and other states. They concentrate stations along major highways and in urban areas where demand is highest.

Use the EVgo app or website to search for stations by address, city, or ZIP code. The map shows each station's location, the number of chargers available, the power levels available (50 kW, 150 kW, or 350 kW), and real-time pricing. You can also filter by charger type if your vehicle has specific connector requirements.

If you are planning a road trip, search your route in the app before you leave. This helps you identify where you will need to charge and whether EVgo stations are available along your path. Many drivers use the app to reserve a charger for up to 15 minutes before they arrive, which guarantees a spot will be waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a member to use EVgo chargers?

No. You can pay per session without joining a membership plan. Create an account in the app, add a payment method, and start charging. Membership lowers your per-minute rate if you charge regularly, but it is not required.

Can I use EVgo if I drive a Tesla?

Tesla vehicles have a proprietary charging connector, so you cannot plug directly into most EVgo chargers. You can use an adapter (Tesla sells a CCS adapter) to connect to EVgo's CCS chargers, or you can use Tesla's own Supercharger network, which is faster and more widely available for Tesla owners.

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

EVgo charges an idle fee if your vehicle remains connected after the charging session ends. The fee is typically $0.40 to $0.50 per minute. The app will notify you when charging is complete, so unplug as soon as you can to avoid these charges.

How long does a full charge take at an EVgo station?

A full charge from 10% to 100% typically takes 45 minutes to over an hour at a 50 kW charger, and 30 to 45 minutes at a 150 kW or 350 kW charger. Most drivers charge to 80% instead, which takes 20 to 30 minutes and is faster and better for battery health.

Can I reserve an EVgo charger in advance?

Yes. The EVgo app lets you reserve a charger for up to 15 minutes before you arrive. This guarantees a spot will be available when you get there. Reservations are free, but you must start charging within 15 minutes or the reservation expires.