EVgo accounts let you charge your electric vehicle at their public network using a card, app, or membership plan

EVgo is a network of fast-charging stations across the United States. To use them, you need an account — you can set one up online or through their mobile app in about five minutes. Once your account is active, you can pay per charge, buy a membership plan, or link a payment method to charge automatically. The process is straightforward, but understanding your payment options upfront saves time at the charger.

You do not need to own the car outright or have perfect credit. EVgo does not run a credit check to open an account. What you do need is a valid email address, a phone number, and a payment method — a debit card, credit card, or digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create an EVgo account on their website or through the EVgo mobile app without a credit check.
  • Payment options include pay-as-you-go, monthly membership plans, or prepaid cards that you load with credit.
  • Your account works across all EVgo stations nationwide, so you can charge anywhere in their network.
  • You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to link your car to your account, though this is optional for basic charging.

Creating your account online or in the app

Start by going to EVgo's website (evgo.com) or downloading the EVgo mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. On the website, look for a "Sign Up" or "Create Account" button, usually in the top right corner. On the app, tap "Create Account" when you open it for the first time.

You will be asked for your email address, a password (at least eight characters, with a mix of letters and numbers), your first and last name, and your phone number. EVgo will send a verification code to your email — check your inbox and spam folder, then enter the code to confirm your email is real. That completes the account creation step.

If you are setting up in the app, the process is identical. The app version is often faster if you plan to charge frequently, because you can start a charge directly from your phone without fumbling for a card at the station.

Adding a payment method

After your account is created, you need to add how you will pay. Log in to your account and go to "Payment Methods" or "Billing" — the exact name depends on whether you are on the website or app, but it is always in the account settings menu.

You can add a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay). Enter your card number, expiration date, and the three-digit security code on the back. If you are using a digital wallet, your phone will prompt you to confirm the payment method you have already saved there.

You can add multiple payment methods and choose which one to use each time you charge. Some people keep a debit card linked for everyday charging and a credit card as a backup. There is no fee to add a payment method — you only pay when you actually charge.

Understanding EVgo's membership and pricing plans

EVgo offers three main ways to pay: pay-as-you-go, monthly membership, or prepaid credit. Pay-as-you-go means you are charged per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity you use, plus a small session fee. Prices vary by location and time of day, but typically range from $0.25 to $0.45 per kWh at fast-charging stations.

A monthly membership costs around $10 to $20 per month (the exact amount varies) and reduces your per-kWh rate. If you charge multiple times a week, a membership usually saves money. You can cancel anytime — there is no contract or early termination fee.

Prepaid credit lets you load money into your account in advance, like a gift card. You buy credit in amounts of $25, $50, or $100, and it stays in your account until you use it. This option is useful if you want to budget your charging costs or if you prefer not to link a card directly.

Linking your vehicle to your account (optional but helpful)

Once your account is set up, you can add your vehicle's information. This is optional for basic charging, but it unlocks features like charging history by vehicle and trip planning. To add a car, go to "My Vehicles" or "Vehicle Settings" in your account menu.

Enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) — a 17-character code found on your registration, insurance card, or the driver's side dashboard. EVgo will use this to identify your car's battery size and charging speed, which helps them estimate how long your charge will take. You can add multiple vehicles to one account if you own more than one electric car.

Starting your first charge

When you arrive at an EVgo station, open the app or use the station's touchscreen. Select your vehicle and the charging speed you want (usually 50 kW, 150 kW, or 350 kW — faster charging costs more per kWh). Plug your car's charging cable into the station, then confirm the charge on the app or screen.

The station will begin charging when ready. You will see real-time updates on your phone showing how much energy has been added, how much time remains, and the cost so far. When your battery reaches the level you set or the station stops charging, you will receive a notification. Unplug your car, and the charge will appear on your account within a few minutes.

Your first charge may take a few extra minutes while the station verifies your payment method. After that, subsequent charges are faster because your account is already confirmed in the system.

Troubleshooting common setup issues

If you do not receive the verification email after signing up, check your spam or promotions folder — it often ends up there. If it is not there, wait five minutes and request a new code. EVgo will send another one to the same email address.

If your payment method is declined when you try to charge, the most common reasons are an expired card, insufficient funds, or a mismatch between your billing address and what your bank has on file. Update your payment method in your account settings and try again. If the problem persists, contact EVgo's support team through the app or website — they can usually resolve it in one business day.

If you forget your password, go to the login screen and select "Forgot Password." EVgo will send a reset link to your email. Click the link, create a new password, and you can log back in when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to create a separate account for each charging network?

Yes. EVgo, Electrify America, Tesla Supercharger, and other networks each require their own account. However, many electric vehicles come with apps that let you search and pay across multiple networks from one place, which can reduce the number of separate logins you need.

Can I use EVgo if I rent an electric car?

Yes. You can create an account and charge at any EVgo station. Some rental companies provide charging instructions or discount codes, but you can set up your own account independently. Just bring your own payment method.

What happens if I lose my phone or forget my login?

You can still charge using the station's touchscreen without logging into the app. Select "Guest Charging" or "Pay at Pump," and the station will accept your credit or debit card directly. Your account login is only needed if you want to track your charging history or use a membership discount.

Is there a fee to create an EVgo account?

No. Creating an account is free. You only pay when you charge. Monthly memberships cost money, but you can use pay-as-you-go pricing indefinitely without any membership.

Can I transfer my account to someone else?

No. Accounts are tied to the email address and payment method you registered with. If someone else wants to charge, they need to create their own account. However, you can add multiple payment methods to your account if you want to share charging costs with a household member.