What Evgo is and how to get your free guide

Evgo is a public fast-charging network for electric vehicles across the United States. To use their chargers, you need an account — you can create one through their website or mobile app before you charge, or set one up at the charger itself. Most people create an account online first so they can add a payment method and locate nearby stations ahead of time.

The account itself is free to open. You pay only when you charge, either per kilowatt-hour (kWh) or per minute depending on the charger type and your plan. Evgo operates thousands of fast chargers at locations like highway corridors, shopping centers, and parking lots, so the setup process is straightforward if you know what to expect.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create an Evgo account on their website, through their mobile app, or at any Evgo charger without paying anything upfront.
  • You will need a valid email address, a payment method (credit card, debit card, or digital wallet), and your vehicle's information to complete setup.
  • Evgo charges by the minute or kilowatt-hour depending on charger speed, and rates vary by location and time of day.
  • Once your account is active, you can find available chargers using the Evgo app or website map and start charging when ready.
  • Some Evgo chargers are included in third-party charging networks, so your membership with another provider may work there too.

Creating your account online or through the app

Go to evgo.com or read the Evgo mobile app from your phone's app store. Select "Sign Up" or "Create Account." You will be asked for your email address, a password, and basic personal information. Evgo will send a confirmation email — click the link to verify your address before you can charge.

After confirming your email, add a payment method. Evgo accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. You do not need to prepay or load money into an account; Evgo charges your payment method each time you use a charger. If you want to track spending or set limits, you can manage these settings in your account dashboard.

Next, add your vehicle information. Enter your vehicle's make, model, and year. This helps Evgo recommend chargers suited to your car's charging speed and show you relevant information in the app. You can add multiple vehicles to one account if you own more than one EV.

Setting up an account at the charger

If you arrive at an Evgo charger without an account, you can create one right there using the charger's screen or by scanning a QR code with your phone. The process is faster than online signup because you only enter your email, payment method, and vehicle type — no confirmation email required.

This option works well for occasional users or emergencies, but creating an account beforehand is usually better because you can browse charger locations, check real-time availability, and plan your route before you leave home. Charger-side signup also depends on the charger having a working screen or QR reader, which is not always the case.

Understanding Evgo's pricing and charging plans

Evgo charges by the minute for most fast chargers, though some locations charge per kilowatt-hour. Rates vary depending on the charger's power level (50 kW, 150 kW, or 350 kW), the time of day, and the location. Peak hours typically cost more than off-peak hours. You can see the current rate before you start charging on the charger's screen or in the app.

Evgo also offers membership plans for frequent users. A monthly subscription can lower your per-minute rate if you charge regularly. Compare the cost of a subscription against your typical monthly charging to decide whether it makes sense for you. You can cancel a subscription anytime through your account settings.

Some employers, car manufacturers, and other organizations offer Evgo credits or discounted rates to their members. If you have an account with another EV charging network, check whether they have a roaming agreement with Evgo — you may be able to use your existing membership at Evgo chargers.

Finding and using Evgo chargers

Open the Evgo app or visit evgo.com/find-a-charger to see a map of all Evgo locations. Filter by charger speed, availability, and distance from your location. The map shows real-time status — whether each charger is available, in use, or offline. Tap a charger to see the exact address, parking instructions, and current pricing.

When you arrive at a charger, open the app and select the charger you want to use. Follow the on-screen prompts to start charging. The charger will display how much time or energy you have used and the cost so far. You can stop charging anytime through the app or by pressing the stop button on the charger itself.

After you finish, the charger will display your total cost and send a receipt to your email. Keep these receipts if you need to track charging expenses for work or tax purposes.

Troubleshooting common account and charging issues

If you forget your password, go to evgo.com/login and select "Forgot Password." Evgo will send a reset link to your email. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder or contact Evgo support through the app or website.

If a charger will not recognize your account, make sure you are logged in on the charger's screen or app. Some chargers require you to scan a QR code or enter your email address manually. If the charger is offline or broken, the app will show its status as unavailable — try a different location nearby.

If you are charged incorrectly or a charger malfunctioned during your session, contact Evgo support with your receipt and charger location. Evgo can review the session data and issue a refund or credit if there was an error. Response times vary, but most issues are resolved within a few business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to create an account before I can charge?

No. You can create an account at the charger itself using the screen or QR code. However, creating an account online first lets you add your payment method ahead of time and browse charger locations, which most people find more convenient.

What payment methods does Evgo accept?

Evgo accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets including Apple Pay and Google Pay. You cannot pay with cash at the charger. Make sure your payment method is current and has available funds before you charge.

Can I share my Evgo account with someone else?

Your account is personal and tied to your payment method. You should not share your login credentials. If someone else needs to charge, they should create their own account. Some employers or organizations offer shared charging accounts for employees — check with your workplace if that is an option.

What happens if I lose connection to the app while charging?

The charger will continue to charge your vehicle even if your app loses connection. You can still stop charging using the button on the charger itself. Your session will be recorded and you will receive a receipt by email as usual.

Are there any monthly fees just for having an Evgo account?

No. The account itself is free. You only pay when you use a charger. Optional membership plans cost money, but you can use Evgo chargers without any subscription or monthly fee.