EVgo is a fast-charging network you can find through their app, website, or navigation systems in your car
EVgo operates one of the largest networks of DC fast chargers in the United States. You locate stations near you by opening the EVgo app, visiting their website map at evgo.com, or using your vehicle's built-in navigation if your car has EVgo integration. The app shows real-time availability, pricing, and which chargers are working right now—not all stations have all chargers operational at once.
You do not need to own an EVgo membership to use a station, but you will pay a higher per-minute rate without one. Most people either pay as they go with a credit card at the charger itself, or sign up for a membership plan that locks in a lower rate. The membership is optional, not required.
Key Takeaways
- The EVgo app and website map show you station locations, real-time charger availability, and current pricing before you drive there.
- You can pay per use with a credit card or sign up for a membership plan that reduces the per-minute cost of charging.
- DC fast charging adds 100 to 200 miles of range in 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your vehicle and the charger's power output.
- Pricing varies by location and time of day, and the app displays the exact cost before you start charging.
- Some workplaces, apartments, and public locations host EVgo chargers, so check your regular destinations before searching elsewhere.
How to search for EVgo stations on the app and website
read the EVgo app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or go to evgo.com and click the "Find a Charger" map. Both show you stations within a radius you set—typically 5, 10, or 25 miles from your location. The map displays each station's address, the number of chargers available, and which ones are currently in use or out of service.
Tap or click on any station to see the charger types available (most EVgo stations have multiple chargers with different power levels), the parking situation, and whether the location has amenities like restrooms or food nearby. The app also shows real-time pricing for that specific station. Pricing is not uniform across the network—a charger in a busy urban area may cost more per minute than one in a smaller town.
If your vehicle has built-in navigation that supports third-party charger networks, you may be able to search for EVgo directly from your car's screen. Tesla, Ford, Chevrolet, and several other brands have integrated EVgo into their navigation systems. Check your vehicle's manual or infotainment settings to see if this feature is available.
Understanding EVgo membership plans versus pay-as-you-go
EVgo offers two main ways to pay. Pay-as-you-go means you use a credit card at the charger each time, with no membership fee. The per-minute rate is higher this way. Membership plans reduce the per-minute cost and may include other benefits like priority access during peak times or discounts at partner locations.
The membership plans vary in structure—some charge a monthly fee plus a lower per-minute rate, while others charge an annual fee. The exact plans and pricing change, so check the EVgo website or app for current options. If you charge frequently (more than once or twice a month), a membership usually saves money. If you charge rarely, pay-as-you-go may be cheaper overall.
You do not have to decide when ready. Start with pay-as-you-go, track what you spend over a month or two, and then decide whether a membership makes sense for your usage pattern.
What to expect during a DC fast-charging session
When you arrive at an EVgo station, park in the designated spot and open the charger door. You will see a connector type—most EVgo chargers use the CCS (Combined Charging System) standard, though some older stations may have CHAdeMO connectors. Your vehicle must have the matching port. Check your vehicle's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm which connector your car uses.
Plug the charger into your vehicle's port. You will then start the session through the EVgo app, a credit card at the charger's screen, or (on some vehicles) directly from your car's infotainment system. The charger will begin delivering power. Most DC fast chargers deliver between 50 and 350 kilowatts, depending on the charger and your vehicle's capability. A typical session adds 100 to 200 miles of range in 20 to 40 minutes, though this slows as your battery approaches full charge.
You do not have to stay at the charger the entire time, but you should check on your vehicle periodically. When your battery reaches the charge level you set (or when you decide you have charged enough), unplug the charger, close the door, and end the session through the app or screen. You will receive a receipt via email or in the app showing the energy delivered and the cost.
Pricing and what affects the cost of charging
EVgo pricing is per-minute, not per kilowatt-hour, which means the cost depends on how long you are connected, not how much energy you actually receive. Rates vary by location, time of day, and membership status. A station in downtown Los Angeles will cost more than one in a rural area. Charging during peak hours (typically 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays) may cost more than off-peak times.
The EVgo app shows the exact per-minute rate for any station before you start charging. You can compare rates across nearby stations and choose the cheapest option if you have time. Some stations also offer introductory rates or promotional pricing for new users—check the app for current offers in your area.
Membership plans typically reduce the per-minute rate by 10 to 30 percent, depending on the plan. If you charge at EVgo stations regularly, the membership fee usually pays for itself within a few months. If you charge infrequently, the higher pay-as-you-go rate may still be cheaper than paying a monthly membership you do not use.
Finding EVgo chargers at workplaces, apartments, and public locations
Many employers, apartment complexes, shopping centers, and public parking facilities host EVgo chargers. Before searching for a standalone station, check whether your workplace, home, or regular destinations already have one. If your employer offers charging, using it during work hours is usually free or very cheap. If your apartment building has a charger, you may be able to charge overnight at a lower rate than a public fast-charger.
The EVgo app and website map show all stations, including those at private locations. When you search, you will see the address and sometimes a note about access restrictions (for example, "Workplace charging—employee access only" or "Public parking lot"). If you are unsure whether you can use a charger at a specific location, call the location directly or check the station details in the app.
Troubleshooting when a charger is broken or unavailable
The EVgo app shows real-time status for each charger at a station. If a charger shows as "out of service" or "offline," it is not available right now. This happens for maintenance, repairs, or temporary power issues. Do not drive to a station expecting to use a specific charger without checking the app first—availability changes throughout the day.
If you arrive at a station and find a charger is not working when the app said it was available, try restarting the charger by unplugging and replugging the connector. If that does not work, use a different charger at the same station if one is available. If all chargers at that station are down, the app should update within a few minutes. You can then navigate to the next nearest EVgo station or a competitor's network.
If you have a problem during a charging session—the charger stops unexpectedly, you are charged incorrectly, or the equipment is damaged—contact EVgo customer support through the app or call their support line. Keep your receipt and session details so you can explain what happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to create an EVgo account to charge?
No. You can pay with a credit card at the charger without an account. However, creating a free account in the app makes it easier to track your charging history, save favorite stations, and manage a membership if you get one.
What if my car has a different charging connector than the EVgo charger?
You cannot use that charger. Check your vehicle's manual to confirm which connector type your car has (CCS, CHAdeMO, or Tesla Supercharger). Search the EVgo map for stations with your connector type, or use a different network that supports your vehicle.
Can I charge overnight at an EVgo station?
Technically yes, but it is not practical or cost-effective. EVgo stations are designed for fast charging—you pay per minute, so leaving your car plugged in for hours will be very expensive. Use a Level 2 charger at home or work for overnight charging.
How do I know if a station is safe or has good parking?
The EVgo app shows photos of many stations and notes about parking availability. Read user reviews if they are available. Choose stations in well-lit, populated areas during evening hours, and avoid isolated locations late at night.
What happens if the charger stops working while I am charging?
The charger will stop delivering power and the session will end. You will be charged only for the time the charger was actually running. Check the app or charger screen for an error code, try a different charger at the same station, or contact EVgo support with your session details.