EVgo Charging Network Powers 88% More EVs Than Last Year

author: Mia Bevacqua   

Last year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecast the global number of electric vehicles would increase from 3 million to 125 million by 2030. And EVgo, the largest public fast-charging network in the U.S., is helping to build the infrastructure to support those EVs. In 2018, more than 75 million miles were powered by EVgo chargers – an 88% increase over 2017.

EVgo currently has over 1,100 public fast chargers in 34 states and 66 markets across the country. Naturally, the stations are found mostly on the coasts, though there are locations in many land-locked states as well. More than 125,000 customers with electric vehicles use the company's services to recharge.

"2018 was a banner year for EVs, and EVgo's 88% growth enabled 75 million electric vehicle miles," said Cathy Zoi, EVgo CEO. "EVgo plans to double our fast charging capacity by the end of 2020, working with utilities to accelerate EVgo's delivery of convenient and reliable fast charging across the U.S."

Both Level 2 and DC fast chargers are available at various EVgo locations. The Fast chargers are capable of bringing an EV battery up to 80% capacity in under 30 minutes. Drivers can choose to either pay as they go or enter into a membership. EVgo has also teamed up with automakers, such as BMW and Nissan, to offer low-cost or no-cost charging plans.

EVgo is optimistic about the growing number of EVs and the effect such vehicles will have on ridesharing. A recent press release from the company reads:

"With more public fast chargers operational in the U.S. than any other company -and more than one hundred fast chargers under construction- EVgo is responding to the rapid growth of EV adoption, new model introductions, and accelerated electric rideshare. With rideshare drivers regularly driving 5-7x the miles per week of personal use drivers, conversion of rideshare from gasoline to electric vehicles provides an accelerated benefit in air quality improvement and greenhouse gas reduction."

Earlier this year, General Motors also announced it will collaborate with EVgo and two other charging networks – ChargePoint and Greenlots – to provide Chevy Bolt owners with a more seamless charging experience.

"GM believes in an all-electric future, and this is a significant step to make charging easier for our customers," said Doug Parks, General Motors vice president of Autonomous and Electric Vehicle Programs. "By collaborating with these three companies, we expect to reduce barriers to create a stronger EV infrastructure for the future. This is an important step toward achieving GM's vision of a world with zero emissions."

According to the IEA, the world's fleet of electric vehicles grew 54% to about 3.1 million in 2017. Such increases hinge on many factors including improved cars with increased range, consumer acceptance – and of course – charging infrastructure. Companies like EVgo are helping to pave the way for the electrified world of tomorrow.

Sources: EVgo, CNBC

Mia Bevacqua

Mia is an ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician, L1, L2 and L3 Advanced Level Specialist. She has over 12 years of experience in the automotive industry and a bachelor’s degree in automotive technology. These skills have been applied toward content writing, technical writing, inspections, consulting, automotive software engineering.