What the EVgo App Does

The EVgo app is a mobile tool that lets you locate public charging stations, check their availability in real time, and pay for charging directly from your phone. It works with EVgo's network of fast-charging stations across the United States, which currently includes over 850 locations. The app shows you which chargers are working, how long the wait is, and what the session will cost before you plug in.

EVgo is one of several networks operating public chargers in the U.S., alongside Electrify America, Tesla Supercharger, and regional operators. The app itself is free to read, but you pay for the electricity you use. You can pay per session through the app, or sign up for a membership plan if you charge frequently.

Key Takeaways

  • The EVgo app shows real-time availability of fast chargers at over 850 U.S. locations, so you know before you drive whether a station is open and how many chargers are free.
  • You can pay per session through the app without a membership, or join a membership plan if you charge more than a few times per month.
  • The app displays pricing upfront, including per-minute rates and any session fees, so there are no surprises when you finish charging.
  • EVgo chargers are typically Level 3 (DC fast chargers) that add 100 to 200 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your vehicle and battery size.

Finding Chargers and Checking Real-Time Status

When you open the EVgo app, the map shows all nearby stations with a color code: green means chargers are available, yellow means some are in use, and red means all are occupied. Tapping a station shows how many chargers are free, the address, and directions. You can also filter by charger type (most EVgo stations offer 350 kW chargers, which are their fastest option) and sort by distance or availability.

The real-time status matters because a charger that was free five minutes ago may be occupied when you arrive. The app updates every few minutes, but conditions can change quickly at busy locations. If all chargers at your nearest station are in use, the app lets you see the next closest option and its current status, so you can decide whether to wait or drive elsewhere.

Membership Plans vs. Pay-Per-Session Pricing

EVgo offers two ways to pay. With pay-per-session, you are charged by the minute while your car is charging. Rates vary by location and time of day, typically ranging from $0.25 to $0.45 per minute, plus a session fee of $1 to $2. A 20-minute fast-charge session at an average rate might cost $8 to $12 before taxes.

If you charge frequently, EVgo's membership plans may save money. The company offers monthly plans at different price points; a typical plan might cost $20 to $30 per month and reduce your per-minute rate to $0.18 to $0.30. The break-even point depends on how often you charge and which plan you choose. If you charge once or twice a month, pay-per-session is usually cheaper. If you charge weekly or more, a membership typically pays for itself.

You set up payment in the app using a credit or debit card. The app stores your payment method securely and charges you automatically when a session ends. You receive a receipt in the app showing the session length, energy delivered, and total cost.

Starting and Monitoring a Charging Session

To charge, you drive to an EVgo station, park at an available charger, and open the app. Select the charger you are using (the app may detect it automatically), and tap "Start Charging." Some stations require you to physically plug in your vehicle's charging cable before starting the session in the app; others let you start remotely. The app then displays real-time information: how much energy has been delivered, how much longer until your battery reaches your target percentage, and the cost so far.

Most drivers set a target charge level (often 80 percent, since charging slows significantly after that point) and let the session run until the app notifies them that the target is reached. You can stop the session early through the app if you need to leave, and you are only charged for the time you actually used. The app sends a notification when charging is complete or if a problem occurs, like a charger malfunction.

Compatibility and Vehicle Requirements

The EVgo app works on iOS and Android phones. To use it, you need a vehicle with a DC fast-charging port. Most battery electric vehicles (BEVs) sold in the U.S. since 2015 have DC fast-charging capability, but plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) vary. Check your vehicle's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm your car can use DC fast chargers.

EVgo's chargers use two connector types: CCS (Combined Charging System), which is standard on most American and European vehicles, and CHAdeMO, which is used by some older Nissan Leaf models and a few others. The app shows which connector types are available at each station. If your vehicle uses a different connector, you will need an adapter or a different charging network.

Comparing EVgo to Other Charging Networks

EVgo is one of three major DC fast-charging networks in the U.S. Electrify America has a similar number of locations and uses the same CCS connector on most chargers. Tesla Supercharger stations are exclusive to Tesla vehicles, though Tesla has begun opening some locations to other brands. Regional networks like Volta and ChargePoint focus on Level 2 chargers (slower, used for overnight charging) rather than fast chargers.

The choice between networks often comes down to location and your vehicle type. If you drive a Tesla, Supercharger is your fastest option. If you drive a non-Tesla EV and travel long distances, you may need to use multiple networks because no single network covers every route. Many EV owners read apps from two or three networks to may support they can find a charger wherever they travel. EVgo's coverage is strongest in California, Texas, and the Northeast, but the network is expanding into other regions.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If a charger is not working, the app usually shows it as offline or unavailable. If you arrive at a station and find a charger broken despite showing as available in the app, contact EVgo support through the app to report it. The company typically responds within hours and may credit your account if you were unable to charge.

If the app will not start a charging session, check that your payment method is current and that your phone has a strong cellular connection. Some stations require you to physically insert your charging cable before the app will recognize the charger. If you are still unable to start a session, EVgo's in-app support chat can walk you through the steps or authorize a manual session if the app is malfunctioning.

Billing disputes are rare but can happen if a session was interrupted or if you were charged twice. The app shows a detailed receipt for every session, including the timestamp and energy delivered. If you see an error, contact EVgo support with the session ID (shown in your receipt) and they will investigate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a membership to use the EVgo app?

No. You can pay per session without joining a membership plan. Membership is optional and makes sense only if you charge frequently. Most casual users pay less by using pay-per-session pricing.

Can I use the EVgo app if I have a plug-in hybrid?

It depends on your vehicle. Some PHEVs have DC fast-charging capability and can use EVgo chargers. Check your vehicle's manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm. If your PHEV does not support DC fast charging, you can only use Level 2 chargers, which are slower and found at different networks.

What happens if I leave my car charging and forget about it?

The app sends a notification when your battery reaches your target charge level. If you do not remove your car after charging is complete, some EVgo stations charge an idle fee (typically $0.40 to $0.50 per minute after a grace period). Check your receipt to see if an idle fee was applied, and contact EVgo support if you believe it was incorrect.

Can I reserve a charger in advance?

The EVgo app does not currently offer charger reservations. You can see real-time availability and drive to a station, but you cannot hold a charger for a future time. If a station is busy, the app shows you nearby alternatives.

What should I do if the app shows a charger as available but it is broken when I arrive?

Report the broken charger through the app's support feature. Include the station location and charger number. EVgo typically investigates within hours. If you were unable to charge because of the malfunction, the company may credit your account or offer a discount on a future session.