EVgo & Electrify America Make Charging Easier With New Roaming Agreement
Credit to Author: Kyle Field| Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2019 20:55:02 +0000
Published on August 22nd, 2019 | by Kyle Field
August 22nd, 2019 by Kyle Field
Two of the largest DC fast charging network operators in the US have joined forces to make charging easier, thanks to a new roaming agreement between EVgo and Electrify America. The new agreement lets drivers use either their EVgo or Electrify America account to charge on either network without any additional fees.
EVgo’s flagship Baker, California DC fast charging station with charging up to 350kW. Image credit: Kyle Field | CleanTechnica
The ability to use a single account to charge on multiple networks makes EV charging easier for everyone to use while also increasing the functionality of both apps on the network. EVgo and Electrify America’s new partnership makes the combined 3,000 charge points at 1,000 locations easier to use for everyone.
“As the demand for EVs continues to increase and create the need for more EV charging stations, we understand the importance of making access to public chargers as easy as possible for current and future EV drivers,” said Giovanni Palazzo, president and CEO of Electrify America. “Connecting our two networks helps ensure EV drivers have the freedom to travel on their terms without concerns of where to charge their EV along the way.”
EV charging must move toward a more standardized payment model with easier access as EVs move into the early majority phase of adoption. The technological solutions to make EV charging not just as easy to use as gas stations, but even easier, already exist.
Image credit: Kyle Field | CleanTechnica
Could you imagine having to sign up for a different app, setup an account, and add your credit card before you could pump gas at a new fueling station? It sounds crazy, but it’s not too far off from how EV charging networks have evolved. “EVgo is committed to cross-industry collaboration to make fast charging for EV drivers as convenient as going to an ATM,” said Cathy Zoi, CEO of EVgo. “Since 2010, EVgo has been working to provide convenient and reliable fast charging across the country, and this new partnership will help to further accelerate EV adoption by providing even more options to drivers wherever they need them most.”
Hubject’s Plug&Charge aspires to make the process of charging even easier as it allows EV drivers to register their vehicle and setup payment ahead of time with what is essentially a charging account for the vehicle. Then, when it’s time to charge, the vehicle can simply be plugged into the charger and the payment is automagically pulled from the pre-arranged funding source. It’s a lot like how Tesla’s Supercharging system works today.
Electrify America has similar agreements in place with ChargePoint, Greenlots, Sema Connect, and EV Connect. Similarly, EVgo has agreements in place with ChargePoint, EV Connect, and Sema Connect. It’s likely we will continue to see more of these agreements being forged as consumers demand simplicity almost as loudly as they demand faster charging speeds and coffee.
Kyle Field I’m a tech geek passionately in search of actionable ways to reduce the negative impact my life has on the planet, save money and reduce stress. Live intentionally, make conscious decisions, love more, act responsibly, play. The more you know, the less you need. TSLA investor.