I changed my Tesla for a 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5; EVGo charged me $19 for a 28% charge, which would've cost $8 at a Supercharger, and it only took 5 minutes to refuel.

In the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) landscape, one company stands out for its significant contributions to public charging infrastructure – EVgo. With over 1,100 fast-charging stations across more than 40 U.S. states, EVgo is making waves in the industry.

One of the key factors driving EVgo's success is its dynamic pricing models. Time-of-use pricing, implemented in over 20 states, encourages off-peak charging and promotes grid health. This approach is designed to balance demand and supply, ensuring a smoother charging experience for all.

Recently, Stephen Sands, an automotive enthusiast, made the switch from a Tesla to a 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5. His first fast-charging experience with the Ioniq 5 was at an EVGo charger in eastern PA. The charging time from 10-80% at Tesla Superchargers is approximately 24-30 minutes, constrained by a max charging rate of ~135 kW. However, electrify America or similar high-power CCS stations can charge the Ioniq 5 from 10-80% in just ~20 minutes.

While the cost of fast-charging can vary, Stephen paid $.59 per kWh plus a $3.99 session charge at the EVGo charger, costing him $19 to charge from 52% to 80%. This variability in cost has raised concerns among industry experts like Mike Fogel, who expresses worry that it could potentially hinder the promotion of electric vehicles.

However, for renters, apartment dwellers, and road-trippers, public charging is an unavoidable reality. To navigate this landscape, drivers have to think like engineers, bargain like brokers, and plan like travel agents. Third-party apps like BlueDot offer a flat-rate pricing option, with $0.50/kWh at both EVgo and ChargePoint stations.

As of mid-2024, EVgo had surpassed 1 million registered customer accounts, a 400% increase since 2020. This growth is a testament to the company's commitment to improving the EV charging experience.

In addition to its collaboration with automakers like Hyundai, EVgo also partners with retailers, rideshare services, and provides Tesla adapter support. However, there are no specific public details about which companies are cooperating with EVgo in 2025 to improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Noah Washington, an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia, with 15 years of experience in the industry and features in prominent automotive news sites, praises the Ioniq 5 AWD SEL as a brilliant machine. As the EV revolution continues to gather pace, it's clear that companies like EVgo will play a crucial role in shaping its future.

John Apel, another industry expert, emphasizes that there is no typical cost for DC fast charging, and the price varies significantly even within close proximity. The average residential electricity rates nationally range from $0.12 to $0.18 per kWh, making home charging the financial anchor in the EV equation.

While the cost of public charging may be a concern for some, the convenience it offers to a growing number of EV drivers is undeniable. As the industry continues to evolve, companies like EVgo will undoubtedly play a significant role in making electric vehicles more accessible and affordable for all.

I changed my Tesla for a 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5; EVGo charged me $19 for a 28% charge, which would've cost $8 at a Supercharger, and it only took 5 minutes to refuel.