You have an electric vehicle and need to know which charging network to trust. After analyzing both networks on price, speed, convenience, and reliability, the answer is clear: it completely depends on your lifestyle. But for most people, neither is the full solution.
Here is the quick verdict:
•Choose EVgo if you are a road warrior. If you frequently take long trips on major highways and need the absolute fastest charge possible, EVgo is your network. Their focus on high-power DC fast chargers is unmatched for en-route charging.
•Choose ChargePoint if you are a city dweller or commuter. If you charge your EV at work, the grocery store, or a hotel, you'll find ChargePoint's massive network of Level 2 chargers far more convenient for daily top-ups.
•The Ultimate Solution for Everyone? The best, cheapest, and most reliable way to charge your EV is at home. Public networks like EVgo and ChargePoint are essential supplements, not your primary source of power.
This guide will break down every detail of the EVgo vs ChargePoint debate. We will empower you to choose the right public network for your needs and show you why a home charger is the most important investment you can make.
At a Glance: EVgo vs. ChargePoint Head-to-Head Comparison
To make things simple, we've built a table with the key differences. This gives you a high-level view before we dive into the details.
| Feature | EVgo | ChargePoint |
| Best For | Highway road trips, quick top-ups | Daily destination charging (work, shopping) |
| Primary Charger Type | DC Fast Chargers (50kW - 350kW) | Level 2 Chargers (6.6kW - 19.2kW) |
| Network Size (US) | ~950+ locations, ~2,000+ chargers | ~31,500+ locations, ~60,000+ chargers |
| Pricing Model | Centralized, subscription-based | Decentralized, owner-set pricing |
| Key App Feature | Reserve a charger in advance | Huge user base with station reviews |
| Winner For Speed | EVgo | ChargePoint |
| Winner For Availability | EVgo | ChargePoint |
The Core Difference: A Managed Service vs. an Open Platform
To truly understand EVgo vs. ChargePoint, you must know their business models are fundamentally different. This one fact explains almost everything about their pricing and user experience.
EVgo is a Self-Owned, Managed Service
Think of EVgo like a Shell or Chevron gas station. They own and operate most of their stations. This means they control the entire experience. They set the prices, they maintain the equipment, and they offer a consistent brand from coast to coast. Their goal is to provide a premium, fast, and reliable service, which you often pay for through their subscription plans.
ChargePoint is an Open Platform and Network
Think of ChargePoint like Visa or Android. They primarily sell charging hardware and software to thousands of independent business owners. The hotel, office park, or city that has a ChargePoint station is the one who sets the price. They are the Charge Point Operator. This is why ChargePoint’s network is enormous, but the pricing and user experience can vary wildly from one station to the next. Some are free, some are expensive.
Network Coverage & Charging Speed: Where Can You Charge?
Your car can't charge if you can't find a station. The size and type of each network are crucial. One network focuses on speed, the other on sheer numbers.
ChargePoint: The King of Destination Charging
With tens of thousands of chargers, ChargePoint is almost everywhere. You will find them in the places you park your car for an hour or more.
•Workplaces: Many employers offer ChargePoint stations as a perk.
•Shopping Centers: Top up your battery while you shop for groceries.
•Hotels & Apartments: Essential for travelers and those without home charging.
However, the vast majority of these are Level 2 chargers. They are perfect for adding 20-30 miles of range per hour, but they are not designed for a quick fill-up on a road trip. Their DC fast charging network is much smaller and a lower priority for the company.
EVgo: The Expert in Highway Fast Charging
EVgo took the opposite approach. They have fewer locations, but they are strategically placed where speed is critical.
•Major Highways: They partner with gas stations and rest stops along popular travel corridors.
•Metropolitan Areas: Located in busy areas for drivers who need a fast charge.
•Focus on Speed: Almost all of their chargers are DC Fast Chargers, delivering power from 50kW up to an impressive 350kW.
The quality of EV Charging Station Design is also a factor. EVgo's newer stations are often pull-through, making them easier for all types of EVs, including trucks, to access.
Pricing Breakdown: Who Is Cheaper, EVgo or ChargePoint?
This is the most confusing part for many new EV owners. How you Pay for EV Charging differs greatly between the two.
ChargePoint's Variable, Owner-Set Pricing
Because each station owner sets their own rates, there is no single price for ChargePoint. You must use the app to check the cost before you plug in. Common pricing methods include:
•Per Hour: You pay for the time you are connected.
•Per Kilowatt-hour (kWh): You pay for the actual energy you use (this is the fairest method).
•Session Fee: A flat fee just to start a charging session.
•Free: Some businesses offer free charging as a customer incentive!
You typically need to load a minimum balance onto your ChargePoint account to get started.
EVgo's Subscription-Based Pricing
EVgo offers a more predictable, tiered pricing structure. They want to reward loyal customers. While you can use their "Pay As You Go" option, you get significant savings by choosing a monthly plan.
•Pay As You Go: No monthly fee, but you pay higher rates per minute and a session fee.
•EVgo Plus™: A small monthly fee gets you lower charging rates and no session fees.
•EVgo Rewards™: You earn points on every charge that can be redeemed for free charging.
Generally, if you only use a public charger once or twice a month, ChargePoint might be cheaper. If you rely on public fast charging more than a few times a month, an EVgo plan will likely save you money.
User Experience: Apps, Reliability, and Real-World Use
A great network on paper means nothing if the charger is broken or the app is frustrating.
App Functionality
Both apps get the job done, but they have unique strengths.
•EVgo's App: Its killer feature is reservation. For a small fee, you can reserve a charger ahead of time, eliminating the anxiety of arriving to find all stations occupied. It also supports Autocharge+, which allows you to simply plug in and charge without using the app or a card.
•ChargePoint's App: Its strength is data. With millions of users, the app has a huge database of station reviews and user-submitted photos. You can see comments about broken chargers or other issues.
Reliability: The Industry's Biggest Challenge
Let's be honest: charger reliability is a problem across all networks. Real-world user feedback shows that both EVgo and ChargePoint have stations that are out of service.
•Generally, ChargePoint's simpler Level 2 chargers tend to be more reliable than complex high-power DC fast chargers.
•EVgo is actively upgrading its network, and their newer sites are seen as very reliable.
•Expert Tip: Always use an app like PlugShare to check recent user comments on a station's status before you drive to it.
The Better Solution: Why Your Garage is the Best Charging Station
We have established that for public charging, EVgo is for speed and ChargePoint is for convenience. But after helping thousands of drivers, we know the truth: relying solely on public charging is inconvenient and expensive.
The real secret to a happy EV life is a home charging station.
The Unbeatable Benefits of Home Charging
Over 80% of all EV charging happens at home. There are powerful reasons for this.
•Ultimate Convenience: Your car refuels while you sleep. You wake up every single day with a "full tank." You never have to make a special trip to a charging station again.
•Lowest Cost: Overnight electricity rates are significantly cheaper than public charging prices. You are paying for energy at wholesale rates, not retail. A full charge at home can cost less than a single fast-charging session.
•Battery Health: Slower, Level 2 charging at home is gentler on your car's battery over the long term compared to frequent DC fast charging.
Investing in Your Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
The formal name for a home charger is Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). Investing in a high-quality, reliable EVSE is the single best thing you can do to improve your ownership experience. It is the foundational piece of your personal charging strategy, with public networks like EVgo and ChargePoint serving as your backup on long trips. As experts in charging solutions, we can help you choose the perfect setup for your home and vehicle.
Final Verdict: Build Your Perfect Charging Strategy
There is no single winner in the EVgo vs. ChargePoint debate. The best public network is the one that fits your life.
•Choose EVgo If:
•You frequently drive long distances between cities.
•You value speed above all else.
•You want the ability to reserve a charger.
•Choose ChargePoint If:
•You need to charge at work, the store, or around town.
•You live in an apartment with shared charging.
•You want access to the largest number of charging locations possible.
Our expert recommendation is to not choose one or the other. Instead, build a smart, layered strategy.
1.Foundation: Install a high-quality Level 2 home charger. This will handle 80-90% of your needs.
2.Road Trips: Keep the EVgo app on your phone for fast charging on the highway.
3.Convenience: Have the ChargePoint app ready for those moments you need a top-up at a destination.
By prioritizing home charging and using public networks as a convenient supplement, you get the best of all worlds: low costs, maximum convenience, and the freedom to drive anywhere.
Authoritative Sources
For transparency and to provide further resources, this analysis was compiled using data and information from leading industry sources.
1.U.S. Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center - For official station counts and charger data. https://afdc.energy.gov/stations
2.EVgo Official Website (Plans & Pricing) - For direct information on their subscription tiers and rewards program. https://www.evgo.com/pricing/
3.ChargePoint Official Website (Solutions) - For information on their hardware and network operator model. https://www.chargepoint.com/solution
4.Forbe's Advisor: How Much Does It Cost To Charge An Electric Car? - For independent analysis of public vs. home charging costs. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/cost-to-charge-electric-car/
Post time: Jul-14-2025