Choosing the Right Charging Network
Not all charging networks are created equal. Coverage, pricing, reliability, and payment methods vary significantly between networks. This guide compares the four major charging networks in North America to help you choose the best options for your needs.
ChargePoint
Network Size: 30,000+ locations (North America) Charging Speed: Primarily Level 2, growing DC fast network Pricing: Set by property owner, typically $0-2/hour for Level 2
Overview
ChargePoint is North America's largest and oldest EV charging network. Founded in 2007, they focus on Level 2 charging at workplaces, retail locations, and parking garages. They're expanding DC fast charging but still primarily known for destination charging.
Coverage
- Best Coverage: California, Northeast corridor, major cities
- Workplace Focus: 75% of Fortune 50 companies use ChargePoint
- Destination Charging: Shopping centers, hotels, parking garages
- Highway Coverage: Limited compared to Electrify America
Pricing Model
ChargePoint doesn't set prices—property owners do. This creates high variability:
- Free: 40% of stations are free (workplace, retail incentives)
- Level 2: Typically $0.50-2.00/hour when paid
- DC Fast: $0.30-0.50/kWh where available
- Idle Fees: Some locations charge fees after full charge
Payment & Access
- ChargePoint App: Required for activation and payment
- RFID Card: Optional physical card for tap-to-charge
- Credit Card Readers: Available at some newer stations
- Membership: No subscription required
Pros
✓ Largest network with most locations ✓ Often free at workplaces and retailers ✓ Reliable app with good UX ✓ Easy to find Level 2 chargers anywhere ✓ Many stations have 24/7 access
Cons
✗ Pricing inconsistency (owner-dependent) ✗ Limited DC fast charging network ✗ Some older stations are unreliable ✗ Slow charging for road trips
Best For: Daily charging, workplace charging, destination charging while shopping or dining
Electrify America
Network Size: 900+ locations, 4,000+ chargers Charging Speed: DC fast charging only (150-350 kW) Pricing: $0.32-0.48/kWh or $4 + $0.24-0.36/kWh (subscription)
Overview
Electrify America was created in 2017 as part of Volkswagen's emissions settlement. They focus exclusively on ultra-fast DC charging along highways and in metro areas. All stations feature 150 kW or higher charging.
Coverage
- Highway Focus: Stations every 70 miles on major interstates
- Metro Areas: Dense coverage in cities and suburbs
- Coast-to-Coast: Full cross-country coverage on I-80, I-70, I-40, I-10
- Charging Plazas: 4-10 chargers per location
Pricing Model
Two pricing tiers:
Pay As You Go:
- $0.32-0.48/kWh depending on state and charger speed
- Higher rates for 350 kW "Hyper-Fast" chargers
- Idle fees: $0.40/minute after 10-minute grace period
Pass+ Membership ($4/month):
- $0.24-0.36/kWh (savings of $0.08-0.12/kWh)
- Same idle fees
- Worthwhile if you charge 40+ kWh/month on their network
Payment & Access
- Electrify America App: Primary method
- Credit Card Readers: All stations have contactless payment
- Plug & Charge: Supported on compatible vehicles (no app needed)
- Apple Pay/Google Pay: Accepted at all stations
Pros
✓ Best highway coverage for road trips ✓ Fastest chargers (up to 350 kW) ✓ Credit card readers at every station (no app required) ✓ Consistent pricing nationwide ✓ Modern, reliable equipment
Cons
✗ No Level 2 charging (not for daily use) ✗ Most expensive network per kWh ✗ Occasional station outages ✗ Higher pricing in some states (CA, NY)
Best For: Road trips, long-distance travel, ultra-fast charging when time matters
EVgo
Network Size: 900+ locations, 2,000+ chargers Charging Speed: DC fast charging (50-350 kW) Pricing: $0.32-0.56/kWh or $6.99-12.99/month + per-kWh rates
Overview
EVgo launched in 2010 and focuses on DC fast charging in metro areas. They pioneered the urban fast-charging model with stations near grocery stores, shopping centers, and entertainment venues. Recently expanding highway coverage.
Coverage
- Metro Focus: Dense coverage in 35+ metro areas
- Urban Convenient Locations: Grocery stores, malls, Target stores
- Highway Coverage: Growing but still limited
- California Dominance: 50% of stations in California
Pricing Model
Three membership tiers:
Pay As You Go (No Subscription):
- $0.32-0.56/kWh depending on state
- Most expensive option
- No commitment
Basic ($6.99/month):
- $0.26-0.44/kWh
- Saves ~$0.10/kWh
- Good for occasional fast charging
Plus ($12.99/month):
- $0.22-0.38/kWh
- Best rates, worthwhile for frequent users
- Includes free charging credits
Idle Fees: $0.30/minute after 15-minute grace period
Payment & Access
- EVgo App: Primary payment method
- Credit Card Readers: Most newer stations
- RFID Card: Available for members
- Roaming: Access to other networks via EVgo app
Pros
✓ Great for urban/metro area charging ✓ Convenient grocery store locations ✓ Membership discounts available ✓ Growing 350 kW charger network ✓ Partnerships with major retailers
Cons
✗ Limited highway coverage ✗ High pay-as-you-go rates ✗ Station reliability varies ✗ Fewer chargers per location (1-4 typically)
Best For: Urban dwellers, apartment residents without home charging, grocery store top-ups
Tesla Supercharger
Network Size: 2,100+ locations, 23,000+ chargers (North America) Charging Speed: DC fast charging (150-250 kW) Pricing: $0.25-0.50/kWh depending on location and time
Overview
Tesla's Supercharger network is the gold standard for EV charging. Launched in 2012, it was designed exclusively for Tesla vehicles but is now opening to other EVs at select locations. Known for reliability, speed, and seamless integration.
Coverage
- Best Highway Coverage: Stations every 100-150 miles on all major routes
- Urban Superchargers: Dense metro coverage
- Remote Areas: Covers routes to national parks, ski resorts
- International: Extensive coverage in Europe, Asia, Australia
Pricing Model
- Variable by Location: Urban stations cost more than rural
- Time-Based Pricing: Higher rates during peak hours at some locations
- Typical Range: $0.25-0.50/kWh
- Idle Fees: $0.50-1.00/minute after charging complete (depends on congestion)
Non-Tesla Access:
- Pilot program at 50+ locations in North America
- Requires NACS adapter (coming in 2025 for Ford, GM, Rivian)
- Slightly higher pricing for non-Tesla vehicles
Payment & Access
- Tesla App: Automatic for Tesla owners
- Plug & Charge: No app interaction needed
- Tesla Account: Required for payment
- Seamless Experience: Navigation routes you through Superchargers
Pros
✓ Most reliable network (99%+ uptime) ✓ Best highway coverage for long trips ✓ Fastest charging experience (seamless plug & charge) ✓ Always well-lit, safe locations ✓ Pre-conditioning and route planning built into Tesla navigation
Cons
✗ Historically Tesla-only (limited access for others) ✗ Crowded during peak travel times ✗ Pricing varies significantly by location ✗ Some locations have long wait times on holidays
Best For: Tesla owners, road trips, reliable highway charging (will become best for all EVs in 2025+)
Network Comparison Table
| Feature | ChargePoint | Electrify America | EVgo | Tesla Supercharger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Locations | 30,000+ | 900+ | 900+ | 2,100+ |
| Chargers | 60,000+ | 4,000+ | 2,000+ | 23,000+ |
| Max Speed | 62 kW (mostly) | 350 kW | 350 kW | 250 kW |
| Pricing | $0-2/hour (L2) | $0.32-0.48/kWh | $0.32-0.56/kWh | $0.25-0.50/kWh |
| Membership | Optional | $4/month | $6.99-12.99/month | N/A |
| Highway Coverage | Limited | Excellent | Limited | Best |
| Urban Coverage | Best | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Reliability | Variable | Good | Variable | Excellent |
| Best For | Daily/workplace | Road trips | Urban fast charging | Tesla road trips |
How to Choose
For Daily Charging:
Winner: ChargePoint
- Most locations, often free
- Level 2 is sufficient for overnight/workday charging
- Lowest cost per charge
For Road Trips:
Winner: Electrify America (non-Tesla) / Tesla Supercharger (Tesla owners)
- Best highway coverage
- Fastest charging speeds
- Most reliable for long-distance travel
For Urban/Apartment Dwellers:
Winner: EVgo
- Convenient grocery store/retail locations
- Fast charging for weekly top-ups
- Good metro area coverage
For Tesla Owners:
Winner: Tesla Supercharger
- Seamless experience
- Best reliability
- Most comprehensive coverage
- Use other networks as backup only
Multi-Network Strategy
Best practice: Don't rely on a single network. Install all apps:
- Primary Network: Based on your daily needs (ChargePoint for daily, Tesla for road trips)
- Backup Network: For when your primary is unavailable
- Highway Coverage: Electrify America or Tesla for road trips
- Urban Backup: EVgo for metro area fast charging
Finding All Networks on SpotCharge
SpotCharge aggregates all major charging networks in one search:
- Filter by Network: Select ChargePoint, Electrify America, EVgo, or Tesla
- Compare Pricing: See real costs before you drive
- Check Availability: Real-time status when available
- Read Reviews: See which networks work reliably at each location
Find Charging Stations Across All Networks →
The Bottom Line
No single network is perfect for everyone. Your ideal network depends on your charging patterns:
- Daily commuters: ChargePoint for workplace/destination charging
- Road trippers: Electrify America (or Tesla Supercharger for Tesla owners)
- Urban dwellers: EVgo for convenient fast charging
- Tesla owners: Supercharger first, others as backup
The charging landscape is evolving. With NACS becoming the standard and Tesla opening Superchargers to all EVs, expect more compatibility and competition in the coming years.
Ready to find charging stations near you? Search SpotCharge →
