EVgo launches ’seamless’ charging for Teslas

Tesla’s vehicles are typically best left to charge at Supercharger stations, but one company is looking to improve access to its charging networks for owners of the electric vehicle. Similar to GM’s Plug and Charge system, EVgo is using a new program to promote seamless charging for Tesla owners — an increasingly important part of any EV road trip.

EVgo is launching a seamless charging program, offering Tesla drivers a free three-month trial of the company’s Plus subscription when they enroll, according to a report from Green Car Reports. The subscription program offers reduced charging rates and free reservations, and EVgo has opened up the trial, called the “Tesla Plus Promo program,” for owners between now and December 31.

Tesla drivers with the CCS Combo 1 Adapter are also able to use EVgo’s Autocharge+ service, which lets users charge at up to 250 kilowatts using a seamless payment and charging system. Both new accounts and those who already have an EVgo account will be allowed to enroll in the Tesla Plus Promo program.

Those who want to join the program simply need to download the EVgo app and add their vehicle’s VIN number to the section entitled “Vehicle.” To use the Autocharge+ service, owners can simply plug into a charging station at an EVgo station.

EVgo’s charging station began including hardware for Teslas in 2019, and followed up with an announcement in 2021 that it would be adding 400 to existing charging stations on top of 200 sites being planned. The company’s website now says it’s looking to deploy integrated Tesla connectors at over 600 EVgo stations, including those in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Washington D.C., Salt Lake City and more.

The news also comes as Tesla prepares to open its Supercharger network to non-Tesla EVs. The change is expected to begin in the U.S. by the end of 2022, according to a memo from the White House which surfaced earlier this year.

Tesla has opened its Supercharger network in a pilot program across European markets. Following suit in the U.S. could render the automaker eligible for future rounds of funding from the $7.4 billion federal EV charging network, requiring non-proprietary hardware for use at charging stations.

For Tesla drivers, any upgrades to existing charging options serve to benefit. Although Tesla’s Superchargers remain perhaps the most reliable option for drivers, EVgo’s addition of seamless charging could help out on those long trips where your fast-charging options may be limited.

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