By Charles Morris at EVANNEX
By most accounts, Tesla’s Supercharger network is the gold standard for highway fast charging. Non-Tesla charging providers may resent being stuck in second (or third, or fourth) place, but they’re probably more concerned about missing out on a substantial number of customers, considering that Tesla owners currently make up the majority of EV drivers.
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If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, says EVgo, one of the country’s largest public fast charging networks. In December 2019, in collaboration with Tesla, EVgo began installing the automaker’s proprietary connector at its DC fast charging stations around the country (Tesla drivers can use CHAdeMO or CCS plugs, but they need a bulky and pricey adapter, and a CCS adapter only recently became available in the US).
Now EVgo is expanding its offering for Tesla drivers, upgrading hundreds of its stations with integrated Tesla connectors. EVgo has claimed bragging rights as the only EV charging platform that supports all three US fast charging standards without the need of a separate adapter (and that’s powered by 100% renewable electricity to boot).
EVgo plans to deploy more than 400 integrated Tesla connectors at existing stations, and an additional 200 at new stations planned for 2021 in such cities as San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, Denver, Dallas, Austin, Washington DC, Salt Lake City and Miami.
EVgo says its integrated Tesla connectors are capable of providing 100 miles of charge in 30 minutes.
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“EV drivers seek efficiency and convenience in how they charge their vehicles, including the ability to shop while they charge,” said Cathy Zoi, CEO of EVgo. “Today’s exciting announcement will make it even easier for Tesla drivers to top up while they grocery shop and run other errands, while driving greater utilization across our growing charging network.”
