EV Charging Network’s App Enables Reservations, Payments and Rewards

Twice as many electric vehicles (EVs) were sold in 2021 than in the previous year, so a lot of new owners and operators are learning how to live with EVs and keep them charged.

Aiming to make it easier for both consumers and commercial fleets to do so, charging network EVgo has rolled out a new mobile app, application programming interface (API) and software over the last six months.

“In terms of technology, EVgo continues to add value to our infrastructure business by developing innovative software products that attract new customers and deepen relationships with existing drivers and [business-to-business] partners,” EVgo CEO Cathy Zoi said Wednesday (March 23) during the company’s quarterly earnings call.

Delivering Charger Locations, Status and Rewards

The new EVgo mobile app, which was launched in December, helps drivers find charging stations that can accommodate their vehicle’s specific connector type. It also allows them to see real-time station availability, view pricing and get turn-by-turn directions to the charger. In select locations, the app also enables users to reserve a charger ahead of time.

The app also seamlessly integrates the EVgo Rewards loyalty program and can deliver ads, so users may receive coupons and store discounts from participating businesses that are located near charging stations.

“We recently released an updated mobile app that showcases both the sophisticated and a friendly design that welcomes drivers to the EVgo charging experience,” Zoi said.

Engaging with Third Parties and Fleets

The company also rolled out EVgo Inside, a proprietary software and API suite that embeds EVgo into third-party brands such as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and service providers. This provides third-party wallet support for payments.

Zoi said during the call that the software and API “help EVgo partners manage the customer experience process from enrollment to charging to billing.”

For fleets, EVgo offers a customized cloud-based software package that was introduced in September. Dubbed EVgo Optima, it provides charger and vehicle management and smart charging, ensuring vehicles are optimally fueled at the lowest possible cost while adhering to facility and electrical grid constraints.

“We’ve also grown our fleet business with numerous new and expanded partnerships that include Uber, Merchants Fleet and leaders in the autonomous vehicle space,” Zoi said.

Serving a Fast-Growing EV Market

In a presentation accompanying the earnings call, EVgo reported that EV sales in the U.S. doubled to 475,000 vehicles in 2021. EVs now account for 3% of vehicle sales in the U.S., up from 1.5% in the previous year.

It also noted that OEMs will be introducing close to 50 new EV models over the next two years. Zoi said during the call that the arrival of new electric SUVs and pickup trucks will help boost adoption of EVs among new demographic groups.

“We expect these trends will be further accelerated by tailwinds in the macro environment, as electrification of transportation has never been more widely accepted and anticipated,” Zoi said. “The improving cost and breadth of offerings comes at a time when rising commodity prices makes EV ownership more economically attractive than ever.”