Comparing Public Electric Car Charging Networks
The infrastructure for EV charging is expanding rapidly to meet increasing demand. Currently, there are over 64,000 locations across the U.S. offering Level 2 EV charging, and more than 10,000 locations providing Level 3 DC fast charging.
However, the charging locations are spread across various private companies, making it challenging to navigate this expanded infrastructure. To simplify the process, apps like PlugShare and ChargeHub are available to help users locate chargers and access real-time data on speed and availability.
When it comes to choosing the best EV charging provider, the decision may vary for each individual. The primary consideration is often the proximity of the charger to one’s home or along the route to their destination. Nevertheless, understanding key differences among major players is essential.
ChargePoint is the largest EV charging network in America, offering over 15,000 charging locations and more than 50,000 ports nationwide. On the other hand, Tesla provides Superchargers and Destination chargers, with over 2,200 Supercharger stations nationwide. Electrify America, initiated by Volkswagen, boasts more than 900 locations and 4,000 charging ports across the U.S. and Canada.
EVgo has over 1,000 locations and more than 2,600 Level 3 charging ports, while Blink Charging collaborates with municipalities and businesses to offer over 3,500 charging ports nationwide, mostly Level 2 chargers. Lastly, Shell Recharge, operated by Royal Dutch Shell, has developed a network of more than 3,000 charge points in the U.S., primarily consisting of Level 2 chargers.