Here Are the Best Electric Vehicle Charging Networks Available
As more and more EV chargers begin popping up, we take a look at the best options currently available.
Charge Me Up
As electric vehicles begin to gain steam in the U.S., one of the most critical keys to sustained success is infrastructure. There are already tens of thousands of charging stations spread across the country, but many more will be needed as more and more people make the switch to EVs. Regardless, there are already some great options out there for charging on the go, and here are the best of the best.
Photo: Tesla
Volta
Among all the charging networks out there, Volta has a very unique business model in that it doesn't cost anything for EV owners to charge up at its stations. So one might wonder - how does Volta make money? The key is advertising, as the company's chargers feature large screens that display paid advertisements. Volta's only problem is that it's relatively new and simple doesn't have a large network of chargers out there - yet.
Photo: Volta
Blink
Blink, like Volta, is a relatively new company with fewer chargers than its rivals, but it is expanding quickly. Blink's chargers are also connected to the Blink Network, which gives providers access via the cloud and allows easy access to pertinent information as well as maps and app integration for users.
Photo: Blink
Electrify America
Electrify America is one of the better-known charging networks out there and currently has over 500 existing chargers. Its chargers are also strategically placed along common interstate travel routes so that drivers can take those cross-country trips with no worries. The biggest downsides to its network are the fact that it isn't tied to one brand, so it can be a bit of a pain sometimes to connect and charge a vehicle, though a subscription service can ease that pain a little and save users some money in the process.
Photo: Electrify America
EVgo
EVgo is another fast-growing and well-known charging network with over 800 fast chargers currently spread across 34 states. The company plans on selling 2,700 additional fast chargers over the next five years, and rather notably, its chargers are compatible with Tesla vehicles.
Photo: EVgo
ChargePoint
ChargePoint takes the number two spot on our list thanks mostly to the fact that it touts a whopping 30,000 chargers spread across the U.S. However, most of them are Level 1 and 2 chargers, not Level 3 DC fast chargers, which isn't ideal for road trips and is designed more for slow all-day or overnight charging.
Photo: ChargePoint
Tesla's Supercharger Network
Ultimately, picking a winner here is far too easy, as Tesla's Supercharger network is far superior to every other charging network currently deployed. The big advantage Tesla has is that its Superchargers are designed to work with its vehicles, so owners simply pull up and plugin. Tesla's in-car software knows where the chargers are, tells drivers when to stop and for how long with pinpoint accuracy, and there are over 20,000 fast chargers spread all over the U.S., making road trips incredibly easy and stress-free.
Photo: Tesla
