EVgo Preps Next-Gen Charger, NACS Retrofit
EVgo is finalizing a new 400 kW charging system for launch later this year and will retrofit its network with NACS connectors.
EVgo is developing a next-generation DC fast-charging system, with plans for an official launch and first deployment in the second half of this year. The charging network operator revealed the details during an exclusive tour of its Innovation Lab, covered by the YouTube channel State of Charge.
The new charger, developed in partnership with supplier Delta Electronics, represents a distinct departure from current market designs. State of Charge host Tom Moloughney, who saw the unit, described it as not looking like any other DC fast charger and resembling a "giant electric toothbrush" with the cable exiting from the top. The system is intended to be a distributed architecture supporting up to six stalls with a peak power output of up to 400 kW at the dispenser.
EVgo has hired a dedicated engineering team to bring key software and hardware development in-house. This includes software for vehicle communication, backend systems, and diagnostics, as well as liquid cooling systems. Once complete, this next-generation hardware may become EVgo's primary charger type.
Charger Reliability and Upgrades
A significant portion of the tour focused on EVgo's existing infrastructure, which includes some chargers that are a decade old. The company operates a 1.5 MW interoperability lab to test various EV models with its chargers. Engineers stated the company strives to repair chargers within two to three days, though issues at the utility level can cause longer downtimes.
Under its ReNew program, EVgo has upgraded most of its legacy equipment with newer chargers over the past few years. The company also confirmed it is replacing the connector holsters on its popular 350-kW Delta Electronics chargers with a new, improved design, addressing what was identified as a weak point in the user experience.
Network Expansion with NACS and Superchargers
In a move to attract more vehicles, EVgo intends to retrofit its charging stations with the Tesla-developed North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector. This would allow direct charging for NACS-compatible EVs and eliminate the need for adapters.
Separately, EVgo plans to begin deploying 500-kW EVgo Superchargers this year as part of Tesla's Supercharger for Business program. These Superchargers will represent a parallel expansion path for the EVgo network and are expected to significantly boost the share of NACS connectors across its sites. The tour of EVgo's headquarters took place in July, prior to the company's official announcement of these Superchargers.
The visit featured interviews with EVgo executives Keith Beckstead, Senior Director of Engineering; Alex Keros, Senior VP of Product; and Martin Sukup, Executive VP of Engineering.