In a significant development for electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts, EVgo a public fast charging network for EVs in the United States, has announced that Rivian’s acclaimed R1T and R1S models have been integrated into its esteemed Autocharge+ program. This advancement allows EV drivers to initiate hassle-free charging sessions by effortlessly plugging their vehicles into any EVgo fast charger.
With the inclusion of Rivian’s models, the roster of compatible EVs for the Autocharge+ program now boasts an impressive tally of 30 eligible vehicle models. This expansion is set to provide an even broader range of drivers with the opportunity to benefit from an exceptionally streamlined and efficient fast charging experience.
The core feature of EVgo’s Autocharge+ program is its ability to empower drivers of compatible EVs to activate charging sessions within a matter of seconds. This innovative capability effectively eliminates the need for users to engage with smartphone apps, fumble with credit cards, or tap into EVgo program cards (RFID) to authorize payments.
Having debuted in September 2022, Autocharge+ has steadily gained traction among EV drivers. The program has now surged to represent a noteworthy 13% of all charging sessions across EVgo’s extensive nationwide network. By eradicating the requirement for separate identification and payment authorization, this pioneering feature significantly streamlines the overall customer experience and contributes to a remarkable surge in charging success rates.
The recent addition of Rivian’s R1T and R1S models is part of a broader trend, as six additional new EV models have joined the ranks of the Autocharge+ eligibility list over the past year. This evolution underscores the growing demand for seamless and uncomplicated charging solutions among the EV community.
Ivo Steklac, the Chief Technology Officer at EVgo, expressed the company’s commitment to enhancing the convenience and reliability of fast charging experiences. He highlighted the burgeoning preference for frictionless interactions across various domains, such as rideshare, on-demand delivery, and contactless payments. Steklac emphasized that EVgo is dedicated to meeting these evolving expectations and that Autocharge+ exemplifies the seamless customer-centric experience that modern drivers anticipate.
Steklac conveyed his excitement about extending a warm welcome to Rivian drivers into the Autocharge+ program. He also conveyed the company’s forward-looking perspective, expressing eagerness to expand the program further to accommodate a broader array of EV drivers in the near future. As the EV landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like Autocharge+ are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the charging experiences of tomorrow.
