The Other Major Players
While Tesla Supercharger and Electrify America dominate DC fast charging conversations, three other networks play crucial roles in the EV charging ecosystem: ChargePoint, Blink, and EVgo.
These networks focus on different niches—from workplace Level 2 charging to urban fast charging—and understanding their strengths helps you maximize your charging options.
Network Overview
ChargePoint
ChargePoint is the largest EV charging network by number of ports. Unlike Tesla or Electrify America, ChargePoint primarily operates as a hardware and software provider—most stations are owned by businesses, property owners, and municipalities.
Key Stats:
- 200,000+ charging ports globally
- Primarily Level 2 stations
- Growing DC fast charging presence
- Business model: Sell hardware + charge software fees
Blink
Blink Charging operates a mixed model, both owning stations and selling hardware to third parties. They focus heavily on the commercial and multifamily residential markets.
Key Stats:
- 100,000+ charging ports globally
- Mix of owned and third-party stations
- Expanding into DC fast charging
- Business model: Hardware sales + owned stations
EVgo
EVgo operates the largest public DC fast charging network in the US (excluding Tesla). They focus exclusively on fast charging and use 100% renewable energy.
Key Stats:
- 1,000+ fast charging locations
- 100% DC fast charging focus
- 100% renewable energy
- Business model: Own and operate stations
Coverage Comparison
ChargePoint Coverage
Strengths:
- Largest Level 2 network by far
- Excellent workplace coverage
- Strong presence in parking garages and retail
- Available in most urban and suburban areas
Weaknesses:
- DC fast charging coverage still limited
- Rural coverage sparse
- Station quality varies (third-party owned)
Best Regions:
- California (HQ state, densest coverage)
- Major metropolitan areas nationwide
- Business districts and shopping centers
Blink Coverage
Strengths:
- Growing presence in multifamily housing
- Competitive workplace installations
- Expanding DC fast network
Weaknesses:
- Smaller than ChargePoint for Level 2
- Limited highway corridor coverage
- Reliability concerns at some locations
Best Regions:
- Florida (strong presence)
- California
- Urban areas with parking structures
EVgo Coverage
Strengths:
- Best urban DC fast charging coverage
- Strategic retail partnerships (Walmart, Kroger, 7-Eleven)
- Reliable, well-maintained stations
Weaknesses:
- Limited highway coverage vs Electrify America
- No Level 2 offerings
- Fewer total locations than larger networks
Best Regions:
- California (largest presence)
- Major metro areas: LA, SF, NYC, DC, Seattle
- Near major retailers
Pricing Comparison
Pricing varies significantly by location and ownership model.
ChargePoint Pricing
ChargePoint doesn't set prices—station owners do. This creates wide variability:
Typical Level 2 Pricing:
- Free (common at workplaces, some retail)
- $0.15-0.35/kWh
- Hourly rates: $1-3/hour
DC Fast Charging:
- $0.30-0.55/kWh
- Some per-minute pricing
Memberships:
- No network-wide membership required
- Some station owners offer local subscriptions
Blink Pricing
Blink stations have more standardized pricing:
Level 2 Pricing:
- $0.39-0.59/kWh (typical)
- $0.04-0.08/minute at some locations
- Some free stations (host-subsidized)
DC Fast Charging:
- $0.43-0.59/kWh
- Session fees may apply
Blink Pass+ Membership:
- $9.99/month
- Reduced pricing at Blink-owned stations
- Priority access features
EVgo Pricing
EVgo has relatively standardized pricing across their network:
Pay As You Go:
- $0.31-0.46/kWh (varies by state)
- Session fee: $0-1.99
EVgo Plus Membership:
- $6.99/month
- $0.24-0.38/kWh (20-25% discount)
- No session fees
EVgo Plus+ Membership:
- $12.99/month
- $0.22-0.35/kWh (25-30% discount)
- Premium features
Reliability Comparison
ChargePoint Reliability
Challenges:
- Station quality varies by owner
- Maintenance depends on third-party
- Some stations poorly maintained
Strengths:
- Network monitoring and alerts
- Remote diagnostics
- Owner incentives for uptime
User Experience:
- Mixed reviews—highly location-dependent
- Some stations excellent, others problematic
- Check reviews before relying on a station
Estimated Uptime: 85-95% (varies widely)
Blink Reliability
Challenges:
- Historical reliability issues
- Older stations less reliable
- Payment system complaints
Improvements:
- Newer stations more reliable
- Better maintenance protocols
- Upgraded payment systems
User Experience:
- Improving but inconsistent
- Check recent reviews
- Have backup options
Estimated Uptime: 80-90%
EVgo Reliability
Strengths:
- Owned and operated model = consistent maintenance
- 24/7 customer support
- Proactive monitoring
Challenges:
- Some older stations need updates
- Occasional payment glitches
User Experience:
- Generally positive
- Consistent station quality
- Good support response
Estimated Uptime: 90-95%
User Experience & Apps
ChargePoint App
Features:
- Station finder with filters
- Start/stop charging sessions
- Waitlist feature
- Payment management
- Apple/Google Pay support
Pros:
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Real-time availability
- Trip planning feature
- Apple Watch/CarPlay support
Cons:
- Inconsistent data on third-party reliability
- Some pricing info outdated
Rating: 4.5/5 stars (App Store)
Blink App
Features:
- Station locator
- Session management
- Payment processing
- Charging history
Pros:
- Simple interface
- Improved reliability
- Membership management
Cons:
- Less refined than competitors
- Occasional connectivity issues
- Limited filtering options
Rating: 4.0/5 stars (App Store)
EVgo App
Features:
- Station finder
- Real-time availability
- Reservations (select stations)
- Autocharge+ (plug-and-charge)
- EV routing
Pros:
- Accurate availability data
- Reservation feature
- Good customer support integration
- Autocharge+ convenience
Cons:
- Smaller network limits utility
- Some UX quirks
Rating: 4.3/5 stars (App Store)
Best Use Cases
Choose ChargePoint For:
- Workplace Charging - Largest network of Level 2 at offices
- Retail/Shopping - Charge while shopping at malls, stores
- Destination Charging - Hotels, restaurants, attractions
- Urban Level 2 - Plentiful in parking garages
Ideal User: Daily commuter with workplace charging access, urban driver who destination charges frequently.
Choose Blink For:
- Apartment/Condo Charging - Strong in multifamily
- Secondary Level 2 Option - When ChargePoint unavailable
- Growing Markets - Expanding in underserved areas
Ideal User: Multifamily resident, drivers in areas with Blink-dominant coverage.
Choose EVgo For:
- Urban Fast Charging - Best metro DC fast coverage
- Retail Stops - Convenient Walmart, Kroger locations
- 100% Renewable Priority - Clean energy charging
- Reliable Quick Charges - When you need it to work
Ideal User: City driver without home charging, sustainability-focused driver, reliability-prioritizing EV owner.
Network Partnerships Worth Noting
ChargePoint Partnerships
- Starbucks (Select locations)
- Mercedes-Benz (integrated in navigation)
- Many property management companies
EVgo Partnerships
- GM (Ultium Charge 360)
- Walmart
- Kroger
- 7-Eleven
- Kaiser Permanente
Blink Partnerships
- Various property developers
- Some retail chains
- Government/municipal contracts
The Verdict: Which Should You Use?
For Level 2 Destination Charging:
ChargePoint > Blink > EVgo (no L2)
ChargePoint's massive Level 2 network makes it essential for destination charging. Check for free stations at workplaces and retail.
For DC Fast Charging:
EVgo > ChargePoint > Blink
EVgo's focused fast-charging network and reliability give it the edge. ChargePoint's DC network is growing but still smaller.
For Overall Value:
Depends on your usage patterns and location. Check coverage in your specific areas.
Recommendation: Use All Three
Unlike Tesla/EA which compete directly, these networks serve different purposes:
- Download all three apps - They're free
- Set up payment - Be ready when you need them
- Check ChargePoint for Level 2 stops
- Use EVgo for reliable fast charges
- Keep Blink as a backup option
Use ChargeFind to see all networks on one map and compare options in real-time.
Conclusion
ChargePoint, Blink, and EVgo each serve important roles in the EV charging ecosystem. ChargePoint dominates Level 2 destination charging, EVgo leads in urban fast charging, and Blink provides additional coverage in specific markets.
The best strategy is maintaining accounts with all major networks. When you need a charge, you'll have options regardless of where you are.
Ready to find the nearest station on any network? Use ChargeFind to compare all options in one place.