EVgo Begins Building Tesla Superchargers Under License

EVgo announced it will begin deploying Tesla V4 Superchargers, built under license from Tesla, onto its US charging network starting this fall. This move signifies a significant expansion of Tesla's charging infrastructure accessibility beyond its own vehicles and a new phase for EVgo as a manufacturer of Tesla-branded charging hardware. The newly deployed DC fast chargers will have the capability to deliver up to 500 kW of power, operating at voltages up to 1,000 V. Crucially, these EVgo-made units will support both the North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug, developed by Tesla, and the Combined Charging System (CCS) Type 1 (CCS1) plug, which has been the prevailing standard for non-Tesla electric vehicles in North America. This dual-plug support aims to accommodate a wider range of electric vehicles.

As these chargers are built under license from Tesla, they will be integrated into Tesla's proprietary systems. Specifically, the EVgo-made Superchargers will appear in Tesla's in-car navigation application and will be recognized by the onboard route planner used by Tesla drivers. This integration is expected to enhance the charging experience for Tesla owners by providing seamless access to these new locations. Despite the Tesla branding and integration, EVgo will retain ownership and operational control of the charging hardware. The company will be responsible for managing various aspects of the charging sites, including engaging with site hosts, handling utility interconnection processes, and setting pricing strategies for the EVgo Supercharger locations.

This development follows Tesla's broader initiative to open its Supercharger network, which began in 2023. Ford was the first automaker to sign a deal to adopt Tesla's NACS standard, a move that has since been followed by other manufacturers. The introduction of license-built Superchargers, with the first deployments occurring in the UK in 2024, further demonstrates Tesla's strategy to leverage its charging technology through partnerships. EVgo's decision to manufacture and deploy these chargers under license positions the company as a key player in the evolving charging landscape, potentially increasing the availability and reliability of high-speed charging for all EV drivers in the United States. The V4 Supercharger model represents an advancement in charging technology, offering higher power output compared to previous iterations.