EVgo Opens First Tesla-Powered Charging Station

EVgo has opened its first US fast charging station equipped with Tesla Supercharger technology, marking a new partnership between two major charging network operators. The initial location in Chicago provides 12 charging stalls, with EVgo planning to introduce hundreds of additional Tesla-equipped charging points across the country.

The development also reflects the growing adoption of the North American Charging Standard (NACS), allowing charging networks to support a wider range of electric vehicles through compatible connectors.

EVgo Launches Its First Tesla-Equipped Charging Site

The new Chicago installation represents a change in how Tesla's charging technology is being deployed across the United States.

Previously, Tesla's Supercharger equipment was primarily associated with its own branded charging network. However, the company has expanded its role as a supplier of charging hardware to other commercial operators.

EVgo is now incorporating Tesla equipment into its independently operated charging network.

The first location includes 12 charging stalls and supports both NACS and CCS-compatible vehicles through Tesla's Magic Dock connector system.

This configuration allows drivers of different electric vehicle brands to access the same charging infrastructure, provided their vehicles meet the station's compatibility requirements.

EVgo CEO Badar Khan described the launch as an important step toward expanding the company's customer reach while adapting to the industry's transition toward NACS.

Although Tesla supplies the charging equipment, the installation remains part of EVgo's network rather than becoming a conventional Tesla-operated Supercharger location.

Tesla V4 Technology Expands Beyond Its Own Network

Tesla's decision to supply charging equipment to third-party operators creates additional opportunities for public charging infrastructure development.

The company's V4 Supercharger power cabinets are designed to support high-output DC charging, with a stated maximum capability of 500 kW.

However, this figure represents the equipment's technical capability rather than a guaranteed charging speed for every connected vehicle.

Actual charging power depends on vehicle specifications, battery conditions, station configuration and available electrical capacity.

The wider availability of Tesla charging hardware follows the industry's movement toward the NACS connector, standardized as SAE J3400.

As more automakers adopt this charging interface, charging providers are increasingly installing equipment that accommodates both NACS and CCS vehicles.

Tesla's hardware supply strategy allows other networks to use its charging technology without requiring those networks to operate under Tesla's own brand.

For EV drivers, this could gradually increase the number of locations offering familiar charging connectors and compatible equipment.

Shopping Centers Will Support the Initial Expansion

EVgo's first deployments using Tesla equipment are expected to focus on commercial properties associated with Regency Centers, a real estate company that operates retail shopping locations.

The two companies already maintain a charging infrastructure partnership, including plans involving approximately 400 additional charging stalls.

Grocery stores and shopping centers offer practical locations for public charging because drivers can use nearby businesses while their vehicles recharge.

Illinois provides the starting point for the new rollout.

According to figures cited in the announcement, electric vehicle registrations in Illinois increased approximately 60% over the previous two years.

That growth provides a potential customer base for additional public charging infrastructure.

EVgo has not provided a complete installation schedule or individual site list for every planned Tesla-equipped location.

The number of future charging stalls will therefore depend on project development, equipment installation and commissioning progress.

Tesla Drivers Can Find EVgo Locations Through Navigation

One practical benefit of the new installation concerns charging station discovery.

According to EVgo, its Tesla-equipped charging locations can appear in Tesla's in-vehicle navigation system.

Drivers must enable the third-party charging option in the navigation settings to display eligible locations.

This allows Tesla owners to identify participating EVgo stations without relying exclusively on a separate charging network application for location searches.

However, appearing in Tesla navigation does not necessarily mean that a third-party station has identical pricing, payment procedures or account requirements to a Tesla-operated Supercharger.

Drivers should check the applicable station information before charging.

The navigation integration nevertheless provides a more convenient way to locate compatible infrastructure as the number of third-party NACS charging sites increases.

EVgo Plans Wider NACS Charging Availability

EVgo's Tesla hardware deployment is part of a broader effort to increase NACS compatibility throughout its network.

The company reports that it is progressing toward 500 NACS-enabled charging stations nationwide, separate from Tesla's own Supercharger network.

EVgo also intends to equip its existing stations installed after 2023 with at least one NACS connector within the next two years.

These plans indicate that the company is expanding connector compatibility across both new and existing infrastructure.

Reliability is another consideration behind the equipment strategy.

Tesla reports approximately 99% uptime for its Supercharger network, although that network-wide claim should not be treated as a verified reliability figure for EVgo's new installations.

A recent driver survey also placed EVgo behind Tesla in charging reliability rankings.

Using Tesla hardware may support EVgo's efforts to improve charging performance, but actual results will depend on maintenance, site operations and equipment availability.

The Chicago opening therefore represents more than an individual station launch.

It demonstrates how charging networks can increasingly share hardware technologies while continuing to operate as separate businesses.

Photo by: EVgo

FAQ

Where is EVgo's first Tesla-powered charging station?

EVgo's first charging site using Tesla Supercharger equipment is located in Chicago, Illinois. The station includes 12 charging stalls and is part of EVgo's independently operated network.

Can non-Tesla electric vehicles use the new EVgo Superchargers?

Yes, the Chicago installation is designed to accommodate compatible NACS and CCS electric vehicles through Magic Dock connectors. Charging access still depends on vehicle compatibility and the station's operating requirements.

How fast are Tesla V4 Supercharger cabinets?

Tesla's V4 charging cabinets have a stated maximum power capability of 500 kW. Individual vehicles may charge at lower rates depending on their battery systems, charging conditions and the station's configuration.

Will EVgo charging stations appear in Tesla navigation?

Eligible Tesla-equipped EVgo locations can appear in Tesla's in-car navigation when the third-party charging option is enabled. Drivers should still review station-specific charging and payment information.

How many NACS charging stations does EVgo plan to offer?

EVgo says it is working toward 500 NACS-enabled charging stations across the United States. It also plans to add at least one NACS connector to existing stations built after 2023 within approximately two years.

Does Tesla operate the new EVgo charging stations?

No. EVgo operates the charging locations, while Tesla supplies the charging technology used at the new installations. The arrangement allows EVgo to incorporate Tesla hardware without becoming part of Tesla's own charging network.

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