EVgo Vs Blink Charging: Which EV Charger Is Best?
Are you having difficulty selecting the right EV (Electric Vehicle) charger for your vehicle? There is no limit on options when it comes to selecting the right EV charger. The market is full of notable EV charger manufacturers.
These manufacturers cater to the diverse charging needs of various types of EV chargers. Among these manufacturers, the notable ones are EVGOgo and Blink Charging.
To make a wise choice, it is essential to uncover information on every single aspect. This includes the product, product prices, features, manufacturer experience, etc.
This article will cater to your needs in this regard with a comprehensive comparative analysis between EVgo and Blink EV charging. Keep reading this article to ensure a valuable investment for your EV!
EV Charger – Definition and Concept
The term EV charger refers to the equipment responsible for charging up the battery of the EV. It does this by taking the electric power from the nearby grid and optimizing it as per vehicle battery needs. Later, it performs a charging operation by supplying electric current to the battery. Please note that EV chargers come in multiple speeds and types.
Get insights on the key differences between the different types of Chargers:
| Sr. No. | Level of Charging | Input Voltage | Output Power | Speed of Charging | Applications |
| 1 | Level 1 | 120 V | 1.4 kW | 3-5 miles per hour | Overnight charging, topping off |
| 2 | Level 2 | 240 V | 3.3 to 19.2 kW | 10-25 miles per hour | Home charging, workplaces, public charging stations |
| 3 | Level 3 | 400-800 V | 50 to 350 kW | 100-350 miles in 30 minutes | Public charging stations, fast charging for long-distance travel |
EVgo Vs. Blink Charging
Get key comparison highlights in the table below between the EVgo and the Blink Charging company:
| Sr. No. | Parameters | EVgo EV Chargers Manufacturer | Blink EV Chargers Manufacturer |
| 1 | Year Established | 2010 | 2009 |
| 2 | Product Offers | DC fast chargers, Level 2 chargers | Home chargers, DC fast chargers, Level 2 chargers, energy storage systems |
| 3 | Prices Range of Products | $2000 to $75,000 | $1000 to $50,000 |
| 4 | Philosophy of Company | To make electric vehicles accessible to everyone | To provide sustainable energy solutions for the transportation sector |
| 5 | Company Net Worth | $2.05 billion | $234 million |
EVgo EV Charging Solutions
EVgo came into existence in 2010 with a joint venture with NRG Energy in Los Angeles, California. In the year 2013, the EVgo finished the development and launch of the first-ever DC charger. In 2016, the EVgo separated its path from the NRG. The aim was to become completely independent. In 2017, EVgo achieved success in raising the total funding of $100 million.
The main aim was to expand EV charger stations. In 2018, the EVgo set up a partnership with GM Motor to facilitate the charging operation for their vehicles. In 2020 LS Power acquired EVgo, a leader in the infrastructure and energy sector.
Finally, in 2021, EVgo launched its app by acquiring the Recargo. This has assisted many consumers in locating the EV charger station. In the year 2022, EVgo joined hands in hand with ChargePoint for further expansion of the EV charging stations.
On average, the 140 million plus people live just within 10-mile range of EVgo charger station. So far, the company has established more than 900 EV charger stations in 30-plus states. These stations are serving more than 60 metropolitan locations. The EVgo company aims to 3x the EV charger stations within the next 5 years.
| Sr. No. | Company | Products | Products Prices (USD) |
| 1 | EVgo | Level 2 Charger | 2000 to 5000 |
| 2 | DC Fast Charger | 35000 to 75000 |
Blink EV Charging Solutions
Blink Charging has its foundations in Miami, within Florida USA. It started offering its services officially in 2009. In 2013, ECOtality acquired the Blink network after facing bankruptcy. ECOtality involves multiple EV charger service suppliers, including Beam Charging and 350 Green. Apart from this, in the year 2022, Blink Network has the share of SemaConnect to indulge them in their business.
In 2023, Blink Charging Company purchased Envoy Technologies, an EV-sharing and development platform. So far, the Blink Charging subsidiary has over 51000 EV chargers set up around the globe. Please note that in March, the Postal service based in the US chose the Blink Charger among one of the three top EV charger suppliers.
Blink Charging only offers its services for Level 1 and Level 2 chargers and is working on offering services in terms of Level 3 Chargers. It holds a few stations within the US. But the main thing for which Blink Charging is popular is Level 1 and Level 2 chargers.
| Sr. No. | EV Charger Series | Charger Type | Charger Description | Cost (USD) |
| 1 | EQ 200 | Residential | Level 2 with 200 amps | Up to $649 |
| 2 | Blink Network | Residential | Networked EV charging station | Variable |
| 3 | IQ 200 | Residential | Level 2 with 200 amps and smart features | Up to $799 |
| 4 | Series 8 | Commercial | Level 2 with 80 amps | Variable |
| 5 | Series 6 | Commercial | Level 2 with 60 amps | Variable |
| 6 | MQ 200 | Commercial | Level 2 with 200 amps and dual ports | Variable |
| 7 | Series 7 | Commercial | Level 2 with 70 amps | Variable |
| 8 | Series 3 | Commercial | Level 2 with 30 amps | Variable |
| 9 | PQ 150 | Commercial | Level 2 with 150 amps | Variable |
| 10 | PQ 100 | Commercial | Level 2 charger with 100 amps of power | Variable |
| 11 | HQ 200 | Residential | High-power Level 2 charger with 200 amps of power | Up to $1,099 |
| 12 | Curved | Commercial | Level 2 charger with a curved design | Variable |
| 13 | Series 9 360kW DCFC | Commercial | DC fast charger with 360 kW of power | Variable |
Listing the Main Differences Between the EVgo and Blink Charging
There are some key differences between the two companies, such as:
- When comparing the network for the EVgo and Blink Charging, the EVgo is a clear winner. EVgo mainly focuses on Level 3 or DC fast chargers, hence catering to the needs of multiple people. On the other hand, the Blink Charging mainly focuses on offering the Level 2 chargers.
- Another big difference that differentiates EVgo from Blink Charging is EVgo’s commitment to sustainability. EVgo charges its chargers with renewable energy, hence contributing to the minimal negative environmental impact.
- EVgo’s main focus is on expandability in the US, while this is not the case for Blink Charging. Blink mainly focuses on expanding worldwide.
- In the US, for almost every 10 miles, you can find the EVgo charging station, while for Blink, this is not the case. As the blink, more focus is on providing the home charging or work charging needs.
How Can You Select the Right EV Charger?Things to Consider
Multiple things need your attention, but the key notables are:
1. Pay Attention To Speed
The speed determines the time in which you can fully charge your vehicle. Consider this aspect depending on your daily work routine. If you want to charge your vehicle at home, then choose a level 1 charger. Please note it takes a full night to charge your vehicle. Apart from this, as you increase the charger level, you can get higher speed. Refer to the table above for charger types.
2. Support Feature
What type of vehicle you can charge with your charger matters. There are different connectors exist for each vehicle. This includes the CCS, J1772, CHAdeMo, etc. If you dont consider this, then you need to purchase an adopter. However, this is not feasible and affects the vehicle charging system.
3. Installation Needs
Determine the installation requirements for your EV charger. Level 1 is super easy to operate. You can plug it in 120V or 240V input. Apart from this, the Level 2 charger requires an input voltage of 240 V.
But when it comes to DC fast chargers, they need supporting infrastructure to ensure shading from the sunlight and weathering. You also need to get approval from relevant authorities to ensure effortless operation. Apart from this, the cost you spend on the shading or protection of the Level 1 or Level 2 charger is negligible.
4. Portability
This term refers to the transfer of the charger from one place to another to facilitate quicker charging. Level 1 charger is portable, and you can take it anywhere you want because of its compact size and lightweight. But this is not the case with the Level 3 charger or Level 2 charger. So consider this factor while purchasing your EV charger.
5. Intelligent Features
These days, EV chargers come with the smartest and latest features embedded within the charger. The key features include auto charging speed and charging time optimization. Adjustment of the charging level as per vehicle and battery requirements.
Besides this, some EV chargers provide you with a user interface. Using that interface, you can tweak the parameters as per your needs. You can increase or decrease the speed manually by tweaking the power output. Before buying the specific charger, make sure it offers such features.
6. Brand Selection
Before buying the charger, choose the brand from which you are going to purchase. Check out the brand’s credibility and experience. Read the customer review to ensure you are making a wise decision.
conclusion
The choice between EVgo and Blink Charging hinges on your specific needs. EVgo excels in Level 3 charging with a robust network, while Blink focuses on Level 2 chargers and global expansion. Consider factors like sustainability, installation requirements, and intelligent features.
Stay informed, evaluate differences, and choose the EV charger that aligns with your preferences for a seamless electric driving experience. Charge ahead into a greener future for your electric vehicle journey.
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