EVgo and Amazon Partner to Help Drivers Find EV Charging Stations

EVgo has partnered with Amazon to introduce an Alexa-enabled electric vehicle (EV) charging experience.

The collaboration aims to provide EV drivers with a seamless and convenient way to locate and navigate to nearby charging stations using voice commands, the companies said in a Thursday (Aug. 31) press release. By integrating with EV community PlugShare, EVgo ensures drivers have access to a comprehensive public EV charging repository.

EVgo’s integration with Alexa allows drivers to receive a list of nearby public charging stations by saying, “Alexa, find EV charging stations near me,” according to the release. Alexa then provides real-time availability information by plug type and charging speed, along with the estimated time and distance to arrival. This eliminates the need for manual searches.

Anes Hodžić, vice president of Amazon Smart Vehicles, said in the release that by leveraging voice and multi-modal experiences, EV drivers can interact with their vehicles more conveniently while on the go. The partnership between EVgo and Amazon demonstrates the potential of innovative technology solutions to enhance everyday life.

Ivo Steklac, chief technology officer at EVgo, said in the release that enabling voice-initiated, hands-free navigation to charging stations enhances convenience and peace of mind. EVgo’s tie-up with Amazon showcases its commitment to developing customer-centric charging technologies.

In addition to the Alexa-enabled EV charging experience, EVgo has partnered with Amazon subsidiary Audible to offer a joint promotion, according to the release. EVgo customers and PlugShare users can access a two-month free trial of Audible Premium Plus, providing them with audio storytelling entertainment after navigating to a charging station with the help of Alexa.

Alexa-powered devices give customers “more options and more utility at incredible value,” Rohit Prasad, senior vice president and head scientist for Alexa, said in a May blog post.

“Customers around the world love Alexa as their trusted, personal [artificial intelligence (AI)],” Prasad said in the post. “They’ve now purchased well over half a billion Alexa-enabled devices, and use of Alexa increased 35% last year.”