HOUSTON, Sept. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- EVgo is celebrating National Drive Electric Week by offering its drivers free charging on its leading national network from September 10 through September 18. Throughout the week, drivers with a valid EVgo charging card can charge for free at any of EVgo's 1,000 charging locations in over 50 metro markets. This year's promotion is one of 200 other National Drive Electric events taking place across the country, seeking to celebrate the increasing availability of plug-in vehicles and highlighting the consumer benefits making electric vehicles the future of transportation.

"National Drive Electric Week is a celebration of the electric lifestyle. One advantage of driving electric is never having to stop at a gas station again. This week, EVgo will make it even sweeter by making your public charging free nationwide," said Terry O'Day, EVgo Vice President.  "Our network is growing rapidly, and together with our drivers, is making the EV movement unstoppable."

Since its development, EVgo has worked closely with automakers like Nissan, BMW, and Ford to develop a vehicle-centric customer experience. These partnerships have brought customers faster charging speeds and more charging locations, allowing EVgo to operate over 700 fast chargers in more than 50 top metro markets across the country. Last year alone, EVgo's public high-speed charging network delivered more than 21 million electric vehicle miles, saving nearly 900,000 gallons of gas and offsetting nearly 10 million pounds of carbon dioxide. Beyond its celebration of National Drive Electric Week, EVgo plans to expand and strengthen its network reach, offering more drivers access to dependable chargers and supporting the growth of this crucial industry.

Drivers who do not yet have an EVgo card can sign-up for one at http://bit.ly/2ckeQiV. EVgo's "Flex" plan has no monthly fee and is ideal for drivers trying EVgo for the first time.

"We are pleased to collaborate with EVgo this year on National Drive Electric Week. Not only can your EV take you everywhere you need to go, but it will be for free this week of celebrating driving electric," said Joel Levin, Plug In America Executive Director. "With over 200 events happening this week in communities all across the U.S., there is something for everyone."

EVgo's network includes DC Fast CHAdeMO and DC Fast Combo plugs to serve a variety of different vehicles, from the Nissan LEAF to the BMW i3. These chargers are compatible with American, European and Japanese dominant standard vehicles and provide power at a rate about 10 times faster than home charging stations. Typical cars on the road today can get nearly a full charge in 30 minutes or less. At most stations, EVgo also provides Level 2 charging stations for vehicles that do not accept fast charging.

During the entire week, EVgo will suspend billing for all session fees at their network stations when a driver uses a valid EVgo card to initiate the session.  This includes partner cards like EZ-Charge with Nissan and ChargeNow from BMW.  EVgo's charging stations are typically located at popular retail locations, including Simon Properties, Walmart, Whole Foods and  REI .  To find a nearby participating EVgo network location during the National Drive Electric Week promotion period, see http://bit.ly/2cBQIsH.

To see a list of all Drive Electric Week events, go to https://driveelectricweek.org/events-list.php

About EVgo
EVgo leads America's electric vehicle revolution.  Our mission: Build the nation's largest EV charging network while improving the planet and boosting the economy.  At home, work, and on the road, we put the right chargers in the right places. Together we unite the EV movement for all, making it unstoppable. EVgo provides access to hundreds of public charging sites across the United States. To find out more, or to join the EVgo network, visit www.evgo.com. Connect with EVgo on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @evgonetwork.

About Plug In America
Plug In America drives change to accelerate the shift to plug-in vehicles powered by clean, affordable, domestic electricity to reduce our nation's dependence on petroleum, improve air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With partners, Electric Auto Association and Sierra Club, the organization is co-presenting National Drive Electric Week, a nationwide celebration to heighten awareness of today's widespread availability of plug-in vehicles, from September 10-18. Support for the event includes national sponsor Nissan LEAF and media partner PlugShare.

Terms of Promotion

• Suspended billing for charging session fees will begin 12:00 am CDT on 9/10/16 and run through 11:59 p.m. CDT on 9/18/16.
• Promotion only available when using a valid EVgo card at an EVgo network station. Standard session fees will be charged otherwise. EZ-Charge, EV 1-2-3 Charge, and ChargeNow cards associated with valid EVgo accounts will be accepted for the promotion as "EVgo cards".  Non-expired ChargeNow DC Fast cards will also be accepted.
• Charging stations outside the EVgo network (such as workplace chargers) are not participating in the promotion regardless of whether such stations accept EVgo cards to initiate sessions.
• Charging stations or connectors on certain EVgo network stations that are not accessible with an EVgo card are not participating in the promotion; those stations or connectors may be accessed via credit card and assessed standard fees.

Media Contact:
Bridget Flanagan, 832.917.6763, bridget.flanagan@evgo.com 
Robyn Shapiro, 202-800-7407, robyn.shapiro@berlinrosen.com

SOURCE EVgo