The parent company of the popular PlugShare electric vehicle app, California-based Recargo, has been acquired by EVgo for $25 million in cash.
EVgo says it is the largest public fast charging network in the United States, powered by 100% renewable electricity.
“At EVgo, we have a relentless commitment to growing the EV driver base and enhancing the customer experience,” said Cathy Zoi, CEO of EVgo, in a statement.
“The Recargo team shares that same commitment, developing innovative software to improve the charging experience. Recargo’s PlugShare platform has become the go-to mobile app for EV drivers. EVgo and Recargo’s combined software expertise will make driving an EV and charging it even easier — and more delightful. Together, we will extend and accelerate the reach of our business while continuing to shape the future of EV charging,” added Zoi.
PlugShare says it is the world’s largest EV community, noting there are an estimated 3 million unique downloads worldwide. The app is one of the go-to sources for EV owners looking to find public EV chargers, and is useful for road trips, particularly those venturing outside of Tesla’s Supercharger network, thanks to its crowdsourced data.
According to EVgo, it will “swiftly move to accept Pay with PlugShare (PWPS) on the EVgo network, opening the platform to other charging providers, giving drivers a simple way to use multiple networks and pay for charging in-app using PlugShare’s platform.”
Recargo’s Nick Wild will continue his role as president and CEO of the company, adding, “PlugShare has been the first and most trusted choice for EV drivers looking for information on public charging, and we are thrilled that the EVgo team is committed to the continued independence of our PlugScore system, increasing transparency and supporting broad interoperability and neutrality.”
