What Is ChargePoint and How Do You Use It?
ChargePoint is the largest EV charging network by number of stations in the United States and one of the largest globally — operating a network of over 35,000 public and workplace charging locations across North America, Europe, and Australia. Unlike Tesla Supercharger and Electrify America, ChargePoint does not own or operate its own chargers — it provides the software platform, network connectivity, and payment infrastructure for independently owned stations. ChargePoint specialises primarily in Level 2 charging at workplaces, retail, and fleets, with a growing DC fast charging portfolio.
ChargePoint Network: Key Facts
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total charging locations (US + Canada) | 35,000+ |
| Total charging ports | 90,000+ (US + Canada) |
| Charging levels | Level 2 and DC Fast (Express Plus up to 400 kW) |
| Network model | Software platform — stations owned by businesses, employers, and property owners |
| Connectors | J1772, CCS1, NACS (newer stations) |
| Cost | Set by station owner — varies widely; often free at employer locations |
| Payment methods | ChargePoint app, RFID card, credit card |
| Home charger? | Yes — ChargePoint Home Flex wallbox |
| Fleet management? | Yes — ChargePoint Fleet solution |
How ChargePoint Works: The Network Model
ChargePoint’s business model is fundamentally different from Tesla Supercharger and Electrify America. ChargePoint does not own charging stations — it provides the software, connectivity, and billing platform that station owners use to manage their chargers. Employers, property managers, municipalities, universities, and businesses purchase ChargePoint hardware and pay a network fee. Each station owner sets their own pricing — which is why ChargePoint station costs vary so widely, from free (many employer sites) to $0.40+/kWh (commercial sites).
How to Use a ChargePoint Station
- ChargePoint app (recommended): Download the ChargePoint app, create a free account, add a payment method. At any ChargePoint station, open the app, select the station and stall, and tap “Charge” to start the session. The app also manages your ChargePoint Home Flex if you have one
- ChargePoint RFID card: Free RFID card activates sessions without using your phone — useful when your phone battery is low or you prefer not to use an app
- Credit card tap: Most modern ChargePoint Express (DC fast) stations accept contactless credit card payment without any app or account
ChargePoint Level 2 vs ChargePoint Express (DC Fast)
| Feature | ChargePoint Level 2 | ChargePoint Express (DC Fast) |
|---|---|---|
| Power output | 7.2–19.2 kW | 62.5–400 kW |
| Miles added per hour | 20–55 miles/hr | 100–300 miles in 30–45 min |
| Typical locations | Workplaces, parking garages, retail | Highway corridors, large commercial sites |
| Cost | Often free (employer-paid); or $0.20–$0.40/kWh | ~$0.40–$0.50/kWh (owner-set) |
| Number of locations (US) | ~30,000+ | ~5,000+ |
ChargePoint Home Flex: The Home Charger Connection
ChargePoint sells the popular Home Flex wallbox ($494–$699) — a smart Level 2 home charger with adjustable 16–50A output and the best-rated app in the home EV charger category. ChargePoint’s unique advantage: the Home Flex connects to the same ChargePoint app used for public charging. This means your charging history, costs, and carbon savings appear in one unified dashboard covering both home and public sessions. For ChargePoint network users, the Home Flex is the natural home charging complement.
ChargePoint Pricing: Why It Varies So Much
Because station owners set their own prices, ChargePoint pricing is the most variable of any major network — from completely free (many employer and government stations) to $0.79/kWh (some premium commercial sites). Before using an unfamiliar ChargePoint station, check the price in the app before plugging in — it is always displayed before you authorise payment. The ChargePoint app also shows historical pricing trends at saved stations, helping you identify the most economical locations along your regular routes.
Conclusion
ChargePoint is the largest EV charging network by station count in North America — 35,000+ locations and 90,000+ ports spanning workplaces, retail, highway corridors, and residential sites. Its software-platform model means pricing varies widely, but also explains why ChargePoint includes thousands of free employer and government stations that Tesla Supercharger and Electrify America do not. The ChargePoint app is one of the most polished in the industry, the RFID card adds convenience, and the Home Flex wallbox provides seamless integration between home and public charging. For Level 2 public charging — particularly at workplaces and urban destinations — ChargePoint is the essential network to have on your phone.
