EVgo announces ‘ReNew’ maintenance program to upgrade and replace hundreds of chargers
EV charging network EVgo announced a new maintenance program today that will roll out upgrades, replacements, and even the retiring of hundreds of chargers across the US. The new “EVgo ReNew” program looks to improve the fast charging experience for its customers by “doubling down” on charger reliability.
Since its founding thirteen years ago, EVgo ($EVGO) has become one of the United States’ more prominent public EV fast charging networks. It is currently touting 850 charging locations that serve over sixty metropolitan areas across more than thirty states.
By adding capabilities like Plug & Charge for certain EV models and numerous free charging programs for new vehicle purchases, EVgo has put a keen focus on customer service. However, as many of you drivers know, just because a given charger shows up in your app or on your EV’s center screen does not ensure it is operational – or at the very least, delivering the charge rates it should.
With hundreds of fast chargers in operation across the US, each consisting of various levels of technology, EVgo is tasked with making sure each is up and running to its fullest capability to ensure you can cruise in, replenish, and be on your way, but that’s no small task.
To help guarantee it can deliver the quality of charging network it advertises, EVgo has introduced a new maintenance program called “EVgo ReNew” – you can learn more about it in the video below.
EVgo doubles down on quality chargers with new program
The charging network shared details of its EVgo ReNew program today, which will include an overhaul of hundreds of EV chargers throughout 2023. EVgo states that the goal of the new program is to not only enhance the quality of its chargers but to instill more confidence in its network for EV drivers.
The ReNew program is built around six pillars that EVgo says make up the core of network reliability:
- Prevention
- Diagnostics
- Rapid response
- Analysis
- Resilience
- Continuous customer service
To begin, EVgo intends to evaluate each site based on its historical charger performance and current and forecasted user demand, then compare its location to the proximity to other fast chargers. Wherever possible, the company says it will install new chargers capable of power levels up to 350 kW.
In addition to replacing dated charging equipment, EVgo plans to implement more in-person preventive health checks while simultaneously bolstering system monitoring, diagnostics, and recovery tools. EVgo CEO Cathy Zoi spoke to the new program and the company’s goals:
More than a decade ago, EVgo was one of the first companies to install public fast chargers. The EVgo ReNew program represents our ongoing dedication to reliability as we proactively modernize legacy infrastructure and work to deliver the consistent, high-quality charging experience customers expect across our network. As more EVs come to market with expanded ranges, large battery packs and higher power charging capabilities, EVgo is invested in building and maintaining a charging network fit to welcome and support an all-electric future for every driver.
EVgo relayed that it replaced, removed, or upgraded 125 different EV chargers through the first three quarters of 2022 and intends to evaluate and upgrade many more in 2023 under the new program. You can watch EVgo’s video introducing the ReNew program below, which includes commentary from Zoi herself.
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Tesla has officially launched a new version of the Cybertruck RWD for $70,000 in the US and Mexico.
It’s more expensive than previously announced and loses a ton of features, but it has more range.
Earlier today, we reported on Tesla unveiling in the Middle East a new ‘Cybertruck Long Range’.
The automaker confirmed that it had a single rear-wheel-drive (RWD) motor, but unlike the previously announced Cybertruck RWD, Tesla said it had 350 rather than 250 miles of range.
This would point to having the same battery pack as the Dual Motor and Cyberbeast currently available.
At the time, it wasn’t clear if Tesla was launching this specific version for the Middle East or if it was the new Cybertruck RWD to replace the previously announced $62,000 version.
Now, Tesla has opened orders in the online configurator for the US and Mexico of the new Cybertruck Long Range RWD:
It starts at $70,000 before incentive – $9,000 more than the previously announced Cybertruck, but it has 100 more miles on a single charge at 350 miles.
It’s also $10,000 less expensive than the Cybertruck Dual Motor.
You not only lose a motor, but you also lose the powered tonneau. You can buy a “soft tonneau” for $750 and it increases the range to 362 miles:
The new cheaper version also loses the adaptive suspension, the lightbar at the back, the rear screen, and even the bed outlets, according to Tesla’s website.
Tesla says that deliveries are going to start in June.
Electrek’s Take
I might be wrong, but I would assume that the previously announced $61,000 Cybertruck is not going to happen. The Cybertruck is likely proving to be too low-volume to warrant producing different sizes of battery packs.
However, this version might be just to make the $80,000 Cybertruck look better.
It’s not to lose the AWD, the tonneau, the adaptive suspension, and even the bed outlets for $10,000.
These are all pretty essential features of the Cybertruck. I don’t think this version will sell much at $70,000. Maybe they get a few sales of people trying to take advantage of the $7,500 tax credit.
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![This electric excavator has battery swap tech that lets it recharge in minutes [update]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/04/electric-excavator.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
The electric construction equipment experts at XCMG just released a new, 25 ton electric crawler excavator ahead of bauma 2025 – and they have their eye on the global urban construction, mine operations, and logistical material handling markets.
UPDATE: telematics announcement.
Powered by a high-capacity 400 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery capable of delivering up to 8 hours of continuous operation, the XE215EV electric excavator promises uninterrupted operation at a lower cost of ownership and with even less downtime than its diesel counterparts.
XCMG is delivering on part of that reduced downtime promise with the lower maintenance and easier repair needs of electric equipment, and delivering on the rest of it with lickety-quick DC fast charging that can recharge the machine’s massive battery in 1.5-2 hours … but that’s not the slick bit. The XCMG XE125EV can be powered up without leaving the job site thanks to its BYD battery swap technology.
We first covered XCMG and its battery swap technology back in January, and covered similar battery-swap tech being developed by MOOG Construction offshoot ZQUIP, as well – but while XCMG’s battery tech has been in production for several years, it’s still not widely known about in the West (even within the industry).
XCMG showed off its latest electric equipment at the December 2024 bauma China, including an updated version of its of its 85-ton autonomous electric mining truck that features a fully cab-less design – meaning there isn’t even a place for an operator to sit, let alone operate. And that’s too bad, because what operator wouldn’t want to experience an electric truck putting down 1070 hp more than 16,000 lb-ft of torque!?
Easy in, easy out
The best part? All of the company’s heavy equipment assets – from excavators to terminal tractors to dump trucks and wheel loaders – all use the same 400 kWh BYD battery packs, Milwaukee tool style. That means an equipment fleet can utilize x number of vehicles with a fraction of the total battery capacity and material needs of other asset brands. That’s not just a smart use of limited materials, it’s a smarter use of energy.
You can check out all the XE215EV’s specs at this tear sheet, and get an in-person look at the Chinese company’s latest electric excavator this week in Munich, Germany.
Telematics announcement at bauma
Earlier today, XCMG launched its next-generation Xrea Global Telematics Platform, integrating IoT, big data, cloud computing, and AI to enable what it’s caling, “seamless cross-border fleet management.”
The new telematics platform supports a dozen languages via PC and mobile interfaces, and offers real-time diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and data-driven optimization of both the vehicle and the vehicle’s batteries, empowering equipment managers and fleet operators to track fleets across town, or across time zones.
“XCMG remains committed to advancing engineering technology to empower a sustainable future. Our mission is to deliver efficient, intelligent, and eco-friendly lifecycle solutions for global clients,” said Mr. Yang Dongsheng, Chairman of XCMG Group and XCMG Machinery. “Today, 19% of our product portfolio comprises green innovations under our ‘Green Mountain’ new energy line, with full electrification across all series underway.”
SOURCE | IMAGES: XCMG; via PR Newswire.
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