Electrify America Adds App, Revises Membership Plan

Volkswagen AG’s Electrify America LLC subsidiary is rolling out several new initiatives to help owners of pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles locate and use the company’s expanding network of charging stations across the U.S.

A new smartphone app directs motorists to nearby charging stations. The app indicates the types of chargers at each station, pricing and which outlets are available. Members can view the charging status of other vehicles and are notified when a charger becomes available.

Users can track their battery status throughout the charging process, including real-time estimates of when the vehicle will be 80% and 100% charged. Payments are processed directly through the app.

Electrify America also is introducing two membership plans and cutting charging rates by about 20%. Currently, users pay 30-35 cents per minute, depending on charger type, local utility rates and grid demand.

The new base plan costs $1 per session plus per-minute rates. Users can upgrade to a $4-per-month premium subscription plan that offers discounted usage rates.

Electrify was established in 2017 as part of a settlement stemming from VW’s diesel emission scandal. The company expects to have nearly 500 charging stations with more than 2,000 DC fast chargers by the end of 2019. The facilities will be equipped with chargers with three capacity levels, topping out at 350 kW.