EVgo, Blink Explore New Revenue Streams Beyond EV Charging
Public EV charging companies are exploring ways to generate additional revenue from the electrical infrastructure supporting their networks, moving beyond traditional charging fees and electricity sales.
During earnings calls this week, EVgo and Blink Charging outlined plans to use charging sites as broader energy assets, with strategies focused on energy management, grid services and battery storage.
EVgo Chief Executive Badar Khan said Wednesday the company is evaluating opportunities to sell excess electrical capacity across its fast-charging network. EVgo currently has about 600 MW of utility-connected power capacity, with roughly 45% unused at current utilization levels, and expects its installed base to exceed 2 GW over the next five years.
Khan said potential opportunities include demand response programs, which compensate participants for adjusting electricity usage to support grid needs, as well as battery energy storage systems and edge AI computing. He added that EVgo’s urban and suburban locations are positioned near both EV drivers and broader electricity demand.
On Thursday, Blink Charging Chief Executive Mike Battaglia outlined a strategy centered on energy management and reducing operating costs at charging sites.
Blink also launched its EnergyConnect platform, which monitors power usage, manages electrical loads and helps reduce demand charges.
The company plans to add battery storage controls to the platform in the first half of 2027, enabling peak shaving, electricity arbitrage and potential participation in virtual power plants and other grid services.
EVgo and Blink’s announcements reflect growing interest among charging operators in using their networks for more than vehicle charging. As charging sites require larger power connections, companies are looking at ways to optimize those assets and create additional revenue opportunities.
–Reporting by Allegra Fradkin, afradkin@opisnet.com; Editing by Frank Tang, ftang@opisnet.com