EVgo and Toyota Open First Co-Branded Fast EV Charging Stations

On March 11, 2025, EVgo Inc., one of the nation’s largest providers of public fast charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs), and Toyota Motor North America, Inc. announced the opening of their first DC fast charging (DCFC) stations in Baldwin Park and Sacramento, California. This marks an exciting milestone in Toyota’s “Empact” vision, which was first unveiled in April 2023.

These newly opened co-branded stations, owned and operated by EVgo, are designed to support the growing demand for fast EV charging and offer a convenient, efficient solution for EV drivers in these communities. Each station features cutting-edge 350kW fast chargers that can simultaneously serve up to eight vehicles. The stations are strategically located in highly accessible, amenity-rich areas with nearby grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls, and other community-centered activities, making it even easier for residents to charge their vehicles while going about their daily routines.

“Availability of charging is essential as consumers consider buying or leasing an EV. As automakers offer more electric vehicle choices, EVgo will continue deploying fast chargers for current and prospective EV drivers,” said Executive Vice President of Growth at EVgo, Scott Levitan. “Collaboration with automakers has been core to our expansion over the last several years, and EVgo is grateful for the continued support from Toyota.”

Toyota’s “Empact” vision is focused on driving the transition of underserved communities to a future of electrified transportation. With the opening of these charging stations, Toyota’s commitment to providing “mobility for all” is further solidified. The program prioritizes three key areas: access to charging, offering affordable mobility solutions, and reducing carbon emissions. The new stations play a vital role in addressing the charging needs of underserved communities in California, where EV adoption continues to rise.

To complement the launch of these new charging stations, EVgo and Toyota have also extended their partnership to offer a valuable incentive for those driving or leasing the 2025 Toyota bZ4X battery EV compact crossover sport utility vehicle. The collaboration includes one year of complimentary charging at EVgo stations for Toyota bZ4X customers. By using the Toyota App on their mobile device, bZ4X drivers can not only easily locate EVgo stations but also take advantage of the complimentary charging offer, further enhancing their ownership experience.

“Together with EVgo, we are supporting broader access to charging infrastructure for all battery EV drivers, including those driving Toyota and Lexus BEVs. We aim to ensure that customers find the newly opened stations both convenient and efficient for their charging needs,” said Toyota Motor North America’s General Manager of EV Charging Solutions, James George.

This initiative is a significant step forward in making EV charging more accessible and affordable while supporting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. As more EVs hit the road, the demand for reliable and fast charging infrastructure is expected to grow, and this collaboration between EVgo and Toyota is helping ensure that EV drivers in California have convenient, reliable, and fast access to charging stations.

“Toyota and EVgo’s action to bring advanced fast chargers to Sacramento is an important milestone,” said State Senator Angelique Ashby, D-Sacramento. “Fast charging stations provide critical infrastructure that will amplify the use of clean energy transportation across Senate District 8. This initiative is a win for our environment and for the future of sustainable mobility in Sacramento.”

“We are excited to receive a new, EV fast charging station in Baldwin Park, which will support our city’s residents and visitors,” said State Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, D-Baldwin Park. “Infrastructure investments like this are extremely beneficial to those in the region needing a place to charge their vehicle and a positive step in air quality clean up.”

With Toyota’s “Empact” vision leading the way, the future of transportation in underserved communities looks brighter, cleaner, and more accessible to all.

For more information about the EVgo network, visit www.evgo.com. For more information on Toyota’s electrified vehicle offerings, visit www.Toyota.com/electrified.

EVinfo.net’s Take

Toyota seems to have gone into EV overdrive lately, and we are very glad to see that. In the US, its 2025 bZ4X remains the only battery electric vehicle (BEV) available as of this writing. EV advocates, including EVinfo.net, have been critical of the company in the past for that. We feel that this powerhouse automotive brand, with deep loyalty in the American auto market, should have more BEV models available as we approach mass EV adoption in America.

However, our minds may be changing in favor of Toyota, seeing all of the fantastic progress it is making with EV charging in America and with EVs around the world. EVinfo.net currently recommends all Ford, GM, Polestar, Rivian, and Hyundai EVs, with the exception of fuel-cell vehicles. Tesla owners enjoy up to $20,000 towards the lease of a new Polestar 3 when combining the $5,000 Polestar Conquest Bonus and the $15,000 Polestar Clean Vehicle Incentive.

On March 12, 2025, EVinfo.net reported that Toyota made exciting EV announcements in Europe and China. Toyota’s FT-Me and C-HR+EV announcements for Europe made significant headlines. The company’s release of a $20,000 bZ3x in China, (known locally as the Bozhi 3X), was so popular that the model garnered 10,000 orders in just the first 60 minutes after its unveiling. The overwhelming demand caused Toyota’s website to crash, a clear sign that the bZ3x is resonating with Chinese consumers.

In July 2024, Toyota joined seven other automakers as an investor and founding partner of IONNA, with a plan to install at least 30,000 charge ports in North America by 2030. Toyota and Lexus customers, as well as owners of other brands, will have access to this fast-growing DC fast charger network, supporting both NACS and CCS charge ports. IONNA’s charging sites are called “Rechargeries,”and the first-ever IONNA Rechargery in Apex, NC, opened in February alongside the opening of a new headquarters and Customer Experience Lab in Durham, NC.

IONNA is leading the much-needed private industry buildout of EV charging stations around the country, as federally-funded NEVI stations are on hold by a horribly misguided and backwards-thinking administration. Much more private-funded EV charging is needed to support the growing number of EVs on America’s roads, and the good news is that these charging stations are profitable, due to increased utilization. If you are interested in learning more about the many highly profitable EV charging opportunities, EVinfo.net recommends attending the EV Charging Summit and Expo, March 25-27, in Las Vegas. EVinfo.net clients get 50% off admission.