Managing EV Charging Apps Has Been a Real Pain Point

For many EV drivers, public charging has improved in recent years—but the user experience has remained fragmented. Different networks require different apps, logins, and payment methods, making road trips and daily charging more complicated than they need to be.

General Motors is now taking a meaningful step to reduce that friction. More than 5,000 Electrify America DC fast chargers across the U.S. have been fully integrated into GM’s own vehicle apps, allowing drivers to manage charging from a single interface instead of juggling multiple platforms.

GM Simplifies EV Charging by Bringing Electrify America Into Its Apps


Electrify America Is Now Built Into GM’s Core Apps

With the update, owners of Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac electric vehicles can use the native myChevrolet, myGMC, and myCadillac apps to locate Electrify America chargers, check availability, initiate a charging session, and pay—without opening a third-party app.

Drivers are not locked into GM’s system and can still use Electrify America’s standalone app or services like PlugShare. However, bringing charging discovery and payment into one familiar app significantly lowers the learning curve, especially for new EV owners.

This change targets one of the most common complaints about EV ownership: managing too many charging platforms at once.


A Broader Public Charging Network in One Place

Electrify America is not the only charging provider included. GM has also integrated Tesla Superchargers and Ionna, expanding the total network accessible through its apps.

According to GM, its EV drivers now have access to more than 250,000 public chargers across the United States and Canada. Within the app, users can search for chargers, view real-time availability, and plan routes that include charging stops.

The goal is not just more chargers, but better visibility and predictability, which are critical for long-distance travel and daily planning alike.


What GM’s Charging Apps Can Actually Do

Beyond simply finding a charger, GM’s apps support a growing list of functions designed to streamline charging:

  • Real-time station and stall availability

  • Route planning with charging stops

  • Live monitoring of charging sessions

  • In-app payment and session management

By centralizing these features, GM is aligning its charging experience more closely with how drivers already use navigation and vehicle apps—rather than forcing them to learn separate systems for each network.


Why This Matters as GM’s EV Sales Grow

This integration arrives at a key moment for GM. In 2025, the company set a new EV sales record in the U.S., solidifying its position as the second-largest EV maker in the country.

The Chevy Equinox EV became the best-selling non-Tesla EV in the U.S., more than doubling its sales volume compared to 2024. As GM brings more mainstream buyers into EV ownership, simplifying charging becomes less of a nice-to-have and more of a necessity.

Reducing friction at public chargers can directly impact customer satisfaction, retention, and confidence in choosing an EV over a gasoline vehicle.

Chevy Equinox EV


Electrify America Continues to Expand Despite Industry Headwinds

Electrify America, meanwhile, is continuing to scale its infrastructure. According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center, the company now operates 1,116 stations nationwide, with 5,405 fast-charging ports currently in service.

Electrify America leadership framed the integration as a step toward consistency and reliability. As EV adoption grows, charging convenience is becoming just as important as charging speed.


A Small Change With Real Impact

On its own, app integration may seem like a modest update. But for EV drivers tired of switching between platforms, this move removes one of the everyday annoyances of public charging.

As competition in the EV market intensifies, improvements like this show how automakers can differentiate not just through vehicles—but through the ownership experience that surrounds them.

Recommend Reading: Home Charging vs Public Charging: What’s Best for New EV Owners?

FAQs - Level 3 DC Fast Charging

What is Level 3 DC fast charging for electric vehicles?

Level 3 charging, also known as DC fast charging (DCFC), provides direct current at high power levels (typically 50 kW to 350 kW) to quickly recharge an electric vehicle battery. Unlike Level 1 and Level 2 charging, DC fast charging bypasses the onboard charger, enabling much faster energy transfer.

How fast is Level 3 DC fast charging compared to Level 2 charging?

Level 2 chargers (240V AC) usually add 20–30 miles of range per hour, while Level 3 DC fast chargers can add 100–300 miles of range in 20–40 minutes, depending on EV battery capacity and charging power.

Does Level 3 fast charging damage EV batteries?

Frequent use of DC fast charging can accelerate battery degradation over time due to higher heat generation and faster charge cycles. However, modern EVs have battery thermal management systems that minimize impact. Occasional fast charging is safe and convenient for road trips.

What connector types are used for Level 3 DC fast charging?

The main EV fast charging connectors in North America are:

  • CCS (Combined Charging System) – widely adopted by most automakers
  • CHAdeMO – mainly used by older Nissan LEAF models
  • NACS (Tesla plug) – now being adopted across multiple brands (Ford, GM, Rivian, etc.)
What is the maximum power output of Level 3 DC fast charging stations?

Most public DC fast chargers range from 50 kW to 150 kW, while ultra-fast chargers can reach 250 kW to 350 kW. Tesla Superchargers V3 deliver up to 250 kW, and upcoming next-gen chargers may exceed 500 kW for heavy-duty EVs.

How much does Level 3 DC fast charging cost?

Pricing varies by network and location. Costs are usually based on per kWh, per minute, or a flat session fee. In the U.S., rates typically range from $0.25 to $0.60 per kWh, which is higher than home charging but competitive compared to gasoline costs.

Where can I find Level 3 DC fast charging stations in the U.S.?

DC fast chargers are commonly located along highways, rest stops, shopping centers, and EV charging networks like Tesla Supercharger, Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint. Apps like PlugShare and ChargeHub help drivers locate fast charging stations.

Can all EVs use Level 3 DC fast charging?

Not all EVs are compatible. Some plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) and older models lack DC fast charging capability. The maximum charging speed also depends on the vehicle’s onboard DC charging acceptance rate, which can range from 50 kW to 270 kW.

How does weather affect Level 3 DC charging speed?

Extreme cold or heat impacts battery temperature management, reducing fast charging speeds. EVs often precondition the battery before arriving at a fast charger to optimize charging efficiency in winter or summer conditions.

What is the future of Level 3 DC fast charging technology?

The future includes ultra-fast chargers (500 kW+), widespread adoption of NACS connectors, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration. As EV infrastructure expands, Level 3 charging will become even more essential for long-distance travel and heavy-duty electric trucks.

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