Public electric vehicle charging is getting a little easier for U.S. drivers. Red E Charge has enabled its new Plug & Charge feature, called Red E Go, at compatible chargers across its network. After a one-time setup, drivers can plug in and start a charging session without opening the app, scanning a QR code or using a physical credit card.
Related EV guides: find EV charging stations guide · NACS adapter guide
Red E Charge Adds Plug & Charge With Red E Go
The new Red E Go feature is designed to simplify the process at compatible EV charging stations. Drivers first use the Red E Charge app to connect their vehicle information and payment method. Once setup is complete, the compatible charger can recognize the vehicle and handle payment automatically when charging begins.
That removes several common steps from public charging, including searching for an app, scanning a code and entering payment information at the station. The feature is currently available at certain Red E Charge dispensers, rather than every charger in the network.
How Large Is the Red E Charging Network?
According to data cited by InsideEVs from the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, Red E Charge has more than 1,000 locations and roughly 4,600 charging ports across 46 U.S. states. The network includes both DC fast charging and Level 2 charging.
InsideEVs reported that 2,159 of those ports were fast-charging ports at 579 stations, while around 2,500 Level 2 ports were available across about 600 locations. Red E's own driver information also describes a nationwide network with Level 2 and DC fast charging, including select locations capable of charging at up to 640 kW.
Red E Charge Was Among the Fastest-Growing U.S. EV Charging Networks
The Plug & Charge update comes as Red E Charge continues to expand its public charging footprint. A Paren report cited by InsideEVs placed Red E Charge as the fourth-fastest-growing DC fast-charging network in the U.S. during the second quarter of 2026, based on new ports added during that period.
Red E added 315 DC charging ports in the quarter, according to the report. That expansion puts the network among a broader group of EV charging networks competing to add more public charging capacity across the United States.
What Connectors and Charging Speeds Does Red E Charge Support?
Red E Charge's network includes multiple connector types, including J1772, CCS1, NACS and CHAdeMO, depending on the station. Charging power also varies significantly by location and equipment. InsideEVs reported a range from about 10 kW to as high as 640 kW at select locations.
EV drivers should always check the specific station and vehicle compatibility before starting a charging session. The maximum charging speed advertised for a station does not mean every EV will charge at that rate.
Why Plug & Charge Matters for EV Drivers
As public electric vehicle charging stations become more common, convenience is becoming an important part of the charging experience. Features such as Plug & Charge can reduce the number of steps needed to begin a session, especially for drivers who regularly use public chargers.
For drivers planning longer trips, knowing where compatible EV charging stations are located—and which connectors and charging speeds they support—can make route planning easier.
How This Fits Into the U.S. EV Charging Network
Red E Charge is one part of a rapidly expanding U.S. charging market that also includes networks such as Tesla Supercharging, ChargePoint, Electrify America, EVgo and IONNA. The growth of different networks gives EV drivers more options for public charging, while features such as Plug & Charge focus on making those sessions easier to start.
For EV owners who primarily charge at home, public fast-charging networks are still useful for road trips and longer-distance driving. For home charging equipment and accessories, see EVWAT's 2026 EV Charging Guide and EV Chargers collection.
What Red E Go Means for EV Drivers
Red E Charge's Plug & Charge rollout is a practical change rather than a new charging standard by itself: it reduces the payment and activation steps at compatible Red E chargers after the initial account setup. As more charging networks add similar convenience features, the public charging experience may become more consistent for EV drivers across the United States.
Source: InsideEVs via Yahoo Autos. Network information also checked against Red E Charge.