What Blink is and how to use it
Blink is a network of public electric vehicle charging stations owned and operated by Blink Charging Co. You can charge your EV at any Blink station by using their mobile app, a membership card, or a contactless payment method. The network includes both Level 2 chargers (which take several hours to fully charge a vehicle) and DC fast chargers (which can add significant range in 20 to 45 minutes, depending on your vehicle and charger model).
To start charging at a Blink station, you read the Blink mobile app, create an account, and add a payment method. The app shows you nearby stations, whether they are available, and real-time pricing. You drive to a station, plug in your vehicle, and start the session through the app. The charger will display your charging progress, and you receive a notification when charging is complete.
Blink stations are located across the United States, with concentrations in urban areas, along highways, and at retail locations like shopping centers and parking garages. The exact number and location of stations changes regularly as the network expands, so the app is the most current source for finding stations near you.
Key Takeaways
- Blink stations come in two types: Level 2 chargers that take several hours and DC fast chargers that add range in 20 to 45 minutes.
- You access Blink stations through a mobile app, membership card, or contactless payment, and the app shows real-time availability and pricing at each location.
- Pricing varies by location and charger type, and you pay per kilowatt-hour or per minute depending on the station.
- Blink membership plans offer discounted rates at their stations, though you can also pay per session without a membership.
Pricing and membership options
Blink charges by the kilowatt-hour at Level 2 chargers and by the minute at DC fast chargers, though pricing structures vary by location. Without a membership, you pay a per-session fee plus the per-kilowatt-hour or per-minute rate. The exact cost depends on which station you use, the time of day, and local demand.
Blink offers a membership plan called Blink Plus that provides a monthly subscription fee in exchange for lower per-session costs and reduced charging rates. Whether the membership saves you money depends on how often you charge at Blink stations and which chargers you use most. You can compare the cost of a few charging sessions at your regular stations against the membership fee to decide whether it makes sense for your situation.
Some employers, apartment buildings, and retail locations have installed Blink chargers on their property and may offer free or discounted charging to employees, residents, or customers. Check with your workplace or building management to see if this option is available to you.
Finding Blink stations near you
The Blink mobile app is the fastest way to locate nearby stations. Open the app, allow it to access your location, and it will display all Blink chargers within a set radius, along with their address, charger type, availability status, and current pricing. You can filter by charger type (Level 2 or DC fast) and sort by distance or availability.
The app also shows you real-time information about whether a charger is in use, out of service, or available. This prevents you from driving to a station only to find all chargers occupied. You can also search for stations along a planned route by entering a destination address, which helps you plan longer trips and identify charging stops in advance.
If you do not have a smartphone, you can visit the Blink website and use their station locator map, though it does not provide real-time availability updates. The website shows general station locations but does not tell you whether a specific charger is currently available.
What to expect during your first charge
When you arrive at a Blink station, look for an available charger and park nearby. Locate the charging port on your vehicle (usually on the side or rear) and open the access panel. Remove the charging connector from the Blink charger and insert it into your vehicle's port. The charger will lock in place once connected.
Open the Blink app on your phone and select the charger you are using from the map. The app will prompt you to start a charging session. Confirm your payment method and tap to begin. The charger will display your session details on its screen, and you will see charging progress in the app. You can leave your vehicle and return when charging is complete, or monitor progress remotely through the app.
When charging finishes, the app will notify you. Return to your vehicle, open the app, and end the session. Remove the charging connector from your vehicle and return it to the charger. Your receipt will appear in the app, showing the amount charged, kilowatt-hours delivered, and session duration.
Troubleshooting common issues
If a charger is not responding when you plug in, try restarting the session in the app. If the charger still does not start, check the charger's display screen for an error code or message. Some chargers display a phone number to call for support. Take a photo of the error code and report it through the Blink app so the company can send a technician to repair it.
If the app shows a station as available but you cannot locate it when you arrive, verify the address in the app against your GPS location. Some parking facilities have multiple levels or sections, and the charger may be in a different area than where you parked. If you are still unable to find it, contact Blink support through the app with your location and the charger ID number.
If you are charged unexpectedly or see a duplicate charge on your account, review your session history in the app to confirm the dates and amounts. If a charge appears incorrect, contact Blink support with your session ID number and a description of the issue. Keep screenshots of your app history as documentation.
Blink versus other charging networks
Blink is one of several public charging networks in the United States. Other major networks include Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint. Each network has different station locations, pricing structures, and membership options. Some networks offer faster charging speeds, while others have more stations in certain regions.
Many EV owners use multiple charging networks rather than relying on one. This gives you more options when you are traveling or when your preferred network is fully booked. Some charging apps, like PlugShare or A Better Route Planner, let you search across multiple networks at once, which can help you compare prices and availability before you drive to a station.
If you own an EV, it is worth exploring which networks have the most stations along your regular routes and which membership plans offer the best rates for your charging habits. You may find that a combination of home charging, workplace charging, and public networks works best for your situation.
Planning longer trips with Blink stations
Before taking a long road trip, use the Blink app to map out charging stops along your route. Enter your destination into the app's route planner, and it will show you Blink stations along the way. Note the charger types available at each stop and the estimated charging time you will need based on your vehicle's battery capacity.
DC fast chargers are most useful for road trips because they add range quickly, while Level 2 chargers are better for overnight charging or charging while you shop or eat. Plan your stops at locations where you can spend 30 to 45 minutes, such as restaurants, retail stores, or rest areas with amenities. This way, your vehicle charges while you take a break.
Check the real-time availability of chargers at your planned stops before you leave. If a station shows all chargers in use, identify a backup station nearby. Save your planned route and charger locations in the app so you can reference them while driving. Some EV navigation systems, like Tesla's built-in navigation, also integrate with third-party charging networks and can route you through charging stops automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a membership to use Blink chargers?
No. You can charge at any Blink station by paying per session through the app without a membership. Blink Plus membership reduces per-session and per-kilowatt-hour costs if you charge frequently, but it is optional. Compare your typical monthly charging costs against the membership fee to decide whether it saves you money.
How long does it take to charge my EV at a Blink station?
Level 2 chargers typically add 10 to 30 miles of range per hour, so a full charge takes 4 to 10 hours depending on your vehicle's battery size. DC fast chargers add 100 to 200 miles in 20 to 45 minutes. The exact time depends on your vehicle model, battery capacity, current charge level, and the charger's power output.
What if I unplug my car before charging is complete?
You can end a charging session at any time through the app. You will be charged only for the energy you used or the time elapsed, depending on the charger type. There is no penalty for stopping early, though you will need to start a new session if you want to charge again later.
Can I charge my non-electric vehicle at a Blink station?
No. Blink chargers are designed only for electric vehicles with compatible charging ports. Gasoline and hybrid vehicles cannot use these chargers. If you own a plug-in hybrid, check your vehicle's manual to confirm which Blink charger types are compatible with your vehicle's port.
What happens if a Blink charger is broken or out of service?
The Blink app shows the status of each charger in real time. If a charger is out of service, it will display as unavailable in the app. You can report a broken charger through the app, and Blink will send a technician to repair it. In the meantime, use the app to find another available station nearby.