The fastest way to find a charger is to use a dedicated map app, not Google Maps
Google Maps shows some charging stations, but it misses many and doesn't always show real-time availability. Instead, use PlugShare, ChargePoint, or EVgo's own apps — these are built specifically to find chargers and show you whether they're working right now, how many are free, and what they cost per kilowatt-hour.
Open the app on your phone, enter your location or let it use your GPS, and the map will show every charger within a few miles. Each pin tells you the network name, the charger type (Level 2 or DC fast charging), whether it's available, and the price. You can filter by charger type and network, which matters because some chargers only work with certain cars or memberships.
If you don't want to read an app, you can also visit the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center website and search by zip code. It's slower than an app but shows the same stations and lets you see addresses and hours.
Key Takeaways
- PlugShare, ChargePoint, and EVgo apps show real-time charger availability and prices, which Google Maps does not.
- Level 2 chargers take 4 to 10 hours and cost $1 to $3 per hour; DC fast chargers take 20 to 40 minutes and cost $10 to $30 per session.
- Many chargers require a membership card or app account to start charging, so check before you arrive.
- Workplace and home chargers are free or cheap, so check whether your employer or apartment building has one before paying at a public station.
The difference between Level 2 and DC fast charging
The two main types of charger charge at very different speeds and cost different amounts. Level 2 chargers are the most common — you'll find them at parking lots, shopping centers, and workplaces. They take 4 to 10 hours to fully charge a car, depending on the battery size, and cost between $1 and $3 per hour. You pay either by the hour or by the kilowatt-hour (the amount of energy you use).
DC fast chargers are the big ones you see at highway rest stops and gas stations. They charge much faster — usually 20 to 40 minutes to get to 80 percent battery — but they cost more, typically $10 to $30 per session or $0.25 to $0.50 per kilowatt-hour. They're worth using on road trips but expensive for daily charging.
Your car's manual tells you which types it can use. Most newer electric vehicles can use both, but some older models only work with Level 2. Check before you buy a membership to a network.
How to check if a charger is actually working before you drive there
Chargers break down, get blocked by parked cars, or stop working without warning. The apps show real-time status — green means available, yellow means in use, red means broken or offline. But apps update every few minutes, not every few seconds, so a charger marked green might be taken by the time you arrive.
Before you drive to a charger more than 10 minutes away, open the app and look at the reviews or comments. Other users often post whether a charger is actually working or if it's been broken for weeks. Some apps let you report a broken charger yourself, which helps the next person.
If you're on a road trip and need a charger right now, call ahead. Most networks list a phone number on the charger's page in the app. A quick call to the location (the shopping center, gas station, or hotel) can tell you whether it's working and whether there's a free spot.
What you need to start charging at a public station
Most public chargers require you to have an account with the network before you can start. You can't just show up and plug in — you need either a membership card, a mobile app, or a credit card that the charger accepts. Setting up an account takes 5 to 10 minutes and is free; you only pay for the electricity you use.
The three largest networks are ChargePoint, EVgo, and Electrify America. Many chargers belong to smaller regional networks. When you search in an app, it will tell you which network owns each charger. read the app for the network before you need it, create an account with your email and payment method, and you're ready to charge.
Some chargers accept contactless payment (tap your credit card), but this is less common. Don't assume a charger takes your card without checking the app first — you could arrive and find you can't start charging.
Free and cheap charging at home and work
Public charging is useful for road trips, but it's expensive for daily use. If you have a driveway or garage, installing a Level 2 charger at home costs $500 to $2,000 (including installation) and then costs almost nothing to run — usually $0.15 to $0.30 per kilowatt-hour, depending on your local electricity rates. You charge overnight and start each day with a full battery.
Many employers offer free or discounted charging to employees. Ask your HR department or check your employee benefits guide. If your workplace has chargers, use them instead of paying at public stations. Some apartment buildings and condos are installing chargers too — check with your landlord or building management.
If you don't have home charging and your workplace doesn't offer it, look for chargers at places you spend time anyway: grocery stores, shopping malls, movie theaters, or libraries. Charging while you shop or work means you're not paying extra for the time.
Planning a road trip with an electric vehicle
Road trips require more planning than daily driving because you need to know where chargers are along your route. Open your preferred app (PlugShare is best for road trips because it shows the most chargers), zoom out to see your whole route, and mark the chargers you'll use. Most people plan to stop every 150 to 250 miles, depending on their car's range and the charger speed.
On a long trip, use DC fast chargers on the highway to save time, even though they cost more. A 30-minute fast charge at a highway rest stop is faster than a 4-hour Level 2 charge at a small town. Plan your stops before you leave so you know which networks you need accounts with, and read their apps.
Check the app the night before you leave to see which chargers are currently working. Some chargers go offline for maintenance, and you don't want to discover this 200 miles from home. If a charger on your planned route is broken, find an alternate one nearby and update your route.
Membership cards and subscriptions: when they save money
Some charging networks offer monthly subscriptions or membership cards. Whether they save money depends on how often you charge at public stations. If you charge once a week, a subscription probably costs more than pay-as-you-go. If you charge every day, a monthly plan might be cheaper.
ChargePoint, for example, offers a $4.99 monthly membership that gives you a small discount on every charge. EVgo offers a $9.99 monthly plan. These are worth it only if you use public chargers regularly. Most people with home charging don't need them.
Don't buy a membership until you've used the network's pay-as-you-go option for a few weeks. Track what you spend, do the math, and then decide. Many people find that home charging or workplace charging covers most of their needs, and they only use public chargers occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge my electric car at a regular electrical outlet?
Yes, but it's very slow. A standard 120-volt household outlet charges at about 3 miles of range per hour, so a full charge takes 24 to 48 hours. It works in emergencies, but for regular use you need at least a Level 2 charger, which requires a 240-volt outlet (like a clothes dryer uses).
Do I need a special cable to charge at public stations?
Most Level 2 chargers have a cable attached, so you just plug in. DC fast chargers have different connector types depending on your car — Tesla uses one type, most other cars use another. Your car comes with an adapter if needed. Check your manual to see which connectors your car accepts.
What happens if I leave my car charging and forget about it?
Once your battery is full, the charger stops sending power, so you won't damage the battery. However, many networks charge an idle fee (usually $0.50 to $1.00 per minute) if you leave your car plugged in after it's fully charged. Set a phone reminder to move your car when charging is done.
Are there chargers in rural areas or small towns?
Rural areas have fewer chargers than cities, but most highways have DC fast chargers at rest stops and gas stations. Small towns often have Level 2 chargers at libraries, town halls, or shopping centers. Use the app to search your specific area — if chargers exist, they'll show up.
Can I use a Tesla charger if I don't own a Tesla?
Tesla opened some of its Supercharger network to non-Tesla cars starting in 2021, but not all locations. Check the app to see which Tesla chargers near you accept other brands. You'll need to create a Tesla account and add a payment method, but you don't need to own a Tesla.