Flo is a charging network owned by a Canadian utility, with stations across North America

Flo is an electric vehicle charging network operated by Hydro-Québec, a publicly owned utility in Quebec. The network includes over 35,000 charging stations across Canada, the United States, and France. Most Flo stations are Level 2 chargers, which add 20 to 30 miles of range per hour; some locations also have DC fast chargers that can add 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes.

Flo stations are installed at workplaces, shopping centers, apartment buildings, and public parking lots. You do not need to own a Flo charger at home to use the network — you access stations through a membership or pay-per-use account. The network is independent of your vehicle manufacturer, so any EV with a standard charging port can use Flo stations.

Flo competes with other public charging networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint. Each network has different pricing, coverage, and membership terms, so comparing them before you commit to one can save money over time.

Key Takeaways

  • Flo operates over 35,000 Level 2 and DC fast charging stations across Canada, the United States, and France.
  • You can pay per session without a membership, or join a monthly or annual plan that reduces the per-minute or per-kilowatt-hour rate.
  • The Flo app shows station locations, real-time availability, pricing, and lets you start and stop charging from your phone.
  • Charging speed depends on the charger type: Level 2 adds 20 to 30 miles per hour, while DC fast chargers add 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Flo stations accept most payment methods and work with any EV that has a standard charging connector.

How to find and use a Flo charging station

The Flo app and website let you search for stations by location, charger type, and real-time availability. You can filter by Level 2 or DC fast charging, see which stations are currently in use, and check the estimated cost before you plug in. The app also shows amenities nearby — restaurants, shops, or restrooms — so you know what to do while your car charges.

To use a station, you create a Flo account through the app or website with your email and payment method. At the charger, you scan a QR code or tap your Flo card to start a session. The charger connects to your vehicle automatically, and you can monitor progress in the app. When charging is complete, you stop the session through the app or at the charger itself, and your payment is processed when ready.

If a station is broken or unavailable, you can report it in the app. Flo aims to repair stations within 24 to 48 hours, though response time varies by location. The app alerts you if a station goes offline while you are using it, so you are not stranded mid-charge.

Flo membership and pricing options

Flo offers three ways to pay: per-session, monthly membership, or annual membership. Pay-per-use charges by the minute or by kilowatt-hour, depending on the station type and your location. Rates typically range from $0.40 to $0.80 per minute at Level 2 chargers and $0.15 to $0.30 per kilowatt-hour at DC fast chargers, though prices vary by region and time of day.

A monthly membership usually costs $15 to $30 and reduces the per-minute rate at Level 2 stations by 10 to 20 percent. An annual membership costs $150 to $300 and offers deeper discounts, plus perks like priority access at busy stations. If you charge more than once or twice a week, a membership often pays for itself within a few months.

Flo also offers corporate and multi-unit residential programs for workplaces and apartment buildings. These programs let employers or property managers install Flo chargers on-site and bill tenants or employees directly, or cover the cost as a benefit. Pricing for these programs is negotiated separately.

Charger types and charging speed

Level 2 chargers are the most common Flo stations. They run on 240-volt power and add 20 to 30 miles of range per hour, depending on your vehicle's onboard charger capacity. A full charge from empty typically takes 4 to 10 hours. Level 2 chargers are ideal for workplace or shopping-center charging, where you park for an hour or more.

DC fast chargers bypass your vehicle's onboard charger and deliver power directly to the battery. They add 200 to 300 miles in 20 to 30 minutes, though charging speed slows as the battery fills. DC fast chargers are best for road trips or when you need a quick top-up. They cost more per kilowatt-hour than Level 2 chargers, but the time savings often justifies the cost.

Your vehicle's charging port and onboard charger determine how fast it can accept power. Older EVs may charge slower than newer models, even at the same charger. The Flo app shows the expected charging time for your specific vehicle before you start a session.

Payment methods and account management

Flo accepts credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. You can add multiple payment methods to your account and choose which one to use for each session. If a payment fails, the charger stops and alerts you in the app.

Your Flo account tracks all charging sessions, including the date, time, location, energy used, and cost. You can read receipts and view your charging history in the app or on the website. This data is useful for tracking your EV's efficiency and budgeting for charging costs.

If you lose your Flo card, you can deactivate it in the app and order a replacement. You can also use your phone to start sessions at any Flo charger, so a lost card does not prevent you from charging.

Flo coverage and station reliability

Flo has the densest coverage in Canada, particularly in Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia. In the United States, Flo stations are concentrated in the Northeast and Upper Midwest, with growing presence in California and other Western states. Coverage in rural areas and the South is sparser than in urban centers.

Before a road trip, use the Flo app to map out charging stations along your route. Most EV navigation systems also integrate Flo data, so you can plan stops directly from your vehicle's screen. If Flo coverage is thin in your destination, research other networks like Electrify America or EVgo to may support you have backup options.

Flo stations are generally reliable, but like any public infrastructure, they can malfunction or be occupied when you arrive. The app shows real-time availability, but availability can change quickly at busy locations. If a station is full, the app suggests nearby alternatives and their estimated wait time.

Comparing Flo to other charging networks

Flo competes with Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint, and regional networks. Electrify America has the largest DC fast-charging network in the United States and tends to have faster chargers, but higher per-kilowatt-hour rates. EVgo focuses on DC fast charging and has strong coverage in urban areas. ChargePoint operates mostly Level 2 chargers and has the broadest geographic reach.

Flo's strength is its Level 2 network and competitive pricing for workplace and residential charging. If you charge mostly at home and occasionally at public stations, Flo's Level 2 network may be sufficient. If you take frequent road trips, you may want a membership with a network that has more DC fast chargers, or memberships with multiple networks to maximize coverage.

Many EV owners use more than one charging network to avoid being locked into a single provider. The Flo app makes it straightforward to compare prices and availability against other networks before you commit to a session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a membership to use Flo chargers?

No. You can pay per session without a membership. A membership reduces the per-minute or per-kilowatt-hour rate and is worth considering if you charge more than once or twice a week. You can cancel a monthly membership anytime, and annual memberships usually offer a refund if you cancel within 30 days.

Can I use Flo if my EV has a non-standard charging port?

Flo stations have adapters for most EV charging standards, including Tesla, CCS, and CHAdeMO connectors. Check the Flo app or website to confirm your vehicle's connector type is supported at the stations you plan to use. If your vehicle uses an uncommon connector, you may need to carry an adapter.

What happens if a Flo charger breaks while I'm charging?

The charger will stop and alert you in the app. You are not charged for the interrupted session. Flo aims to repair broken chargers within 24 to 48 hours. If a charger fails frequently, report it in the app so Flo can prioritize repairs.

How much does it cost to charge at Flo compared to charging at home?

Public charging costs vary by location and time of day, but typically range from $0.15 to $0.30 per kilowatt-hour at DC fast chargers and $0.40 to $0.80 per minute at Level 2 chargers. Home charging costs depend on your local electricity rate, usually $0.10 to $0.20 per kilowatt-hour. Public charging is generally more expensive, so charging at home when possible saves money.

Can I reserve a Flo charger in advance?

Flo does not offer advance reservations for most stations. You can see real-time availability in the app, but you cannot hold a charger. Some corporate or residential programs may offer reserved chargers, but this varies by location and agreement.