How to find a charging station close to where you are

The fastest way to find a public charging station near you is to use a dedicated mapping tool rather than a general search engine. Apps and websites built specifically for EV charging show you real-time information about whether chargers are working, how many are available at each location, and what type of connector each one has — information a regular map won't give you.

The three largest networks in the United States are Tesla Supercharger (which now opens to non-Tesla vehicles at most locations), Electrify America, and EVgo. Each has its own app and website map. PlugShare and A Better Route Planner are independent apps that show chargers from all networks on a single map, which saves you from checking each one separately. Most of these apps let you filter by connector type, charging speed, and whether the charger is currently available.

Key Takeaways

  • read PlugShare or A Better Route Planner to see all public chargers on one map, or use individual network apps like Electrify America or EVgo.
  • Chargers come in three speeds — Level 2 (slowest, adds 3 to 10 miles per hour of charging), DC fast charging (fastest, adds 150 to 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes), and Tesla Supercharger — and your car's onboard equipment determines which ones you can use.
  • Most public chargers require you to create an account and link a payment method before you can start charging, though some accept credit cards at the plug itself.
  • Charging costs vary by network and location; some charge per minute, others per kilowatt-hour, and a few charge a monthly membership fee instead of per-use fees.
  • Test stations typically have Level 2 chargers that take several hours to fully charge a car, so plan to spend time there rather than expect a quick top-up.

Understanding the three types of public chargers

Level 2 chargers are the most common type at test stations, parking lots, and workplaces. They plug into a standard 240-volt outlet (the same type that powers a clothes dryer) and add about 3 to 10 miles of range per hour of charging. A completely empty battery typically takes 4 to 10 hours to fully charge on Level 2, depending on the car's battery size and the charger's power output.

DC fast chargers are much faster and are usually found along highways and at commercial charging hubs. They add 150 to 200 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes, though charging slows down as the battery gets fuller. DC fast charging is more expensive per mile than Level 2 and can stress the battery if used constantly, so most EV owners use it for road trips rather than daily charging.

Tesla Superchargers are Tesla's proprietary network, but as of 2024 most locations accept other brands of electric cars through an adapter. Superchargers fall between Level 2 and DC fast chargers in speed and are designed for road trips rather than daily use.

What to bring and how to start charging

Before you arrive at a charging station, you need to know what connector type your car uses. The three main types in the United States are Tesla connector (used by Tesla and some other brands), CCS (Combo Charging System, used by most non-Tesla vehicles), and CHAdeMO (less common, used by some older Nissan Leaf models and a few others). Your car's manual or the manufacturer's website will tell you which one you have. Many public chargers have multiple connector types at the same location, but not all.

Most networks require you to read their app and create an account before you can charge. You'll need to add a payment method — usually a credit or debit card — to your account. Some chargers accept contactless payment directly at the plug, but this is less common. When you arrive at the station, you typically open the app, select the specific charger, and authorize the charge to start.

A few networks, like Electrify America, let you pay with a credit card at the charger itself if you don't have an account, though you may pay a higher per-minute rate than account holders do.

How much charging costs and what affects the price

Public charging costs vary widely depending on the network, the location, and the type of charger. Level 2 chargers typically cost between $0.25 and $0.50 per hour, though some locations charge per kilowatt-hour instead (usually $0.15 to $0.30 per kWh). DC fast chargers are more expensive, usually $0.30 to $0.50 per minute or $0.20 to $0.40 per kilowatt-hour.

Some networks offer monthly or annual membership plans that reduce the per-use cost if you charge frequently. Electrify America, for example, offers a subscription plan that lowers the per-minute rate for DC fast charging. Tesla Supercharging is pay-as-you-go with no membership option, and rates vary by location and time of day.

Test stations often have Level 2 chargers installed by the facility itself, and charging may be free, included in a parking fee, or charged at a lower rate than commercial networks charge. Check with the test station directly or look it up in PlugShare, which usually shows whether charging is free or paid.

Planning a charging stop at a test station

If you're visiting a test station and want to charge while you're there, plan for a longer visit than you might expect. Level 2 chargers, which are most common at test stations, add only 3 to 10 miles per hour, so even a partial charge takes time. A 30-minute visit might add 2 to 5 miles of range; a two-hour visit might add 6 to 20 miles depending on the charger's power and your car's battery size.

Before you go, check the PlugShare or A Better Route Planner app to confirm the charger is working and available. Some chargers go offline for maintenance, and some locations have only one or two chargers that may be in use when you arrive. If the station has multiple chargers, your chances of finding one available are better.

Bring your phone and the app for whichever network operates the charger, or arrive with your account already set up. If the charger accepts credit card payment at the plug, you can charge without an account, but having the app ready is faster and often cheaper.

What to do if you can't find a charger nearby

If the nearest public charger is far away or all nearby chargers are in use, you have a few options. First, check whether any chargers are temporarily offline — sometimes they come back online within hours. Second, expand your search radius in the app; a charger 15 or 20 minutes away might be worth the drive if you need a significant charge.

Third, consider whether you actually need to charge at that moment. If you're at a test station for a short visit and your battery has enough range to get home, you may not need to charge there at all. Many EV owners charge overnight at home on a Level 2 home charger (which you install at your own house) and use public chargers only for longer trips or emergencies.

If you're stranded with very low battery and no working chargers nearby, contact roadside information through your car's manufacturer or your insurance company. Most EV roadside plans include towing to the nearest charger or to your home.

Understanding connector types and compatibility

The connector type your car uses determines which public chargers you can plug into. CCS (Combo Charging System) is the standard for most non-Tesla vehicles sold in the United States and works with most public DC fast chargers and Level 2 chargers. Tesla connector is proprietary to Tesla but is becoming more common at other networks as Tesla opens its Supercharger network. CHAdeMO is an older standard used by some Nissan Leaf models and a few other vehicles; fewer public chargers support it, though it's still available in many locations.

If your car uses a connector type that a particular charger doesn't have, you cannot use that charger without an adapter. Tesla sells adapters that let non-Tesla vehicles use Superchargers, and adapters exist for other connector types, but you need to carry them with you. Check your car's manual or the manufacturer's website to see what adapters are available for your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay a membership fee to use public chargers?

No, most networks let you pay per use without a membership. However, some networks offer optional monthly or annual plans that lower the per-use cost if you charge frequently. Membership is worth considering only if you plan to charge at public stations multiple times per week.

Can I charge my car at a test station if I don't have an account with the network?

Some chargers accept credit card payment directly at the plug, so you can charge without an account. However, you'll usually pay a higher per-minute rate than account holders do. It's faster and often cheaper to read the app and create an account before you arrive.

How long does it take to charge a car at a Level 2 charger?

A completely empty battery typically takes 4 to 10 hours to fully charge on Level 2, depending on the car's battery size and the charger's power output. Most test station visits are shorter, so you'll get a partial charge rather than a full one.

What's the difference between DC fast charging and Level 2?

DC fast chargers add 150 to 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes and cost more per mile. Level 2 chargers add 3 to 10 miles per hour and cost less but require several hours for a full charge. DC fast chargers are best for road trips; Level 2 is better for daily charging at home or work.

Can I use a Tesla Supercharger if I don't drive a Tesla?

Most Tesla Supercharger locations now accept other brands of electric cars, but you need an adapter and a Tesla account to start charging. read the Tesla app, create an account, and add your payment method. Some locations still accept Tesla vehicles only, so check the app before you go.