The fastest way to find a charger is PlugShare or the Tesla app, even if you don't own a Tesla
PlugShare is a free map that shows every public charging station in the US, updated by users in real time. You search your address or current location, see which chargers are nearby, check whether they're working right now, and read reviews from other drivers. The app also tells you the connector type (Level 2, DC fast charge, Tesla Supercharger) and whether there's a fee.
The Tesla Supercharger app works the same way and includes non-Tesla chargers too. You don't need a Tesla account to use it. Both apps show you wait times, pricing, and whether a charger is broken or occupied.
Your car's built-in navigation system may also have a charging layer. Check your vehicle's manual or settings to see whether it pulls from PlugShare, ChargePoint, Electrify America, or another network.
Key Takeaways
- PlugShare and the Tesla app are free, show real-time charger status, and work on any phone without owning a Tesla or PlugShare account.
- Chargers come in three speeds: Level 2 (slowest, often free at workplaces and stores), DC fast charge (30 minutes to full), and Tesla Superchargers (fastest, Tesla-only hardware but open to other brands at many locations).
- Charger networks like ChargePoint, Electrify America, and EVgo each have their own apps and membership plans, but you can find them all on PlugShare first.
- Home charging is usually cheaper and more convenient than public charging, and many states offer rebates for installing a Level 2 charger at home.
Understanding the three types of chargers and how long they take
Level 2 chargers are the most common. They plug into a standard 240-volt outlet (like a dryer outlet) and add 25 to 30 miles of range per hour. You'll find them at apartment buildings, workplaces, shopping centers, and hotels. Many are free. A full charge takes 4 to 10 hours depending on your battery size.
DC fast chargers use high-voltage direct current and add 150 to 200 miles in 20 to 40 minutes. They cost more to use (usually $10 to $20 per session) but are worth it for road trips or when you're in a hurry. ChargePoint, Electrify America, and EVgo operate most of these networks.
Tesla Superchargers are the fastest, adding 200 miles in 15 to 25 minutes. They were built only for Teslas, but Tesla has opened many locations to other brands through adapters. You'll pay per kilowatt-hour or per minute depending on the location.
How to search by charger network if you have a membership
If you already have a membership with a specific network, use that network's app to find chargers and check real-time availability. ChargePoint has the largest network of Level 2 chargers in North America. Electrify America focuses on DC fast charging along highways. EVgo also operates DC fast chargers in urban and highway locations.
Each network charges differently. Some charge per kilowatt-hour (like a gas pump), others charge per minute, and some offer monthly memberships that lower the per-use cost. Check the app before you plug in to see the exact price for that location.
If you don't have a membership yet, PlugShare will show you which network operates each charger, so you can decide whether to sign up. Many networks offer free trials or pay-as-you-go options without membership.
Finding chargers at specific places you visit regularly
Many workplaces, apartment buildings, and retail stores have chargers that aren't advertised. Call ahead or check the business's website. Whole Foods, Target, Walmart, and many grocery chains have Level 2 chargers in their parking lots, usually free while you shop. Hotels often have chargers available to guests.
If you live in an apartment without dedicated parking, contact your landlord or property manager about installing a shared charger. Many states and utilities offer rebates that cover part of the installation cost, which can make it cheaper for the building to install one than for you to rely on public chargers.
Workplaces are a major source of free charging. If your employer doesn't have chargers yet, ask your facilities team whether they've considered it. Many companies are adding them as an employee benefit.
Home charging: the cheapest and most convenient option
If you have a garage or driveway, installing a Level 2 charger at home is usually cheaper than using public chargers over time. A Level 2 charger costs $500 to $2,000 installed, and charging at home costs about one-third the price of DC fast charging at a public station.
Many states, utilities, and the federal government offer rebates for home charger installation. Some cover up to 50% of the cost. Check the Alternative Fuels Data Center (a US Department of Energy resource) or your state's energy office website to see what's available where you live.
Installation takes a few hours and requires an electrician if you don't have a 240-volt outlet already. Most people charge overnight and start each day with a full battery, which means they rarely need public chargers except for long trips.
Planning a road trip with an EV
Before a long drive, use PlugShare or your car's navigation to map out DC fast chargers along your route. Plan stops every 150 to 200 miles, which is the typical range of most EVs. Add 30 to 45 minutes to your trip for each charging stop.
read the apps for the networks you'll encounter (Electrify America, EVgo, Tesla Supercharger) and set up payment before you leave. Some chargers are cash-only or require a membership card, so knowing ahead of time prevents delays.
Check the charger status the night before and the morning of your trip. Chargers break down, and some locations have limited availability during peak travel times. If a charger on your route is down, PlugShare will show you alternatives nearby.
What to do if a charger is broken or occupied
PlugShare shows the status of each charger in real time. If one is broken, the app will say "out of service" and show you the next nearest charger. Report broken chargers through the app so the network operator knows to fix it.
If all chargers at a location are occupied, PlugShare shows wait times based on how long other drivers have been charging. You can drive to a different location or wait. Most DC fast chargers have 2 to 8 spots, so availability changes quickly.
During peak times (lunch, evening commute), popular locations fill up. If you're charging at a Level 2 charger for several hours, arriving early in the day usually means you'll get a spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay for every public charger?
No. Level 2 chargers at workplaces, stores, and some apartment buildings are often free. DC fast chargers and Tesla Superchargers charge a fee, usually $10 to $20 per session or per kilowatt-hour. PlugShare shows the price before you plug in.
Can I use a Tesla Supercharger if I don't own a Tesla?
Many Tesla Supercharger locations are now open to other brands through an adapter. Check PlugShare or the Tesla app to see which ones near you accept non-Tesla vehicles. You'll need to create a Tesla account to pay, but you don't need to own a Tesla.
What's the difference between Level 2 and DC fast charging?
Level 2 is slower (4 to 10 hours for a full charge) but cheaper and more common. DC fast charging is 10 times faster (20 to 40 minutes) but costs more. Use Level 2 for daily charging at home or work, and DC fast for road trips or when you need a quick top-up.
How do I know if a charger will work with my car?
Most EVs use one of two connector types: CCS (common in the US) or Tesla's connector. PlugShare and the Tesla app show the connector type for each charger. Check your car's manual to see which type it uses, then filter chargers by that type in the app.
Is it cheaper to charge at home or at a public charger?
Home charging is almost always cheaper. Electricity at home costs about one-third to one-half what you pay at a public DC fast charger. If you can charge at home overnight, you'll save money and rarely need public chargers except for long trips.