The fastest way to find a charger is a dedicated app or the manufacturer's network
If you drive an electric vehicle, the quickest route to a nearby charger is usually the app that came with your car or a third-party charging app. Tesla owners use the Tesla app, which shows Supercharger locations on a map. Owners of other brands—Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Volkswagen—can use PlugShare, ChargePoint, or EVgo, which are the three largest charging networks in North America and work across multiple vehicle types.
Each app shows you the charger's location, whether it's available right now, how fast it charges, and what it costs. Some chargers are free; others charge by the minute, by the kilowatt-hour, or by a monthly subscription. The app tells you which payment method each location accepts before you arrive.
If you don't have a smartphone or prefer not to use an app, you can search "EV charging stations near me" in Google Maps or Apple Maps, which now include charging locations in their results. The map will show you distance, hours, and sometimes real-time availability.
Key Takeaways
- PlugShare, ChargePoint, and EVgo are the three largest networks and work with most electric vehicles; Tesla owners should use the Tesla app.
- Google Maps and Apple Maps both show charging station locations, distance, and hours without needing a separate app.
- Chargers vary widely in speed and cost, so check the app before you arrive to know what you're paying and how long charging will take.
- Public chargers at grocery stores, parking garages, and workplaces are often slower but cheaper or free than highway fast-chargers.
- Membership or subscription plans through ChargePoint, EVgo, or Electrify America can lower your per-charge cost if you charge frequently.
Understanding the difference between Level 2 and DC fast chargers
Charging speed depends on the type of charger. Level 2 chargers are the most common and are found at grocery stores, parking garages, shopping centers, and workplaces. They add 25 to 30 miles of range per hour and typically cost $1 to $3 per session or are free. A full charge on Level 2 takes 4 to 10 hours depending on your vehicle's battery size.
DC fast chargers are found along highways and at some urban locations. They add 150 to 200 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes and cost $10 to $15 per session. Fast chargers are what you use on road trips; Level 2 is what you use for daily errands or overnight charging.
When you search for chargers in an app, you can filter by type. If you're running an errand and have 30 minutes, search for Level 2 chargers nearby. If you're driving across the state, search for DC fast chargers along your route. The app will show you the charger type, so you know what to expect before you arrive.
Planning a long drive: mapping chargers along your route
For trips longer than your vehicle's range, use the route-planning feature in your car's navigation system or in PlugShare and ChargePoint. Tell the app your destination and your vehicle type, and it will show you where you need to stop to charge and how long each stop takes.
Most modern electric vehicles have built-in navigation that automatically suggests charging stops. If your vehicle has this feature, use it—it accounts for your battery level, driving speed, and weather. If not, PlugShare's trip planner does the same thing: you enter your start and end point, and it maps out the chargers you'll pass and whether they're currently available.
On a long trip, plan to stop at a DC fast charger every 150 to 200 miles. A typical stop takes 30 to 45 minutes. Some drivers use this time to eat, use the restroom, or walk around. Others charge while they wait and leave as soon as the battery reaches 80 percent, which is usually faster than charging to 100 percent.
Checking real-time availability before you drive
Chargers sometimes break down or are occupied by another vehicle. Before you drive to a charger, open the app and check whether it shows as available. PlugShare, ChargePoint, and EVgo all display real-time status—green means available, red means in use, and gray means offline.
If a charger is offline, the app usually shows when it was last reported working and whether the network has been notified. If a charger is in use, the app sometimes shows how long the current session has been running, which helps you decide whether to wait or find another location nearby.
Real-time data is not always accurate—a charger might show available but be broken, or show in use but actually free. If you arrive and the charger doesn't work, most apps have a "report a problem" button. Use it so other drivers know the charger is down.
Finding free and low-cost charging options
Many grocery stores, shopping centers, and office buildings offer free Level 2 charging to customers or employees. Some are free to the public. Search "free EV charging near me" in Google Maps or filter for free chargers in PlugShare and ChargePoint. Free chargers are almost always Level 2, so plan to spend 4 to 10 hours there—they're best for shopping trips or workday charging, not quick top-ups.
Some employers offer charging at work, either free or at a reduced rate. If your workplace has chargers, ask your HR or facilities department how to use them and whether there's a cost. Charging during an 8-hour workday on Level 2 can add 200+ miles of range, which covers most daily commutes.
If you charge frequently, a monthly subscription can lower your cost. ChargePoint and EVgo both offer monthly plans that reduce the per-minute or per-kilowatt-hour rate. Calculate whether a subscription saves you money based on how often you charge and which networks you use most.
Using your vehicle's built-in navigation and charging features
Most new electric vehicles have a navigation system that knows about charging stations and can route you through them automatically. When you enter a destination, the system calculates whether you need to charge and suggests stops along the way. Some vehicles, like Tesla and Hyundai, integrate with their manufacturer's charging network directly in the navigation.
To use this feature, enter your destination in your vehicle's navigation system the same way you would in any GPS. The system will show you the route, estimated arrival time, and any charging stops needed. Tap on a suggested charger to see its location, type, and cost. Some vehicles let you reserve a charger from the navigation screen, which holds it for you until you arrive.
If your vehicle doesn't have built-in charging navigation, read PlugShare or ChargePoint on your phone and use their trip planner instead. You can then send the route to your vehicle's navigation, or straightforward follow the app's directions on your phone.
What to do if chargers near you are full or broken
During busy times—evenings, weekends, or holidays—chargers can be occupied or have long waits. If your nearest charger is full, the app will show you other chargers within a few miles. Most areas have multiple networks, so you have options.
If several chargers are offline or full, you may need to charge at home or at work instead, or plan your trip for a less busy time. Some drivers keep a list of backup chargers in their area so they know where to go if their first choice isn't available. The app's favorites or saved locations feature lets you do this.
If you find that chargers in your area are consistently full or broken, report it to the network through the app. Networks use this feedback to decide where to install new chargers or repair existing ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay a membership fee to use public chargers?
No. Most public chargers work on a pay-per-use basis—you pay only when you charge. Some networks offer optional monthly memberships that lower your per-charge cost if you charge frequently. You can use any charger without a membership; the membership just reduces the price.
Can I charge at a different brand's charger if I drive a Tesla?
Tesla vehicles sold after 2021 come with an adapter that works with non-Tesla chargers. Older Teslas have a proprietary connector and cannot use other networks without an adapter. Check your vehicle's manual or Tesla's website to confirm what chargers your model can use.
How long does it take to charge at a Level 2 charger?
Level 2 chargers add 25 to 30 miles of range per hour. A full charge typically takes 4 to 10 hours depending on your vehicle's battery size and the charger's power output. Most people use Level 2 chargers overnight at home or during shopping trips, not for quick top-ups.
What should I do if a charger isn't working when I arrive?
Use the app's "report a problem" feature to let the network know the charger is broken. Then find another charger nearby using the app's map. Most areas have multiple chargers within a few miles, so you usually have a backup option.
Can I reserve a charger in advance?
Some networks and vehicles allow reservations, but most do not. Tesla and a few other brands let you reserve a Supercharger from your vehicle's navigation. For other networks, chargers are first-come, first-served. Arrive early during busy times to avoid waiting.