What Pilot's EV charging stations are and where to find them

Pilot Flying J operates a network of electric vehicle charging stations at their travel centers across the United States. These are not charging stations at a car dealership or a dedicated EV charging lot — they are located at Pilot and Flying J truck stops, which are roadside facilities where long-haul drivers refuel and rest. The charging stations sit alongside diesel pumps and parking areas, making them part of a broader refueling infrastructure rather than a standalone EV network.

Pilot's EV charging program began as a pilot project (hence the name) to test whether charging infrastructure could work at existing travel centers. The company has since expanded the number of locations. To find a Pilot or Flying J location with EV charging near you, you can search their website or use the Plug Share app, which maps public charging stations nationwide and shows which ones are at Pilot locations.

Not every Pilot or Flying J has EV chargers yet. Availability depends on the location and when it was upgraded. Before you plan a trip around a specific stop, confirm that location has charging equipment by checking online or calling ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • Pilot Flying J EV chargers are located at their travel centers, which are roadside truck stops, not dedicated charging facilities.
  • You can find Pilot locations with EV charging by searching Pilot's website or using the Plug Share app to map nearby stations.
  • Charging speeds and connector types vary by location, so check what equipment is available before you arrive.
  • Most Pilot EV chargers require you to pay per use, either through a credit card at the station or through a charging network app account.

Types of chargers and charging speeds at Pilot locations

Pilot operates both DC fast chargers and Level 2 chargers at different locations. DC fast chargers add significant range in 20 to 40 minutes and are the faster option for road trips. Level 2 chargers take several hours to fully charge a vehicle and are better suited for longer stops or overnight parking.

The specific charger types and speeds available depend on which Pilot location you visit. Some locations may have only Level 2 chargers, while others have DC fast chargers, or a mix of both. The Plug Share app and Pilot's website both show which charger types are at each location, along with the connector standards they use (such as Tesla, CCS, or CHAdeMO).

Before you rely on a Pilot charger for a road trip, confirm that the location has the charger type your vehicle needs. Charger availability can also change if equipment is down for maintenance, so checking the app or calling ahead reduces the risk of arriving to find chargers unavailable.

How to pay for charging at Pilot

Most Pilot EV chargers accept payment directly at the station using a credit or debit card. You start the charge, and the station bills your card for the electricity you use. The cost varies by location and charger type — DC fast chargers typically cost more per minute than Level 2 chargers.

Some Pilot locations also work with third-party charging networks, which means you can pay through those networks' apps or membership accounts instead of using a card at the station. Common networks include Electrify America, EVgo, and others. If you already have an account with one of these networks, you can check whether it works at your nearest Pilot location.

Pilot does not currently offer a membership or subscription program specifically for EV charging at their locations. You pay per use each time you charge, rather than paying a monthly fee upfront.

What to expect when you arrive to charge

When you pull up to a Pilot EV charger, look for the charging station equipment — it will be clearly marked and separate from the fuel pumps. Locate the connector type that matches your vehicle, plug in, and follow the on-screen instructions or app prompts to start charging. If you are paying by card, you will insert your card at the station; if you are using a charging network app, you will start the charge through that app.

Charging times depend on the charger type and your vehicle's battery size. A DC fast charger might add 100 to 200 miles of range in 30 minutes, while a Level 2 charger might add 10 to 30 miles per hour of charging. The station display or app will show you an estimate of how long your charge will take.

While your vehicle charges, you can use the Pilot travel center's facilities — restrooms, food, convenience store, and seating areas. Most Pilot locations are open 24 hours, so you can charge at any time of day or night.

Pilot EV charging versus other public charging networks

Pilot is one option among many public charging networks. Other large networks include Electrify America, EVgo, ChargePoint, and Tesla's Supercharger network (which is now opening to non-Tesla vehicles at some locations). Each network has different coverage, pricing, and connector types.

Pilot's advantage is that their locations are already established truck stops with amenities like food and restrooms, so you can charge while you eat or rest. The disadvantage is that not every Pilot location has EV chargers yet, and availability is less dense than some dedicated EV charging networks in urban areas.

For road trips, many EV owners use multiple networks. You might charge at a Pilot on one leg of your journey and use Electrify America or another network on the next leg, depending on which has chargers along your route. Apps like Plug Share and A Better Route Planner help you plan trips by showing all available chargers from multiple networks.

Troubleshooting common charging problems

If a charger is not working when you arrive, check the station display or app for an error message. Some chargers go offline for maintenance or due to technical issues. If the charger appears broken, try a different connector at the same location if available, or contact Pilot customer service to report the problem.

If your vehicle's connector does not match the charger type available, you cannot use that station. For example, if a location has only CCS chargers and your vehicle uses CHAdeMO, you will need to find a different location. Checking the app before you arrive prevents this problem.

If you are having trouble starting a charge through the app or card reader, restart the process or try a different payment method. If the issue persists, contact the charging network's customer support or Pilot directly for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge my Tesla at a Pilot EV charger?

It depends on the charger type and whether your Tesla has an adapter. Pilot locations with Tesla connectors can charge Teslas directly. Locations with CCS or other connectors require a Tesla adapter. Check the Plug Share app to see which connector types are at your nearest Pilot location.

How much does it cost to charge at Pilot?

Pricing varies by location and charger type. DC fast chargers typically cost more per minute than Level 2 chargers. You pay per use at the station or through a charging network app. Pilot does not publish a standard price list, so check the station display or app for the specific cost at your location.

Can I reserve a charger in advance?

Most Pilot chargers do not offer advance reservations. You arrive and use the charger on a first-come, first-served basis. Some third-party charging networks allow you to reserve chargers through their apps, but this depends on the specific network and location.

What if all the chargers are in use when I arrive?

You can wait for a charger to become available, or use the Plug Share app to find another charging location nearby. Pilot travel centers are common along major highways, so there may be another Pilot location within a reasonable distance.

Do I need a membership to use Pilot EV chargers?

No membership is required. You can pay per use with a credit card at the station. If you have an account with a third-party charging network that operates at your Pilot location, you can use that account instead, but it is not required.