As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, the need for charging stations has grown substantially. After all, what good is an EV without a place to charge it? Luckily, finding an EV charging station near you is easier than ever.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the top resources for locating EV charging stations, whether you’re on a road trip or just need to top up your battery on your daily commute. From mobile apps to online maps, we’ve covered how to stay charged and on the road.
Can Any EV Use Any EV Charging Station?
As EVs continue to grow popular, so does the need for a reliable charging infrastructure. However, not all EVs are created equal regarding charging compatibility with certain stations.
Generally, three main types of EV chargers are available: Level 1 (120V), Level 2 (240V), and DC fast charging (480V). Most electric cars today can be charged with Level 1 or Level 2 chargers, but not all can be charged with a DC fast charger.
For example, Tesla vehicles use a proprietary charging connector and cannot use DC fast charging stations that don’t have a Tesla-specific connector.
EV owners must research beforehand to ensure that they’re using compatible charging stations and avoid causing damage to their vehicle’s battery. Plus, paying attention to their charging etiquette is equally important.
How To Find EV Charging Stations
With modern technology, it’s easy to locate one nearby. Here are our top resources for finding EV charging stations, whether on a road trip or just needing a quick charge during your daily commute.
Use your electric car
Most electric cars have an in-car navigation system that displays nearby charging stations. EV drivers can use this feature to locate charging stations along their route or in a specific area.
Some examples of EV manufacturers that offer this feature include Tesla, Nissan, and Chevrolet.
Use some apps
Chargeway
Chargeway is a mobile app that helps EV drivers find compatible charging stations and plan their routes. The app’s innovative color-coded system makes it easy for users to identify which charging stations are compatible with their specific vehicle, considering factors such as charger type, charging capacity, and connector type.
The charging is categorized into seven levels, with the higher levels providing faster charging speeds. Level 1 and Level 2 chargers are commonly found in homes and public areas and require several hours to charge an EV fully. On the other hand, Levels 3-7 are DC rapid chargers that can fully recharge an EV in under an hour.
The app also offers a customized trip planning feature that recommends charging stops along the way based on the user’s starting location, destination, and vehicle range.
Chargehub
Chargehub is an app designed to help EV drivers find and access charging stations across North America. The app features a comprehensive map of charging stations, allowing users to search for stations by location or proximity.
The app includes sections for “Trips”, “Community”, and “Profile,” with an interactive map, charging guide, and user reviews. Overall, ChargeHub provides all the necessary tools for a successful EV ownership experience.
Plugshare
PlugShare is a free EV charging app that has become the go-to app for EV owners. With over 140,000 charging stations across Canada and the United States, it can locate chargers compatible with your vehicle based on your input, making road trips much easier.
The community-powered app is updated regularly by its 2 million active users, ensuring accurate information. The app also includes filters to help users find the right charger, a trip planner, and the ability to pay for power at select locations without leaving the app. With over 300,000 monthly global users, PlugShare has become a must-have app for EV owners.
A Better Routeplanner
A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) is a fantastic tool for planning long-distance road trips for electric vehicle owners. If your car doesn’t have an auto-routing feature that considers charging stations, this app can become your go-to navigation assistant.
Simply enter your destination, car model, battery percentage at the start of the journey, and average speed, and this app will plan out your route, including necessary charging stops and estimated time frames.
While the basic version of ABRP is free, you can also subscribe to the premium version, which offers real-time traffic data, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, charging notifications, and more for $5 per month or $50 per year.
Charging Network Apps
For accurate EV charging station information, visit the charging network’s app for reliable and up-to-date data directly from the source.
While there may be downsides to using these apps, including a lack of information from other charging companies, the advantages of having direct access to information make these apps a reliable option for EV owners.
Bonnet
For many EV owners, charging can be a hassle. Registering for multiple charging services, entering your credit card details, and finding charging stations from different networks can take up precious time. With the Bonnet app, EV owners can skip these steps and focus on enjoying their rides.
Bonnet connects you to over 17 of Europe’s leading EV charging station networks, allowing you to search for chargers and pay for their use using one app and bank account. Say goodbye to connecting your bank information and signing up for each charging network.
EVgo
EVgo is an EV charging app constantly expanding its network of stations. When you sign up, the filters adjust automatically based on your car’s make and model.
One handy feature of EVgo is the ability to reserve a charger 20 minutes in advance for $3, ensuring that it won’t be occupied by someone else when you arrive.
However, one drawback EV drivers have pointed out is the inability to mark preferred charging stations. This requires searching for them again on the map, which can be time-consuming. Despite this, EVgo remains a reliable option for EV owners seeking a fast and convenient charging experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pay for EV charging?
EV charging can be paid through credit/debit cards, mobile apps, RFID cards/tags, subscription plans, or prepaid cards/vouchers. These methods vary depending on the charging station and service provider. It’s best to check with the operator or provider for specific payment options available at a given location.
How do electric car charging stations work?
Electric car charging stations provide power to charge electric vehicle batteries. Users connect their vehicles to the station via a charging cable and initiate the charging process. Then, the station supplies electricity to the vehicle, which converts it for battery charging. Once the desired charge level is reached, users disconnect the cable.
How long do EVs take to charge?
The charging time for EVs depends on factors such as battery capacity, charging level, and equipment used. Level 1 charging through a standard household outlet is the slowest, taking several hours or overnight for a full charge. Level 2 chargers, with higher voltage, can add around 15-30 miles of range per hour. DC fast chargers provide rapid charging, adding 60-80 miles of range in 20-30 minutes. Charging times also depend on the EV model and battery size.
Conclusion
In conclusion, with the rising popularity of electric vehicles, finding a charging station has become easier. From route planners that consider your charging needs to apps that connect you to multiple charging networks, various tools are available to help you find an EV charging station near you.
Whether planning a cross-country road trip or just needing to top up your battery on the go, these apps and tools can make your EV driving experience more convenient and enjoyable.
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