Where Can I Charge My Electric Car?

Polestar

Article QuickTakes:

• Charging an EV at home
• Charging an EV away from home
• How to find public EV charging stations
• Planning your charging stops on long-distance trips

Whether you’re on the cusp of purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) or still in the research phase, figuring out where to charge an electric car is key to understanding how an EV will fit into your life. Fortunately, the best solution also requires the least amount of thought: Charge at home.

Charging an Electric Car at Home

A garage or driveway can be the ideal location to charge an electric car at all times, even if you only have a standard 120V household outlet available (considered “Level 1” charging). The average U.S. driver typically travels only about 30 miles a day—a fraction of the total range of the latest EVs—so as long as you’re not fully depleting the battery every day, an overnight top-up should be able to keep it charged enough for errands and commuting.

Stepping up to a 240V (“Level 2”) outlet like the one used for a laundry dryer can dramatically reduce charging times. Another option to expedite charging times is to invest in a dedicated Level 2 charging station from companies like Electrify America, Charge Point, and Enel X. These typically cost around $1,400 to purchase and install, and can provide about 15 to 40 miles of charge per hour, versus only around 2 to 5 miles for a Level 1 charger.

Where to Charge an Electric Car Away from Home

Charging at work is another option for some. But if that’s not possible, and you must charge while on the go, things are a little more complex than simply running to the local gas station. As of Spring 2022, there were roughly 47,000 public charging stations across the United States—as compared to more than 145,000 gas stations nationwide. Fortunately, there are apps available for both iOS and Android that connect to major charging networks like Electrify America, ChargePoint, and EVgo. These can be used to locate stations, start the charging process, and provide information about the charge rate and the vehicle’s state of charge. Drivers can also stop the charging process from within the apps, but be aware that many stations assess an idle fee after a few minutes if a vehicle remains plugged into a station while not charging. Charging networks typically have a mix of charger types, including some “Level 3” or so-called “DC fast chargers,” which are the best option when time is of the essence.

As for rates, like gas stations, these vary based on the vary based on the local price of electricity. The national average during the day fluctuates between $0.30 and $0.40 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), but not every state allows companies to charge that way—some still require companies to charge per minute, which typically runs between $0.03 and $0.30 a minute, depending on the network, location and speed of the charger. Meanwhile, membership plans available on some networks offer reduced rates.

How to Find Public EV Charging Stations

Many automakers have enhanced their in-car infotainment systems with apps that help locate and navigate to charging stations, but they may not point you to the fastest, cheapest or most reliable options. Apps like PlugShare can find virtually any station across the country, regardless of what company or charging network it is affiliated with. The app offers a map that shows the nearest charging locations, how many chargers are available, what type they are (Level 1, Level 2, etc.), what company they are affiliated with, and the cost. User reviews are commonly used to report when a station isn’t working.

Google Maps and Apple Maps can also show you where to charge an electric car. The feature sets of these apps are enhanced in some vehicles. For example, in the Polestar 2, Google Maps is deeply integrated into the infotainment system and can suggest charging stations along chosen routes. On the iPhone front, the Ford Mach-E infotainment system integrates with Apple Maps to offer route-based charging locations. Apple says it’s working with other automakers to make the feature more widely available.

For Tesla owners, things are a bit simpler, thanks to the automaker’s proprietary charging network. The latest, “V3” Superchargers can recharge up to 75 miles in just 5 minutes. What’s more, the Tesla infotainment system is so well-integrated with the network that it will not only find Superchargers nearby, but also propose charging station stops along a specified route to optimize battery usage. As of Spring 2022, there were more than 16,000 Tesla Superchargers at more than 1,300 locations across the United States.

Planning Your Charging Stops on a Long-Distance Trip

If you don’t want to rely on your EV’s nav system, there is another solution for route-based charging suggestions. A Better Router Planner is an app and web service that drivers can use to plug in details about their vehicle, set a destination, and be presented with a route that includes charging stations and the time needed at each station to refill the battery. While basic functions are free, paying for a subscription adds access to more details about traffic and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For a more enhanced version of A Better Route Planner, it’ll cost you $4.99 a month or $49.99 a year. If you regularly travel long distances, that extra cost may be well worth it.