What Flo is and how it fits into your charging options

Flo is a network of public electric vehicle charging stations across Canada and the northeastern United States, operated by a company called FLO (formerly Hydro-Québec's charging division). It is one of several charging networks you might use when you need to charge away from home, alongside Tesla Supercharger, Electrify America, EVgo, and others.

Flo stations range from Level 2 chargers (which take 4 to 10 hours for a full charge) to DC fast chargers (which can add 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes). The network is denser in Quebec and Ontario but has expanded into the U.S. Northeast. If you own an EV and travel regularly, you will likely encounter Flo stations at some point, even if you do not use them as your primary charging method.

Unlike home charging, which you control entirely, using a public network means learning how to find stations, pay for charging, and handle the occasional outage or occupied charger. This guide covers what you need to know before you plug in.

Key Takeaways

  • Flo operates Level 2 and DC fast chargers across Canada and the northeastern U.S., with the densest coverage in Quebec and Ontario.
  • You can pay per charge through the Flo app, a credit card at the station, or a monthly subscription plan depending on your usage pattern.
  • Charging costs vary by location and charger type, with DC fast chargers costing more per kilowatt-hour than Level 2 chargers.
  • The Flo app shows real-time availability, pricing, and lets you start and stop charging remotely from your phone.
  • Flo chargers work with most EV models through a standard connector, though some older Tesla vehicles require an adapter.

Finding a Flo station and checking if it is available

The easiest way to locate a Flo charger is through the Flo mobile app, available on iOS and Android. The app shows every Flo station on a map, displays whether each charger is available or in use, shows real-time pricing, and lets you reserve a charger for up to 15 minutes before you arrive. You can also search by address or postal code if you know where you are headed.

The Flo website (flo.com) has a station locator as well, though the app is faster for on-the-road use. When you find a station, the app tells you the charger type (Level 2 or DC fast), the connector type available, the current price per kilowatt-hour, and whether any spots are open. If all chargers are in use, you can see how long the current user has been charging.

Charger availability changes constantly, especially at popular locations. If you are road-tripping and a station is full, the app will show you the next nearest Flo station and how far away it is. Many drivers also use broader charging networks like PlugShare or A Better Route Planner, which include Flo stations alongside competitors, to compare options in one view.

How to pay for charging at a Flo station

Flo offers three payment methods: pay-per-charge, a monthly subscription, or credit card at the station. Which one makes sense depends on how often you charge publicly and where you travel.

Pay-per-charge is the most flexible option. You create a Flo account, link a credit card, and pay only when you charge. Pricing is per kilowatt-hour and varies by location and time of day. DC fast chargers cost more than Level 2 chargers. You start charging through the app or by tapping your Flo card at the station, and you are billed when you unplug. This method works best if you charge publicly only a few times a month.

Monthly subscription plans offer a fixed monthly fee plus a lower per-kilowatt-hour rate. Flo offers several tiers depending on your expected usage. If you charge publicly more than once a week, a subscription usually costs less than pay-per-charge. The subscription covers all Flo chargers in your region, so you do not need to switch payment methods between stations.

Credit card at the station is an option at some Flo locations, though it is less common. You tap or insert your card directly at the charger and pay the posted rate. This method does not require a Flo account but offers no discounts and no way to monitor your charge remotely.

What to expect during a charging session

Once you arrive at a Flo station, the process is straightforward. Open the Flo app, select the charger you want to use, and tap "Start Charging." The charger will unlock and you can plug in. Your vehicle will begin charging when ready, and the app will show you the real-time kilowatt-hours being delivered and the cost accumulating.

Level 2 charging 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 while parked at work, shopping, or overnight. DC fast chargers are much quicker—usually 20 to 30 minutes to add 200 miles of range—but cost more per kilowatt-hour. You can monitor your charge from the app and receive a notification when charging is complete.

If you need to leave before charging is done, open the app and tap "Stop Charging." You will be billed only for what you used. If you forget to stop the session through the app, Flo will stop charging automatically after your vehicle is full, but you should not rely on this. Always confirm the session is stopped before you drive away.

Connector types and vehicle compatibility

Most Flo chargers use the CCS (Combined Charging System) connector, which is the North American standard for DC fast charging and is built into nearly all new EVs sold in the U.S. and Canada. Level 2 chargers typically use either CCS or the older J1772 standard, both of which are common.

If you own a Tesla Model 3, Model Y, or any newer Tesla, your vehicle has a CCS port and will plug directly into Flo chargers without an adapter. Older Tesla vehicles (Model S and Model X built before late 2021) use Tesla's proprietary connector and will need a Tesla-to-CCS adapter to use Flo chargers. Tesla sells these adapters, though they are not included with the vehicle.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) can use Flo Level 2 chargers but not DC fast chargers, since their batteries are too small to benefit from rapid charging. Check your vehicle's manual or the Flo app to confirm your connector type before you arrive at a station.

Troubleshooting common issues at Flo stations

Chargers occasionally malfunction or are out of service. If a charger will not start, the app will usually show it as "unavailable" or "offline" before you arrive. If you arrive at a charger that should be available and it does not respond, try unplugging and plugging back in. If that does not work, open the Flo app and report the issue—Flo has a support button in the app that connects you to their help team.

If you are charged for a session you did not complete, or if you are billed twice, contact Flo support through the app with your session ID (shown in your charging history). Disputes are usually resolved within a few business days. Keep screenshots of your app history in case you need to reference them.

If a charger is occupied when you arrive, the app shows how long the current user has been charging. Most public charging etiquette expects drivers to move their car within 15 minutes of charging finishing, but this is not enforced. If a car has been plugged in for hours after charging finished, you can report it to Flo through the app, and they may contact the vehicle owner or remove the charger from service temporarily.

Flo versus other charging networks

Flo is one option among several public charging networks. Tesla Supercharger is faster and more reliable but only works with Tesla vehicles (and some other EVs with adapters in certain regions). Electrify America and EVgo are larger networks with more stations across the U.S., though they are less common in Canada. ChargePoint operates mostly Level 2 chargers and is widespread in urban areas.

If you travel frequently, you may end up using multiple networks. The Flo app is reliable for finding Flo stations, but many drivers use PlugShare or A Better Route Planner to search all networks at once. Some EVs also have built-in navigation that shows charging stations from multiple networks, which can be faster than switching between apps.

For road trips, Flo's coverage in Canada and the Northeast is solid, but if you travel south or west regularly, you will need access to Electrify America or Tesla Supercharger as well. Most EV owners carry multiple payment methods or subscriptions to avoid being stranded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Flo membership to use their chargers?

No. You can pay per charge with a credit card through the Flo app without a membership. A monthly subscription is optional and only saves money if you charge publicly more than a few times per month. You can switch between pay-per-charge and subscription at any time.

Can I use Flo chargers with my Tesla?

Yes, if your Tesla is a Model 3 or Model Y (2021 or newer), it has a CCS port and plugs directly into Flo chargers. Older Model S and Model X vehicles use Tesla's proprietary connector and need a Tesla-to-CCS adapter, which you must purchase separately.

How long does DC fast charging at Flo actually take?

Most DC fast chargers add 200 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes, though this slows as your battery approaches full. Charging speed also depends on your vehicle's maximum charging rate and the charger's power output. The Flo app shows estimated time before you start charging.

What happens if the charger breaks while I am charging?

If a charger stops mid-session, you will be billed only for the energy you received. Report the issue through the Flo app with your session ID. Flo support will review the session and refund you if the charger malfunctioned.

Can I reserve a Flo charger in advance?

The Flo app lets you reserve a charger for up to 15 minutes before you arrive. This holds the spot but does not start charging. If you need to charge at a specific time hours in advance, you cannot reserve that far ahead—you will need to arrive and hope the charger is available.