The fastest way to find a charger is a phone app or website that shows real-time availability
You have three main routes to locate a charger: dedicated charging networks, Google Maps, and your vehicle's built-in navigation. Each shows different information and covers different networks, so knowing which to use depends on what you need to know right now.
The most complete picture comes from apps run by the charging networks themselves — PlugShare, ChargePoint, Electrify America, and Tesla Supercharger (for Tesla vehicles) are the largest. These apps show you which chargers are working, which are broken, real-time pricing, and connector types available at each location. Google Maps also shows charging stations and some real-time status, though it pulls from multiple networks and the information updates less frequently than the network apps themselves.
Your vehicle's navigation system — whether that is Tesla's built-in map, the Hyundai Bluelink app, or Kia's UVO — typically connects to one or two networks and will route you to chargers along your planned route. This is most useful for long trips where you know your destination and want the car to plan stops automatically.
Key Takeaways
- PlugShare and ChargePoint show the most chargers across all networks and include real-time status, pricing, and user reviews.
- Google Maps displays charging stations and some availability data, but updates less frequently than dedicated apps.
- Your vehicle's built-in navigation can route you through chargers on long trips, but only shows chargers from networks it partners with.
- Connector type matters — Tesla uses a different standard than most other vehicles, and older chargers may not work with newer cars.
- Pricing varies widely by network and location, from free to $0.50 per kilowatt-hour, and some require memberships or subscriptions.
Using PlugShare and ChargePoint for the most complete picture
PlugShare is the largest independent charging map and shows chargers from every major network plus many small local networks and private chargers. You can filter by connector type (Level 2, DC fast charging, Tesla, CCS, CHAdeMO), see real-time availability at most locations, read user reviews, and check pricing. The app is free; premium membership ($4.99 per month) adds features like trip planning and saved favorites, but the free version shows everything you need to find a charger.
ChargePoint operates its own network of over 30,000 chargers in North America and also aggregates data from other networks. The ChargePoint app shows real-time availability, pricing, and lets you start and stop charging remotely if you have a ChargePoint account. ChargePoint chargers are mostly Level 2 (slower charging, typically 4 to 10 hours for a full charge), though the network is expanding DC fast charging locations. There is no membership fee to view chargers, but you pay per use when you charge.
Both apps let you filter by location, charger speed, and connector type. If you are planning a road trip, both have route-planning tools that show you where to stop and how long each stop will take based on your vehicle's battery size and charging speed.
Understanding connector types and what your vehicle needs
Connector type is the physical plug that connects your car to the charger. This matters because not every charger works with every vehicle. Tesla vehicles use the Tesla connector (also called NACS, which Tesla is opening to other manufacturers). Most other electric vehicles use CCS (Combined Charging System), which is the standard in North America. Older vehicles may use CHAdeMO, which is becoming less common as networks retire these chargers.
When you search for chargers in PlugShare or ChargePoint, filter by your connector type first. If you own a Tesla, you can use Tesla Superchargers (fastest) or adapters at CCS chargers. If you own a Chevy, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, or most other brands, you need CCS chargers. The app will tell you which connectors are available at each location.
Level 2 chargers (the most common type at workplaces, shopping centers, and homes) use a different connector than DC fast chargers. Level 2 chargers deliver 3 to 19 kilowatts and typically add 25 to 30 miles of range per hour. DC fast chargers deliver 50 to 350 kilowatts and can add 150 to 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes, but they are more expensive to use and less common outside highways and major cities.
Google Maps for quick searches and route planning
Google Maps shows electric vehicle charging stations alongside gas stations and other points of interest. Search "EV charging near me" or "electric car charging" and the map will display nearby chargers with some real-time availability data. Tap a charger to see the network it belongs to, the connector types, hours of operation, and user reviews.
Google Maps pulls charging data from multiple networks, so you see a broader view than a single network app. However, the real-time availability information updates less frequently than the apps run by the networks themselves — a charger that shows as available in Google Maps may be broken or in use by the time you arrive. For this reason, Google Maps is useful for finding chargers in your area or along a route, but you should verify availability in the network's own app before you drive there.
Google Maps also integrates with some vehicle navigation systems. If your car has Google Built-in (available in newer Volvo, Polestar, and some other brands), you can search for chargers directly from the vehicle's screen and the car will navigate you there and estimate charging time.
Using your vehicle's built-in navigation for long trips
Most electric vehicles have navigation systems that can plan routes with charging stops built in. Tesla's navigation will route you through Superchargers automatically and show you how much charge you will have at each stop. Hyundai Bluelink, Kia UVO, Chevy MyLink, and Ford's FordPass app all have similar features — you enter your destination and the system calculates how many charging stops you need and where to stop.
These systems work well for long highway trips because they know your vehicle's battery size, efficiency, and real-time charge level. They will only show you chargers from networks the vehicle manufacturer has partnered with, so you may not see every charger available. For example, Tesla's navigation shows primarily Superchargers and a limited set of third-party networks, while a Chevy Bolt's navigation shows Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint locations.
If your vehicle's navigation does not have a charger-aware route planner, use PlugShare or ChargePoint's trip planning tool instead. Enter your starting point and destination, and the app will show you the optimal charging stops and how long each stop will take.
Pricing and membership programs across networks
Charging costs vary significantly by network, location, and time of day. DC fast charging typically costs $0.25 to $0.50 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), though some premium locations charge more. Level 2 charging is usually cheaper — $0.10 to $0.25 per kWh — and some workplaces and shopping centers offer free Level 2 charging. A few networks still offer free charging, but this is becoming rare.
Some networks require memberships or subscriptions. Tesla Supercharging is free for some older Tesla vehicles and paid for newer ones ($0.25 to $0.50 per kWh depending on location). ChargePoint has no membership fee but charges per use. Electrify America offers both pay-per-use and subscription plans ($4 to $14 per month depending on the plan). EVgo also offers pay-per-use and monthly subscriptions.
Before you sign up for a subscription, check whether you will actually use it. If you charge at home most of the time and only use public chargers occasionally, pay-per-use is usually cheaper. If you take frequent long trips or charge away from home regularly, a subscription may save money. The apps show pricing at each location, so you can compare before you plug in.
What to do when you cannot find a charger nearby
If you are in a rural area or a charger is broken, you have a few options. First, check the app again in a few hours — chargers that show as in use or broken sometimes become available. Second, look for chargers at different networks; PlugShare shows all networks, so you may find a charger from a smaller network you did not know about. Third, contact the network directly through the app to report a broken charger or ask when it will be fixed.
If you are stranded with low battery and cannot find a working charger, call a towing service that handles electric vehicles. Some roadside information programs (AAA Plus, some insurance policies) cover EV towing to the nearest charger. Tesla owners can also contact Tesla roadside information through the app. Plan ahead for road trips by checking charger availability along your route the day before you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I charge my non-Tesla car at a Tesla Supercharger?
Some Tesla Superchargers now have CCS adapters available, but not all locations. Check PlugShare or the Tesla app to see if the Supercharger you want to use has a CCS connector. If it does not, you will need to find a CCS charger from another network like Electrify America or EVgo.
Do I need an account to use a public charger?
Most networks require an account or a membership card to start charging. You can create an account in the network's app before you arrive. Some chargers accept credit cards at the plug itself, but this is less common. Check the app for the specific charger you plan to use to see what payment methods it accepts.
How long does it take to charge at a public charger?
Level 2 chargers take 4 to 10 hours for a full charge, depending on your vehicle's battery size. DC fast chargers take 20 to 45 minutes to add 150 to 200 miles of range. The app will estimate charging time based on your vehicle type and current battery level.
What should I do if a charger is broken?
Report it in the app — most networks have a "report a problem" button on the charger's page. The network will investigate and repair it. In the meantime, use PlugShare or your vehicle's navigation to find another charger nearby.
Is there a way to reserve a charger in advance?
Most networks do not offer advance reservations. Some ChargePoint locations let you schedule charging for a specific time, but this is not standard across all networks. Check the app for the specific charger to see if scheduling is available.