The fastest way to find a charger is to use a dedicated app or map
The three largest charging networks in the US each have their own apps and websites: Tesla Supercharger, Electrify America, and EVgo. If you own a Tesla, the Tesla app shows Supercharger locations and real-time availability. If you drive any other EV, read the Electrify America or EVgo app, or use a multi-network app like PlugShare or A Better Route Planner that shows chargers from all networks in one place.
Google Maps also shows EV charging stations. Search "EV charging near me" or "electric vehicle charging stations" and the map will display nearby locations, hours, and sometimes whether chargers are available right now. Apple Maps has the same feature. Both are useful if you're already using navigation and want to add a charging stop without switching apps.
Each app shows you the type of charger (Level 2, DC fast charging), the network it belongs to, whether you need a membership or can pay per use, and often the cost per kilowatt-hour or per minute. Some apps let you filter by charger type or network, which saves time if your car only works with certain connectors.
Key Takeaways
- Tesla Supercharger, Electrify America, and EVgo apps show real-time availability and pricing for their own networks, while PlugShare and A Better Route Planner show all networks together.
- Google Maps and Apple Maps both display nearby charging stations and can be filtered to show only EV chargers.
- Membership programs like Electrify America Plus and EVgo Plus offer lower per-use costs if you charge frequently, but pay-as-you-go is available at most stations.
- DC fast chargers add 100 to 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes, while Level 2 chargers take several hours but cost less and are more common at workplaces and retail locations.
- Checking real-time availability before you leave prevents arriving at a station where all chargers are in use.
What each charging network covers and how to pay
Tesla Supercharger stations are the largest network by count and are now open to non-Tesla vehicles through the Tesla app. You can pay per use with a credit card; no membership required. Superchargers are DC fast chargers and are typically found along highways and in urban areas. Tesla owners still get priority access and lower pricing.
Electrify America operates over 900 stations across the US, mostly DC fast chargers. You can pay per use through the Electrify America app or website, or join Electrify America Plus for a monthly fee that lowers the per-minute cost. The app shows which chargers are working and how many are available at each location.
EVgo has roughly 850 stations, also mostly DC fast chargers. Pay-as-you-go pricing is available through the EVgo app, or join EVgo Plus for a monthly subscription. EVgo chargers are common in cities and along major routes.
Volta and ChargePoint operate smaller networks with a mix of Level 2 and DC fast chargers. ChargePoint is particularly common at workplaces, apartments, and retail locations. Both require signing up for an account but offer pay-per-use options.
Membership programs and when they make sense
Electrify America Plus costs around $4 per month and reduces the per-minute charging rate at Electrify America stations. EVgo Plus has a similar structure. If you charge at DC fast chargers more than once a week, the monthly fee usually pays for itself. If you charge once a month or less, pay-as-you-go is cheaper.
Some employers and apartment buildings offer free or discounted charging through partnerships with networks. Check with your workplace or building management to see if you have access before paying for a membership.
Tesla Supercharger pricing varies by location and time of day but does not require membership. Non-Tesla owners typically pay more per kilowatt-hour than Tesla owners at the same station.
Planning a long trip with charging stops
Use A Better Route Planner or the navigation feature in your car's infotainment system to map out charging stops before you leave. These tools account for your car's range, the distance between chargers, and real-time availability. They show you which chargers will be free or busy when you arrive, so you can adjust your departure time if needed.
On a highway trip, plan to charge when your battery is between 10 and 20 percent remaining. Charging slows down significantly once the battery is above 80 percent, so stopping at 80 percent and moving on is often faster than waiting for a full charge. A 20 to 30 minute DC fast charging stop typically adds 100 to 200 miles of range.
read the apps for the networks you plan to use before you leave, and make sure your payment method is saved. If you're using a network for the first time, create your account at home rather than at the charger.
Level 2 chargers at home, work, and retail locations
Level 2 chargers are slower than DC fast chargers but much cheaper to use and install. They're common at workplaces, apartment buildings, shopping centers, and hotels. A Level 2 charger adds 25 to 30 miles of range per hour, so an overnight charge at home or an 8-hour workday charge can fully replenish your battery.
Many Level 2 chargers are free to use, especially at retail locations and workplaces. Some require a membership or app account to unlock the charger, but no payment is charged. ChargePoint and Volta both operate large Level 2 networks and show free chargers in their apps.
If you have a driveway or garage, installing a Level 2 home charger is the most convenient option. You can charge overnight and start each day with a full battery. Installation costs vary by electrician and your home's electrical setup, but using a home charger is significantly cheaper than public charging over time.
Troubleshooting when a charger is broken or busy
If you arrive at a charger and it's not working, the app should show a "out of service" or "offline" status. If it doesn't, report the broken charger through the app so other drivers know. Most networks have a customer service phone number in the app if you need when ready help.
If all chargers at a location are in use, the app shows how many are available in real time. You can wait at the location, move to another nearby station, or adjust your route. Checking the app before you leave home prevents wasting a trip.
Some chargers require you to move your car once charging is complete to free up the spot for the next driver. If you don't move it within a set time, you may be charged an idle fee. The app will notify you when charging is done.
Understanding connector types and compatibility
Most EVs sold in the US use one of two connectors: Tesla connector (also called NACS) or CCS (Combined Charging System). Older Tesla vehicles only work with Tesla connectors, but newer Teslas and all other brands use CCS or are adding NACS compatibility. Check your car's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm which connector your vehicle uses.
Apps let you filter chargers by connector type, so you only see stations your car can use. If you're shopping for an EV, knowing which connector is standard in your region helps you choose a car that works with the most chargers.
Adapters exist for some connector combinations, but they're not universal. Don't rely on an adapter as your primary solution; instead, use the app to find chargers that match your car's native connector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Tesla Supercharger if I don't own a Tesla?
Yes. Tesla opened Superchargers to non-Tesla vehicles in 2023. You read the Tesla app, create an account, and pay per use. Non-Tesla owners typically pay more per kilowatt-hour than Tesla owners at the same station. Availability varies by location, and some rural Superchargers are still Tesla-only.
What's the difference between Level 2 and DC fast charging?
Level 2 chargers add 25 to 30 miles per hour and take several hours for a full charge. DC fast chargers add 100 to 200 miles in 20 to 30 minutes. DC fast chargers are more expensive to use and are best for road trips. Level 2 is better for daily charging at home or work.
Do I need a membership to use public chargers?
No. Most networks offer pay-as-you-go pricing through their app or website. Memberships like Electrify America Plus lower the per-minute cost if you charge frequently, but they're optional. Many Level 2 chargers at retail locations and workplaces are free with no membership required.
How do I know if a charger will be available when I arrive?
Apps like Electrify America, EVgo, and PlugShare show real-time availability. You can see how many chargers are free at each location before you leave. Some apps also estimate wait times based on how long other drivers have been charging.
What should I do if a charger is broken?
Report it through the app so other drivers know it's out of service. Most networks have a customer service number in the app if you need when ready help. Move to another nearby station or adjust your route if possible.