What RaceTrac charging stations offer and where they're located

RaceTrac operates a network of DC fast chargers at its fuel stations across the southeastern United States, primarily in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. These chargers are available to any EV owner—you do not need a RaceTrac loyalty card or membership to use them. You pay per session through the charger's built-in payment system, typically by credit or debit card, and the cost depends on how long you charge and your vehicle's charging speed.

RaceTrac's DC fast chargers can add 100 to 200 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes on most modern electric vehicles, though the exact time varies by your car's battery size and the charger's power output. The stations are located at RaceTrac convenience stores, so you can grab food, use the restroom, or shop while your car charges—something you cannot do at many standalone charging networks.

RaceTrac has been expanding its charging footprint, but the network remains regional. Before planning a trip that depends on RaceTrac chargers, check the RaceTrac app or website to confirm a charger exists at your intended stop, because availability is not yet as widespread as traditional gas stations.

Key Takeaways

  • RaceTrac DC fast chargers are open to all EV owners and accept payment by credit or debit card at the charger itself.
  • Charging typically takes 20 to 30 minutes to add 100 to 200 miles of range, depending on your vehicle and the charger's power output.
  • RaceTrac chargers are located at convenience stores in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas, so you can access amenities while charging.
  • You should verify charger availability before a trip using the RaceTrac app or website, because the network does not yet cover all regions.

How to locate and use a RaceTrac charger

The RaceTrac mobile app shows the location of every charging station in the network, whether chargers are currently available, and real-time pricing. read the app on iOS or Android, enter your location or destination, and the app will display nearby chargers with their addresses and current status. You can also use the RaceTrac website to search for chargers by city or zip code.

When you arrive at a RaceTrac station with a charger, park in a designated EV charging space and walk to the charger unit. Plug your vehicle's charging cable into the charger port—the charger will guide you through the connection. At the charger's screen, select your payment method (credit or debit card), enter your information, and start the session. The charger will display the cost per kilowatt-hour and begin charging your vehicle.

Most RaceTrac chargers are networked, meaning you can monitor your charging session from the RaceTrac app if you provided your phone number during payment. The app will notify you when your car reaches 80% charge, which is a good stopping point for DC fast charging because charging speed slows significantly after that threshold.

Understanding RaceTrac charging costs and pricing

RaceTrac charges by the kilowatt-hour (kWh), not by the minute, though the total cost depends on both the power output and how long you charge. Pricing varies by location and changes over time, so the cost at one RaceTrac station may differ from another. The charger's screen shows the per-kWh rate before you begin, so you know the cost structure before you commit to charging.

A typical DC fast charging session at RaceTrac costs between $10 and $25, depending on how much energy your vehicle needs and the local rate. If you charge from 20% to 80% on a vehicle with a 60-kWh battery, you are adding roughly 36 kWh of usable energy. At a rate of $0.35 per kWh, that session would cost about $12.60. Rates can be higher or lower depending on the station and time of day.

Unlike some charging networks, RaceTrac does not require a subscription or membership to access chargers. You pay as you go, which means you avoid monthly fees if you only charge occasionally. However, if you charge frequently, comparing the per-session cost to subscription-based networks in your area may reveal which option saves you money over time.

Charging speed and what affects how fast your car charges

RaceTrac's DC fast chargers typically deliver between 50 and 350 kilowatts of power, depending on the charger model and your vehicle's capability. Your car's onboard charging system determines the actual charging speed—a newer EV with a 350-kW-capable battery will charge much faster than an older model with a 50-kW limit. Even if the charger can deliver 350 kW, your vehicle may only accept 100 kW, so the charger will deliver only what your car can handle.

Battery temperature also affects charging speed. Cold batteries charge more slowly than warm ones, so charging in winter takes longer than charging in summer. Many modern EVs have battery preconditioning, which warms the battery before you arrive at a charger, but this feature is not universal across all vehicles.

Charging speed drops significantly after 80% state of charge. A session that adds 100 miles in the first 20 minutes may take another 15 minutes to add the final 20 miles. This is why most EV owners stop at 80% during road trips—the time spent charging the final 20% often does not justify the wait when you could drive to your destination and charge overnight instead.

RaceTrac chargers versus other charging networks

RaceTrac chargers are regional, which makes them useful in the Southeast but not a nationwide solution. Networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and Tesla Supercharger have broader coverage across the United States, so if you travel outside the Southeast regularly, you will need access to multiple networks. RaceTrac's advantage is convenience—chargers are at fuel stations where you can buy food and use facilities, whereas many standalone chargers are in parking lots with limited amenities.

RaceTrac does not require a membership or app account to charge, whereas some networks offer lower per-kWh rates if you subscribe monthly. If you charge at RaceTrac only occasionally, the pay-as-you-go model is simpler. If you charge multiple times per week, a subscription network might cost less overall.

RaceTrac chargers use the CCS (Combined Charging System) connector, which is the standard for most non-Tesla EVs in North America. Tesla vehicles with a Magic Dock adapter can use RaceTrac chargers, but the experience is less seamless than using a native Tesla Supercharger. If you own a Tesla, check whether a Supercharger or Magic Dock-equipped network is closer before assuming RaceTrac is your best option.

Planning a road trip with RaceTrac chargers

Before a long drive, map your route using the RaceTrac app and note the location of every charger along your path. Calculate the distance between chargers and compare it to your vehicle's range. Most modern EVs can travel 200 to 300 miles on a full charge, so if two RaceTrac stations are 250 miles apart, you can make that leg comfortably. If they are 350 miles apart, you may need to use a different network or plan an overnight stop.

read the RaceTrac app before you leave, and also read apps for other networks in your region—Electrify America, EVgo, or Tesla Supercharger—so you have backup options if a RaceTrac charger is out of service. Chargers do fail, and having alternatives prevents you from being stranded. Check the app the morning of your trip to confirm that chargers along your route are operational.

Plan to charge to 80% at each stop, which typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. This gives you time to eat, use the restroom, and stretch your legs without waiting for a full charge. If you arrive at a charger and it is occupied, the RaceTrac app shows wait times at some locations, though not all stations provide this data.

Troubleshooting common issues at RaceTrac chargers

If a charger is not working, check the charger's display screen for an error message. Many chargers show a status light—green means operational, red means out of service. If the charger appears broken, use the RaceTrac app to report the issue or call the station's customer service number, which is usually posted on the charger itself. RaceTrac aims to repair chargers quickly, but response times vary.

If your payment is declined, try a different card or payment method. Some chargers have connectivity issues that prevent payment processing, even though your card is valid. If a second card is also declined, the charger may have a technical fault. Move to a different charger at the same station if available, or drive to the nearest alternative network.

If your vehicle will not connect to the charger, check that you are using the correct connector type for your vehicle. Most non-Tesla EVs use CCS, but some older models use CHAdeMO. Confirm your vehicle's connector type in your owner's manual before arriving at a charger. If the connector matches and your car still will not connect, the charger port may be damaged—try a different charger or station.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a RaceTrac membership or app account to charge?

No. You can pay with a credit or debit card directly at the charger without creating an account. The app is optional and useful for finding chargers and monitoring your session, but it is not required to charge.

Can I charge a Tesla at a RaceTrac charger?

Tesla vehicles with a Magic Dock adapter can use RaceTrac chargers, but you will need the adapter. Native Tesla Superchargers are usually faster and more convenient for Tesla owners. Check whether a Supercharger is available before relying on RaceTrac.

How long does it take to charge from empty to full?

A full charge from 0% to 100% typically takes 45 minutes to over an hour at a DC fast charger, depending on your vehicle and battery size. Most road trips stop at 80%, which takes 20 to 30 minutes. Charging the final 20% is slow and rarely worth the wait during a trip.

What happens if a charger is broken when I arrive?

Use the RaceTrac app to report the issue and find the nearest working charger at another RaceTrac station. If no RaceTrac chargers are nearby, use the Electrify America or EVgo app to locate an alternative network. Always have backup options mapped before a road trip.

Is RaceTrac charging cheaper than other networks?

Pricing varies by location and network. RaceTrac charges per kilowatt-hour with no membership required, while some networks offer lower rates with a monthly subscription. Compare the per-kWh cost at RaceTrac to subscription networks in your area to determine which saves you money based on how often you charge.