Finding EV Charging Stations Anywhere You Go

Finding EV Charging Stations

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, charging stations are popping up everywhere, from shopping centers and hotels to interstate rest stops and urban parking garages. But knowing where to find a charger, what kind you need, and how to plan ahead can make your EV driving experience even more seamless.

This guide will show you how to locate EV charging stations quickly, what tools to use, and how to find the right charger for your vehicle, whether you’re around town or on a road trip.

Instead of juggling several maps just to see what is nearby, use the GreenCars interactive charging-station finder to search chargers across networks ➜

Where to Charge: The Three Main Locations

1. At Home

Most EV owners charge at home using a Level 1 or Level 2 charger. It’s the most convenient and cost-effective option, but it doesn’t help when you're on the road.

2. At Work or in Town

Workplaces and public parking areas often have Level 2 stations available for employees or customers. These are ideal for topping up during the day.

3. On the Road

Public charging networks allow you to recharge on longer drives. These include Level 2 chargers that are increasingly being installed for overnight charging at hotels and DC Fast Charging stations along highways and in urban areas.

Charging Networks and Station Types  

Public charging stations in North America are operated by a variety of networks, each with different charger types, access features, and regional availability. Here’s what you need to know:

• ChargePoint:
  
  • ‍Charger types: Level 2 and DC Fast
  • Notes: One of the largest networks; requires app activation for most stations; Some sites are now equipped with OmniPorts that support both CCS and NACS ‍

• Electrify America:
  
  • Charger types: DC Fast and Level 2
  • Notes: The network continues to expand; EA was the first to implement 350-kW charging in North America and Plug&Charge‍
• EVgo:
  
  • Charger types: DC Fast and Level 2
  • Notes: Partners with several automakers and supports Plug&Charge technology; EVgo has begun adding NACS connectors at some sites and recently announced an agreement to purchase Tesla Supercharger equipment; A partnership with GM Energy has led to the deployment of 2,500 DC Fast Chargers at locations like grocery stores, plus another 300 stations at Pilot Travel Centers‍
• Tesla Superchargers:
  
  • Charger types: DC Fast using the NACS connector
  • Notes: Primarily for Tesla vehicles; More than 25,000 V3-and-later Superchargers are accessible to virtually all EVs (vehicles with CCS ports will require an adapter); Some Supercharger sites are equipped with a Magic Dock that provides a CCS adapter; Supercharger prices are typically higher than other networks‍
• FLO:
  
  • Charger types: Level 2 and DC Fast (primarily in Canada)
  • Notes: Leading network in Canadian cities and metro areas‍
• Walmart‍
  
  • Charger types: DC Fast using both CCS and NACS connectors
    
  • Notes: Walmart began building out its own charging network in 2025 and currently has 79 sites open, with many more of its 5,000 retail locations expected to get chargers in the coming years; Walmart uses high-quality 400-kW charging equipment; Chargers at some early sites may require using the Walmart app to pay
• Ionna
  
  • Charger types: DC Fast Charging using both CCS and NACS connectors
  • Notes: A joint venture of eight automakers with plans to install 30,000 chargers by 2030; Has had 155 stations open since launching in spring 2025; All sites include both CCS and NACS connectors and 400-kW chargers‍
• Shell Recharge, Blink, Volta, and others:
  
  • Charger types: Mixed availability depending on location
  • Notes: Often found in retail centers, parking garages, or specific regional markets

Note: Many of these networks are actively expanding support for both NACS (Tesla) and CCS connector standards, improving compatibility across more EV models.

Best Apps and Tools to Find EV Chargers

1. PlugShare

• Community-driven map of public chargers
• Shows real-time availability and user reviews
• Filters for connector type, speed, and amenities

2. Google Maps

• Shows charging stations along your route
• Displays station types and sometimes live status
• Integrated with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

3. ChargePoint / Electrify America / EVgo Apps

• Best for finding stations on that specific network
• Allows you to start, stop, and pay for sessions
• Offers loyalty programs and usage stats

4. In-Vehicle Navigation Systems

Most new EVs have integrated charging maps and can:

• Recommend charging stops based on your range
• Filter by plug type and speed
• Automatically route you to nearby stations

5. A Better Routeplanner

A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) was acquired by Rivian in 2024 and is integrated into Rivian navigation, as well as being available on Android, iOS, and the web:

• Users can select preferred charging networks, their vehicle, and waypoints along a route
• The app automatically creates a route based on time of day, destination, and other preferences, with charging stops and suggested charge durations for the shortest trip time

Finding a charger is only part of a successful EV trip, so see how navigation and trip-planning tools use battery level, weather, terrain, and charging availability to build better routes ➜

Planning Ahead for Road Trips

If you're driving long distances, consider:

• Charging stops every 100 to 150 miles
• Proximity to restaurants, restrooms, and Wi-Fi
• Using tools like A Better Routeplanner to map the most efficient route with optimal charge stops

Look for:

• DC Fast Charging stations along highways
• Stations with amenities and high-power output (150 kW or higher)

Tip: Start charging before your battery drops below 10 to 15 percent to avoid delays or stress, and end the session around 80 percent, unless charging overnight at a hotel.

Knowing What Connector You Need  

Before you plug in at a charging station, make sure your EV is compatible with the connector type available. Here's a quick guide to the most common plug types in North America:

• J1772:
  
  • Used by: Non-Tesla EVs and PHEVs made between 2010 and 2026, for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging
  • Notes: Original SAE-developed industry standard for AC charging at home and public stations, now being superseded by J3400/NACS. It will likely appear on few, if any, new vehicles beyond 2027 
• CCS (Combined Charging System):
  • Used by: Most non-Tesla EVs for DC Fast Charging from 2012 to 2025
  • Notes: A super-set of J1772 that adds two pins for DC Fast Charging. It was the standard for high-speed charging on non-Tesla EVs until 2025. Automakers including Rivian, Toyota, Nissan, GM, Lucid, and Hyundai Motor Group have already begun replacing CCS ports with J3400/NACS, and few, if any, new EVs are likely to be equipped with CCS beyond 2027, though CCS ports on chargers should remain common through at least 2030
• J3400/NACS (North American Charging Standard):
  • Used by: Tesla vehicles, and now, following industry-wide adoption commitments, models from Hyundai Motor Group, Toyota, Rivian, Lucid, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and GM; Others are expected to follow
  • Notes: Originally developed by Tesla, NACS is on track to become the dominant North American standard. All Tesla chargers (Level 2 and DC Fast) use NACS connectors; Walmart and Ionna are equipping all their chargers with both NACS and CCS; EVgo, Electrify America, Rivian, and Mercedes-Benz have begun retrofitting existing chargers with NACS, while ChargePoint has OmniPort adapters to enable NACS connections via CCS cables ‍
• CHAdeMO:
  • Used by: Older Nissan and Mitsubishi EVs and PHEVs
  • Notes: A Japanese standard used in North America only on the first two generations of the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Since the Outlander sells in only modest volumes in North America, Mitsubishi has kept the CHAdeMO port for this generation. Availability is becoming more limited as older chargers are replaced
  ‍

Tip: Most EVs come with adapters or offer them as accessories, allowing users to charge on multiple networks and with different plug types. Most adapters support only AC or DC charging, so some vehicles may require two separate adapters. Some Tesla and ChargePoint chargers have built-in adapters.

The connector transition can get confusing quickly, so see which EV charging plugs and adapters actually work with your vehicle ➜

How to Tell if a Charger is Available

Look for real-time updates using apps such as:

• PlugShare (shows user check-ins and live status)
• ChargePoint and EVgo apps (show charger availability)
• In-car systems (automatically refresh based on network data)

Some chargers have indicator lights or screens that show if they are in use or out of service.

Final Tips for Finding a Charger When You Need It

• Keep your vehicle’s plug type in mind and filter station searches accordingly.
• Download multiple apps in case one network is offline or unavailable.
• Consider signing up for accounts with major networks in advance for faster activation.
• Always carry a compatible adapter if your vehicle supports multiple plug types.
• Bookmark stations near your home, work, and frequently visited places for quick access.
• If your vehicle supports Plug&Charge, set up a payment card in the vehicle app so that it will automatically begin charging when plugged into compatible chargers.

Final Thoughts

Finding a charging station is easier than ever, thanks to growing infrastructure and smart tools. There are currently nearly 100,000 charging sites with nearly 300,000 chargers across the US and Canada. With a little planning and the right apps, charging your EV on the go can be as convenient as finding a gas station, just cleaner and quieter.

‍

‍Power Your EV Knowledge Further

Continue exploring EV charging fundamentals:

← Go Back: Mastering Public Charging and Fast Charging

Discover Next: Understanding Charging Costs at Home and in Public →