Public charging stations are among the most important things that new electric vehicle (EV) owners must learn about. Below, our guide explains everything you need to know about public charging stations, from how to find them to how much they cost.

How To Find Public Charging Stations

First, EV owners need to know where to find public charging stations. Luckily, finding a charging station today is much easier since EV infrastructure has significantly improved, and many EVs come with navigational technology that shows the nearest public charging stations at the push of a button.

If you’re outside of your vehicle and planning a trip, plenty of mobile apps will show you the nearest public charging stations so you can plan your trip around them. Apps to consider if you own an EV include:

• PlugShare
• ChargePoint
• Steer EV
• Tesla (if you own a Tesla)
• A Better Routeplanner
• Waze

Which EVs Work With Public Charging Stations

Another thing you need to know about public charging stations is whether electric charging stations are universal. While many stations are compatible with most EVs, they are not completely universal like gas stations are with gas cars. The most notable exception is Tesla vehicles, as they have their own public charging stations and they won’t charge on a non-Tesla charger.

However, Tesla owners can use a universal J-plug connector to make their vehicles compatible with practically any non-Tesla charger. Non-Tesla EVs can also charge at Tesla stations using an adaptor. So, in most cases, you’re safe to assume your EV will charge at any public station, but keep in mind that there are exceptions.

How Much Public Charging Costs

Some public charging stations are completely free, but these are becoming less common, are typically slower, and often have a longer line of EVs waiting to charge. Most public charging stations require payment, but how much they charge depends on many factors.

Most charge by the kilowatt-hour (kWh) at similar rates to what it costs to charge at home—around $0.16 per hour of charging. The prices vary by location, the type of public charger, and local energy rates. EV owners can typically expect to pay around $5 per 100 miles of charging range, which is still much better than paying for a tank of gas!

How Long It Takes To Charge at a Public Station

While charging an EV at a public station is cheaper, it does take much longer. How long it takes to charge at a public station will depend on the type of charge, the size of the EV’s battery, and even the outside temperature.

Level 2 charging stations, which are the most common, typically charge around 20 miles of range in an hour. DC fast chargers, on the other hand, are becoming more common and can provide nearly a full battery charge in just 30 minutes.

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