Public Charging Networks: Finding and Using EV Chargers

If you own an electric vehicle, you’ve probably stared at your dashboard wondering if you’ll make it to the next charger. The fear isn’t just anxiety-it’s real. One wrong turn, a broken station, or a charger taken by a gasoline car can leave you stranded. But public charging networks have gotten a lot better since 2023. Today, finding and using a charger is faster, simpler, and more reliable than ever-if you know how.

How Public EV Charging Networks Work

Public charging networks are groups of charging stations owned and operated by companies like Electrify America, EVgo, Tesla Supercharger, and ChargePoint. These networks aren’t random spots plugged into the grid-they’re mapped, monitored, and maintained. Most stations are located along highways, in shopping centers, parking garages, and rest stops. The key is that they’re open to any EV driver, not just customers of the company that runs them.

There are three main types of public chargers:

• Level 2 (L2): Adds about 20-30 miles of range per hour. Common in parking lots and urban areas. Takes 4-8 hours to fully charge most EVs.
• DC Fast Charger (DCFC): Also called Level 3. Adds 60-100 miles in 10-15 minutes. These are the ones you use on road trips. Most modern EVs can charge at up to 250 kW on these.
• Tesla Supercharger: Technically a DCFC, but originally only for Tesla. Now, many are open to non-Tesla EVs with an adapter or built-in NACS port.

Most new EVs sold in 2025 have the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. That’s the same port Tesla uses. If your car has a CCS plug, you’ll need an adapter at some stations-but many newer stations now have both.

Where to Find Public Chargers

Forget guessing or relying on Google Maps. You need apps. The best ones are built into your car’s infotainment system or available as standalone apps.

Here are the top three apps used by EV drivers in 2026:

• PlugShare: Crowdsourced. Shows every station-public, private, even ones in driveways. Includes photos, real-time status, and user reviews. Great for finding hidden gems.
• EVgo: Best for fast charging on the go. Shows only DCFCs, filters by network, and has a built-in payment system. Works with most EVs.
• ChargePoint: Strong in urban areas and workplaces. Has over 100,000 stations across the U.S. and integrates with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Pro tip: Always open your charging app before you leave. Check the status of your target station. If it says "in use," look for the next one. Stations can be busy during lunch hours or weekends. Avoid peak times if you’re in a hurry.

How to Use a Public Charger

Using a public charger isn’t complicated, but there are a few steps you can’t skip.

1. Check compatibility. Make sure the charger supports your car’s plug type. If you have a CCS car, look for stations with CCS or dual-port connectors. NACS cars can use any new station with a NACS port.
2. Open the app. Most stations require an app to start charging. Some older ones use RFID cards, but those are rare now.
3. Connect the cable. Plug in. Most stations have the cable attached to the unit. No need to carry your own.
4. Start charging. Tap "Start Charging" in the app. Some stations require you to scan a QR code on the charger.
5. Wait. Don’t leave your car unattended unless you have to. Many stations have cameras or sensors that alert staff if something’s wrong.
6. End the session. When done, tap "Stop Charging" in the app. The cable will unlock automatically. Never yank it out-wait for the system to release it.

Some stations require a subscription. Others charge per kWh or per minute. Prices vary wildly. In Asheville, a DCFC might cost $0.35 per kWh. In California, it can hit $0.50. Always check the app before you plug in.

Costs and Payment Options

Charging isn’t free-but it’s still cheaper than gas. Here’s how pricing works in 2026:

• Per kWh: You pay for the energy used. Most common for commercial networks. $0.25-$0.50 per kWh.
• Per minute: Used at Tesla Superchargers and some others. Higher rates after your car hits 80% charge to encourage turnover.
• Flat fee: Rare, but some parking lots charge $10-$15 for up to 2 hours.

Payment methods? Most apps let you link a credit card. Some offer monthly plans:

• EVgo Pass: $15/month gives you $10 in free charging and lower per-kWh rates.
• ChargePoint Unlimited: $19.99/month for unlimited Level 2 charging at their stations.
• Tesla Membership: Non-Tesla drivers pay $12/month for discounted Supercharger access.

Bottom line: If you charge often, a monthly plan saves money. If you’re a casual user, pay-as-you-go is fine.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Even with better tech, mistakes still happen. Here are the top five things that go wrong-and how to dodge them.

• Assuming all chargers work with your car. A station might say "DC Fast" but only have CCS. If your car is NACS, you’ll need a different station or adapter.
• Not checking the status. A station might be offline, under maintenance, or broken. PlugShare shows real-time status from users.
• Leaving your car too long. Many networks charge idle fees after your car is fully charged. Tesla Superchargers hit $1/min after 10 minutes of full charge. Other networks charge $0.50-$1/min.
• Not having a backup plan. Always have two chargers in mind. If your first choice is full or broken, you need a second nearby.
• Forgetting to unplug. If you don’t end the session, the cable stays locked. You’ll have to call support or wait for someone to reset it.

What’s New in 2026

The public charging landscape changed fast in the last two years.

• NACS is now the standard. Ford, GM, Rivian, Hyundai, and Kia all switched to NACS ports in 2024. Most new chargers now come with NACS as default.
• More free charging. Walmart, Target, and Kroger now offer free Level 2 charging for customers in over 2,000 locations. No purchase needed.
• AI-powered station alerts. Apps now predict when a charger will free up based on usage patterns. Some even notify you when your car is 80% charged so you can move it.
• Charging at gas stations. Chevron, Shell, and 7-Eleven have added DCFCs at over 1,500 locations. You can charge while you buy snacks.

These changes mean you don’t need to plan your entire trip around charging anymore. You can just drive.

What to Do If a Charger Breaks

It happens. A station says it’s available, you plug in, and nothing happens. Don’t panic.

1. Check the app again. Sometimes the status is wrong.
2. Try restarting the charger through the app. Some have a "Reset" button.
3. Look for a phone number on the charger. Most have a support line.
4. If you’re stuck, use PlugShare to find the next closest station. Most apps show alternatives in real time.
5. If you’re on a highway and out of range, call roadside assistance. Most EV warranties include 24/7 towing to the nearest charger.

Keep a portable charger in your trunk. It won’t save you on a long trip, but if you’re stuck in a parking lot with 10 miles left, it can get you to a hotel.

Public charging is no longer a hassle. It’s just part of driving an EV. With the right app, a little planning, and awareness of your car’s limits, you’ll never run out of power again. The network is growing. The tech is smarter. And you’re ready for it.