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The Complete Guide to Charging Your Electric Vehicle on the Road

Electric Vehicles 8 min read

So you've got an electric vehicle, or you're thinking about getting one. Great choice! But one of the first questions everyone asks is: "Where do I charge this thing when I'm not at home?"

Let me break it down for you in the simplest way possible.

The Major Charging Networks

Think of charging networks like gas station brands, except instead of Shell or Chevron, you've got different companies running charging stations across the country.

Tesla Supercharger Network

What it is: Tesla's proprietary charging network, and honestly, it's the gold standard. They've got 25,000+ chargers in North America alone (70,000+ worldwide).

Who can use it: Originally Tesla-only, but as of 2024, Tesla started opening their network to non-Tesla EVs. You'll need the Tesla app and a compatible NACS adapter or visit Magic Dock locations.

Speed: Fast. Really fast. You can get 200+ miles of range in about 15 minutes.

Payment: Through the Tesla app only. No credit card readers at the stations.

Website: tesla.com/supercharger

Electrify America

What it is: The largest open fast-charging network in the U.S., with 5,100+ charging ports at 1,100+ locations.

Who can use it: Any EV with a CCS (Combined Charging System) port, which is most non-Tesla EVs.

Speed: Very fast DC charging, with chargers up to 350kW - comparable to Tesla Superchargers.

Payment: Credit card at the station, or through their app (app is cheaper).

Website: electrifyamerica.com

EVgo

What it is: Major fast charging network with 1,100+ stations in 40+ states, mostly in urban areas and along highways. Powered by 100% renewable energy.

Who can use it: CCS and CHAdeMO compatible vehicles. Rideshare-friendly locations.

Speed: Varies, but mostly fast DC charging.

Payment: Credit card, or through their app with a membership for better rates.

Website: evgo.com

ChargePoint

What it is: The largest network overall with 38,500+ locations, but here's the catch - they don't own the chargers. They provide the software and hardware for businesses and property owners.

Who can use it: Anyone with the right connector (mostly Level 2 and some DC fast charging).

Speed: Mostly slower Level 2 charging (4-8 hours for a full charge), though they do have some DC fast chargers.

Payment: You MUST use the ChargePoint app or RFID card. No credit cards at most stations.

Website: chargepoint.com

Blink Charging

What it is: Growing network with 85,000+ charging ports, offering a mix of Level 2 and DC fast charging.

Who can use it: Any compatible EV.

Speed: Mix of Level 2 (slower) and DC fast charging.

Payment: App, RFID card, or credit card at some locations.

Website: blinkcharging.com

IONNA (New Network)

What it is: Brand new network founded by 8 major automakers, rapidly expanding with 100+ sites already contracted. They call their locations "Rechargeries."

Who can use it: Open to all EVs.

Speed: High-speed DC charging.

Target: Planning 1,000+ chargers across the network.

Website: ionna.com

Other Notable Networks

Shell Recharge: Growing network as part of Shell's expansion into EV charging. shell.com/ev-charging

Rivian Adventure Network: Rivian's proprietary network, now opening to non-Rivian EVs. rivian.com/charging

EV Connect: Platform managing thousands of sites with 3+ million transactions per year. evconnect.com/drivers

How to Pay at Charging Stations

This is where it gets a bit messy, because there's no universal standard yet.

Option 1: Credit Card at the Station

Some stations (like many Electrify America locations) have built-in credit card readers. Just tap your card like you would at a gas pump.

Option 2: Mobile Apps

Most networks want you to use their app. Here's why:

  • It's usually cheaper (member rates vs. guest rates)
  • You can see charger availability before you arrive
  • Some stations ONLY work with the app (looking at you, ChargePoint)

Download these apps before your first road trip:

  • Tesla app (for Superchargers)
  • Electrify America app
  • ChargePoint app
  • EVgo app
  • PlugShare app (more on this below)

Option 3: RFID Cards

Some networks offer physical cards that you tap to start charging. These are becoming less common but are still offered by ChargePoint and a few others.

Option 4: Plug & Charge

This is the future. Some newer EVs (like Ford F-150 Lightning, some Teslas at Superchargers) support Plug & Charge technology. You literally just plug in and the car communicates with the charger to handle payment automatically. No app, no card, nothing.

How to Find Charging Stations

Built-In Car Navigation

Most modern EVs have charging station finders built right into their navigation system. Your car will show you nearby chargers and even tell you if they're available.

Pros: Integrated with your route planning.

Cons: Sometimes the data is outdated.

PlugShare (The Best Overall App)

This is the app every EV driver should have. It's like Waze for charging stations.

What it does:

  • Shows you every charging station from every network
  • Real-time reviews and photos from other EV drivers
  • Tells you if a charger is broken or working
  • Filter by charging speed, network, and connector type
  • Trip planning

Cost: Free (with optional paid features)

Website: plugshare.com

A Better Route Planner (ABRP)

Perfect for road trips.

What it does:

  • Plans your entire route including charging stops
  • Tells you exactly how long to charge at each stop
  • Accounts for weather, elevation, and your driving style
  • Works with most EV models

Cost: Free (with optional paid features)

Website: abetterrouteplanner.com

Other Useful Tools

ChargeHub: Multi-network finder and app. chargehub.com

U.S. Department of Energy Station Locator: Official government database of all public charging stations. afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity-locations

Network-Specific Apps

Each network's app (Tesla, Electrify America, etc.) shows you their chargers and availability in real-time. If you stick with one network, their app is useful for payment and tracking charging sessions.

Google Maps / Apple Maps

Both now show EV charging stations. Google Maps is better at this, showing real-time availability for some networks.

Pros: You already have the app.

Cons: Less detail than dedicated EV apps.

Quick Tips for First-Time EV Road Trippers

  1. Download apps BEFORE you need them. Don't wait until you're at a charger with 5% battery to figure out how to pay.
  2. Plan one extra charging stop. Always have a backup plan. Chargers break, parking spots get ICE'd (blocked by gas cars), or you might arrive with less charge than expected.
  3. Check PlugShare reviews before long drives. If everyone says a station is broken, it's probably broken.
  4. Charging is slower when your battery is hot or very cold. Also, charging slows down significantly after 80%. That's why most road trippers only charge to 80% unless absolutely necessary.
  5. Not all chargers are created equal. A 350kW charger won't necessarily charge faster than a 150kW charger - it depends on what your specific EV can handle.
  6. Member rates save money. If you road trip frequently, paying $4-7/month for an EVgo or Electrify America membership can save you 20-30% on charging costs.
  7. Know your connector type. Not all chargers work with all cars - check if your vehicle uses CCS, CHAdeMO, or NACS (Tesla's connector standard). Most new non-Tesla EVs use CCS.

The Bottom Line

Charging an EV isn't as complicated as it first seems, but it does require a bit more planning than stopping at any random gas station. The infrastructure is rapidly improving, with new chargers being added every week.

My advice? Start with local trips to familiarize yourself with how charging works, download PlugShare, and don't stress too much about it. The EV community is incredibly helpful, and you'll figure out your own rhythm pretty quickly.

Happy charging!