One of the many questions that may circulate in your mind after buying an electric car is how to find vehicle charging stations. Without a charged battery, your car will stay put in Columbus, Ohio. Find Your Ride can help you figure out how to find a charging station, what it costs, and what various stations offer.
Although many drivers choose to charge their electric vehicles (EVs) at home, there may be a chance you need to know where the charging stations are located. Luckily, several online services can help you find out where to go near you or near your current location.
Many apps and websites can guide you to the charging station that’s best for you. Some include PlugShare, Open Charge Map, and ChargeHub and can tell you how crowded a station is at the moment. The largest networks for charging stations that offer services for brands other than Tesla include EVgo, ChargePoint, and Electrify America.
If you want the ideal place to go, one that’s local to you, you may want to check your in-car maps, Apple Maps, and Google Maps. This can give you a large range of stations. The PlugShare app, Plug In America, provides charging station maps and so does the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center.
For drivers looking for a fast-charging station, the Chargeway app can let you know if your car can use this type of station. The color-coded number system will inform you if your car will be able to use it.
Public charging stations provide all types of services for cars. Some offer Level 2 chargers while others provide a DC fast charger. The latter can recharge up to 80 percent of your battery in only 30 minutes while the former can fully recharge in under four hours, so it’s a place where you can top off the charge.
Once you’ve found stations in your area that you prefer, download the apps, so that you’ll know when and where to go. You’ll even be able to reserve a charging station at the place that you like. And you can find out where restrooms and restaurants are located near the charging station.
Charging your EV does resemble gassing up your car although you won’t smell any fumes. It’s easy to plug in your car to the available charger. You may be wondering, however, if you must pay for the charge or if it’s free.
Most charging sessions can be paid for through an app or via your credit card. Every so often, you’ll discover a station where the charge is free. These seamless payment methods can make charging your car a cinch.
The cost of a charging session varies. Some stations charge you by the amount of energy you use or how long you charge your car. When you’ve reached the limit or the set amount, you’ll receive a notification via text or the app. This will nudge you to unplug your EV. Otherwise, you may be responsible for paying more for the additional time or energy.
After purchasing an EV, you’ll need to know how to find vehicle charging stations around Columbus, OH. Check out this guide, so you’ll know what to expect and where to go. And if you’re in the market for an EV, shop for one at Find Your Ride.
