As electric vehicles (EVs) have gained immense popularity in recent years, the importance of the number and quality of public charging stations has never been more critical. When going on a road trip or even running errands, knowing how to choose the best public charging stations for your electric vehicle can greatly influence your EV driving experience. To take the load, we have discussed key factors in this article that should be taken into account when choosing public charging stations so that you get the most out of every charge.
Why Public Charging Stations Matter
Even though charging at home is very convenient, public charging stations are the primary means for drivers who want to extend the range of their EVs on longer trips or when they are away from home. Choosing the right charging station can save you time, minimize your costs, and maximize your EV’s charge speed and efficiency. Knowing the factors that determine the best charging station for you will help you to make wise choices. Go through this link for more information about public charging Importance.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Public Charging Stations
Public charging stations are not the same. Here are some considerations when picking the best public charging stations for your electric vehicle:
1) Location and Accessibility
The location of the charger is one of the factors to consider most. Always look for stations that are situated along your frequent routes such as highways, nearby shopping areas, or downtown areas. Plus, the accessibility of the station should also be examined. Is it hard to find? Are the spots all occupied? Is it too crowded? You could also use applications like PlugShare or ChargePoint which offer the mapping of charging stations with the real-time availability information.
2) Charging Speed
To get it right, you need to think about the total charging speed as the first thing, especially if you’re in a hurry. Charging stations all over the country offer wide-ranging charging speeds, from Level 2 chargers that take some time to charge the battery to the super-fast DC options that you can use to charge in a short time. On a long journey, you’d likely wish to find such a DC fast charger as the quickest way to charge and continue your trip. But, if you plan to make a longer stop, such as shopping or dining, you could perhaps make use of the Level 2 charger.
3) Network Compatibility
Every charging network has different services, and it is not true that all networks work with all electric cars. You should check which networks your car is able to use, along with the charging stations that are part of those networks, before you embark on your journey. Networks like Tesla Supercharger, ChargePoint, and EVgo behave in different ways. Importantly, please ensure that your vehicle is compatible with the stations you plan to use. PlugShare has a detailed map of charging stations that are compatible.
Cost and Payment Options
The price of using public charging stations can differ greatly based on the network used, the position, and the charging speed. The following are things you should know about costs and payment options:
1) Pricing Models
Public charging stations usually charge by the kilowatt-hour (kWh), by the minute, or with a fixed session fee. Some locations may provide free charging, although these are becoming rare. All and all make sure to take a look at the pricing model before plugging in, especially in the case of fast chargers, as these can sometimes cost more. The help of a network-specific application can serve the most economical alternatives coming your way and manage the charging costs you have incurred.
2) Payment Methods
Various payment methods are accepted by almost all public charging stations. The public charging stations include credit cards and mobile payment apps and radio-frequency identification cards used by specific companies. Network programs, like ChargePoint, allow payment through linked apps. You must verify that the payment method you specified is the correct one before going to the charging station in order to prevent any delays.
3) Membership Benefits
For membership programs, many charging networks, like public charging programs, offer some membership benefits, such as discounted rates, access to premium charging spots, or free sessions of charging. Sign-up costs may be justified if you frequently use public charging stations. Referring to the various membership options provided by your chosen networks would provide such benefits that can meet your charging requirements.
Reliability and Maintenance
An important factor in charging station selection is station reliability. The following methods can ensure that the source of the charging stations is credibility and can provide reliable charging:
1) Station Upkeep
A charging station that has not received proper maintenance is less likely to be out of service and thus to be truly reliable. Check for any recent reviews, comments, or ratings on applications such as PlugShare from other users if they noted any problems at the station. It is possible to consider a station serviced regularly and the software upgrade provided in such a manner that it is used more frequently by its customers as having a good reputation.
2) Availability of Support
If at any point you have difficulties charging, it is essential to know that there is a way to get assistance. Choose the stations of providers with a help desk that can really help you if any problem occurs. To quickly resolve issues some networks provide support round the clock, either from the phone or through their app.
3) Redundancy and Backup Options
It is always an excellent idea to act as a backup in case the desired charging station is out of service or full. Identify the alternative stations along your route or close to your destination. Having multiple options reduces the stress of finding a working charger and ensures you are never stranded without power.
Planning Ahead: Tips for a Smooth Charging Experience
Planning is essential to have a smooth and stress-free charging experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of public charging stations:
1) Use Charging Apps for Real-Time Information
Apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, and EVgo offer real-time information on charging station availability, pricing, and location. These apps help you map your route, find the charging stations that best suit your charging needs, and sometimes book a place. Using these tools can save time and guarantee a smoother charging experience.
2) Plan Charging Stops During Long Trips
When going for a long trip, it is essential to plan your charging stops beforehand. Identify stations along your route that you can use to charge during lunch breaks or other extended stops. Planning your stops ahead of time ensures you do not run out of battery power and can keep your trip on schedule.
3) Consider Charging During Off-Peak Hours
If possible, do everything you can to charge during the off-peak hours when stations are less crowded. This can reduce the times one has to wait and guarantee the quickest chargers would be available for your use. Also, a few stations may provide lower prices in the off-peak hours, thus helping you save on charging expenditure.
Conclusion
Finding the best public charging stations for your EV requires taking a lot of factors into account such as charging speed, price, network compatibility, reliability, or location. If you take a look at the right tools and create your route, whether it’s your daily commute or a journey across the United States, you’ll be able to charge your car smoothly and efficiently. The recent advancement of public charging facilities makes driving electric cars as simple as driving a gas-powered car.
You can access further information on charging your EV by downloading a free copy of our home EV charger installation guide.