Public Charging Tips: Making the Most of Away-From-Home Charging

Public EV charging has gotten complicated with all the networks, pricing structures, and etiquette expectations flying around. As someone who uses public chargers regularly for road trips and errands, I learned everything there is to know about making public charging work smoothly. Today, I will share it all with you.

Plan Ahead

Probably should have led with this section, honestly—public charging requires more planning than gas stations:

• Download PlugShare and network apps before you need them
• Check charger availability before arriving
• Have backup options—chargers break or get occupied
• Know your car’s charging speed limits

Network Essentials

That’s what makes having multiple apps endearing to us road-trippers—different networks serve different areas:

• ChargePoint: Largest Level 2 network
• Electrify America: Fast charging corridors
• EVgo: Urban fast charging
• Tesla Superchargers: Tesla vehicles (expanding)

Etiquette Basics

• Move your car when charging completes
• Don’t unplug other vehicles
• Don’t ICE (block chargers with gas cars)
• Report broken equipment

Public charging supplements home charging well. For daily needs, home charging is more convenient—save public stations for road trips and emergencies.