How to find an EV charger on the road

Are you preparing to purchase an electric vehicle soon, but are worried you might not be able  to find a charging station while on a long trip? Don’t let that stop you: today, we’re going to  cover how to find an EV charger on the road. Let’s start with an app almost everyone knows:  Google Maps. 

Google Maps  

The easiest way to find an EV charger on the road is with Google Maps. Google’s mapping  efforts are probably the strongest nationwide, with updated Street Views (along with historical  data) within the app. 

This also means that Google Maps maintains an extensive, and frequently updated, database  of how to find an EV charger on the road. 

Apple Maps  

While we could have simply said “map apps” in our previous section, we’re specifically  highlighting Apple Maps today for two reasons. First, it’s the default map app within all iOS  devices, and probably the primary app for (quite literally) millions of consumers. 

Based on a very quick comparison between Google and Apple, the former is more likely to  cover rural areas more efficiently. Apple dedicates its mapping efforts to the big cities, and in  our quick spot check, missed a newer charger station in a nearby smaller town. 

We bring it up to say that, if you find yourself in a rural area with no nearby chargers, don’t take  Apple’s word as gospel. There’s a chance Google Maps may be able to show you a charging  station Apple has missed. 

PlugShare  

Both of the two already mentioned mapping maps are an easy way to find an EV charger on  the road. However, what if the station you’re planning to use is down, and it’s the only one in  the area?  

We recognize that this is unlikely, but it’s not outside the realm of possibility. Enter PlugShare, a  user-generated app where EV drivers can let others know about down EV charging stations.  Think of it as GasBuddy for EV owners. For a quick example, Apple Maps simply listed a single  charging station at one of our branch Ohio State locations. PlugShare showed a second on campus location, while also alerting us that one of the two stations was out of order. 

Unlike GasBuddy, PlugShare does not have data on the cost of charging. This brings us to  another way to find an EV charger on the road. 

Your vehicle’s native navigation system  

Like all modern car models, electric vehicles have in-dash navigation systems. Some of these  are proprietary systems, others use third-party integrations. Often, they can help you find the  closest charging station that is optimal for your vehicle brand. Some, such as FordPass, can  give you the cost of charging your EV directly in the app. 

Of note: for most systems, using Apple CarPlay or Google’s Android Auto replaces your in dash system. A significant exception is Tesla, which does not support either. 

Helping to expand our region’s charging footprint  

Of course, EV charging locations are far less common than gas stations. It’s going to take time  to build out the network, which is one of the reasons why we’re so passionate about EV  charging stations. Our team can install a Level 1 or Level 2 charger at your home or business. 

Just let us know you’re interested in having one on your property by sending us a message here or calling us directly at (614) 412-2185.