How to Charge Your Electric Vehicle When You're on the Go

Do you suffer from range anxiety? The fear of depleting your battery and getting stranded on the road is one of the top concerns that keeps people from buying electric vehicles (EV). But thanks to improving EV technology and the growing number of public charging stations, you can travel farther than ever with confidence. Here’s what you need to know about charging your electric car while you’re on the road.

There’s one thing you never see at conventional gas stations: free gas. But EV drivers can find lots of places to recharge for free. Many stores and shopping centers provide complimentary charging stations for customers, and some libraries, schools and government locations offer free charging, as well.

A growing number of employers are installing EV charging stations in their parking lots and garages. EV charging is viewed as an attractive perk when hiring top talent. The businesses may also receive state or federal tax credits to do so.

Many public chargers are operated by private companies, including a few national networks of charging stations. Typically, you create an account with the network and use a smartphone app or membership card at the stations. Rates vary by station — and even by season or time of day, with higher rates during peak hours. Some networks charge a monthly fee in addition to usage rates.

Most public stations provide Level 2 charging, using a standard "J plug." This is the same 240-volt connection you might install in your home garage. You’ll also find 480-volt "Fast Charging" stations, which can top off your battery in less than an hour. But finding the right station is a little more complicated. There are three types of Fast Charging connections used by different carmakers, and they are not compatible with each other. Smartphone apps can help you find the right Fast Charging station for your car.

Charging stations aren’t as plentiful as gas stations. But it’s not hard to track down a charger when you need one. There are several smartphone apps that can help you find the nearest stations, along with real-time updates about how many ports are available and how much they cost. Some EVs include this info on their in-car navigation screens.

Most new electric cars can travel more than 150 miles on a single charge, which is far more than the average American drives every day. Along the way, you'll find more than 21,000 public charging stations, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. You can put your range anxiety to rest. It's easier than ever to "fill up" your EV while you're on the go.