How to Use a Public EV Charger - Essential Guide

Start by using a smartphone app or your car’s navigation system to find the nearest EV charging station. Many public charging networks, including ChargePoint, Electrify America, EVgo, FLO, and Blink, have charging apps that show charger type, available stalls, pricing, charging rate, connector type, and whether the station offers fast charging or Level 2 charging.

Apps like PlugShare and Google Maps can also help you locate public stations in parking lots, shopping centers, company parking lots, and company workplace charging areas.

2. Confirm connector compatibility

Before starting a charging session, make sure the charger uses a connector that fits your electric vehicle. Today’s most common connector standards include:

• J1772 — Standard for Level 1 and Level 2 public charging

• CCS Connector (Combined Charging System) — The most common DC fast charging connector for non-Tesla electric cars; CCS connectors are a family of fast-charging connectors used by many automakers

• CHAdeMO — Used by older Nissan LEAF models

• Tesla Connector (NACS) — Standard on Tesla vehicles and becoming universal across automakers

If your EV needs an adapter, Lectron makes industry-leading options like the Tesla (NACS) to J1772 Adapter (48A or 80A) for J1772 drivers who want to charge at Tesla Destination Chargers, and the Lectron NACS to CCS Adapter (Vortex Plug) for CCS EVs that have Supercharger network access. These adapters greatly expand your access to public charging infrastructure and make it simpler to charge your EV during a road trip or long trips.

3. Park and prepare the vehicle

Pull into the designated EV charging spot, making sure the charging cable will reach your EV’s charge port. EV charge ports are often located on the front fender, rear quarter panel, or front grille. Open your port using a button on your vehicle or via the touchscreen.

4. Connect the charging cable

Some public chargers have built-in charging cables, especially DC fast chargers and rapid chargers. Others require you to bring your own cable, most commonly, a J1772 cable for Level 2 charging. If you need your own cable, make sure you’re carrying one, as many EV owners keep one in the trunk.

For at-home charging or travel, portable Level 1 or Level 2 EV chargers are excellent to keep in your vehicle. They also allow you to simply plug into a standard outlet or a NEMA 14-50 outlet when public stations are unavailable. Plugging your EV into a standard socket enables basic charging, though it is slower and may not be as safe as using a dedicated charging station.

5. Authenticate and pay

Most public chargers require authentication before you can charge. Most charging stations require payment via a network's app, RFID card, or credit/debit card. You can:

• Use a smartphone app (charging app) from the charging network

• Tap an RFID card or key fob

• Pay directly using a credit or debit card on chargers with tap-to-pay support

Each charging network sets its own pricing model—per kilowatt hour, per minute, or a flat fee. Some networks offer monthly memberships that reduce cost. It’s always worth checking the charger’s screen or app before starting the session.

6. Start charging

Once authenticated, press the “Start Charging” button on the station or in your mobile app. The charger will handshake with your vehicle to determine charger type, charging levels, and the maximum charging rate your car can safely accept.

You’ll see charging speed displayed in kW and energy added in kilowatt hours. DC fast chargers and Level 2 chargers show different speeds. Fast chargers may deliver 50–350 kW, while Level 2 chargers typically range between 6–19 kW. Chargers with more power can deliver faster charging, provided your vehicle is capable of accepting higher charging rates. Charging slows down significantly after 80% to protect the battery.

7. Monitor the charging session

You can track your charging session using:

• Your EV’s dashboard

• The display on the public charger

• The charging network’s app

Monitoring helps you avoid staying longer than needed. Public EV charging stations can become busy, and it’s considerate to move your car promptly after charging.

8. End the session and unplug

Stop the charging session on the charger or in the app, wait for the connector to unlock, unplug, return the cable to its holster, and move your car to free the public charger for others.

Where You Can Charge an Electric Car: Home, Work, and Public Locations

EV charging is more flexible than gas fueling because you can charge your EV almost anywhere electricity is available. You can charge your electric vehicle at home, at work, or at public locations, and it's important to select the right charger for your needs. Your EV will always use direct current (DC) to store energy in its battery, but Level 1 and 2 chargers provide alternating current (AC).

1. Home charging

Most EV owners rely on at-home charging because it’s cost-effective and convenient. Charging your EV overnight at home is especially convenient and cost-effective, allowing you to wake up to a full battery every morning. You can simply plug into a standard outlet using a portable Level 1 charger. For faster charging, Level 2 chargers like the Lectron V-BOX Pro (J1772 or Tesla versions) deliver up to 48 amps of power.

2. Workplace charging

Many EV drivers use workplace charging when available. Company parking lots often have Level 2 chargers, letting you top off while you work. It makes sense for long workdays or when home charging isn’t accessible.

3. Retail and hospitality

Shopping centers, malls, grocery stores, hotels, restaurants, and movie theaters now offer public charging stations. This “opportunistic charging” lets your car charge while you shop, dine, or relax.

4. Gas stations and highway corridors

Unlike gas stations of the past, many now offer DC fast charging stations specifically for EV drivers. A fast charging station is a high-power charging point that can quickly recharge an electric vehicle, making it ideal for long-distance travel and reducing wait times on the road. These fast chargers make long-distance electric travel easier and more convenient.

5. Public charging in parking lots and garages

Curbside chargers and municipal parking areas often offer Level 2 chargers. These are widely accessible and easy to use with a charging card or mobile app.

EV Charging Levels Explained: Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging

Understanding EV charging levels is essential for electric vehicle owners, whether you’re a daily commuter or planning long road trips. Knowing the differences between Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging helps you choose the right charger based on your driving habits, vehicle, and access to charging infrastructure.

Level 1 Charging: Slow but Simple

Level 1 charging uses a standard 120V household outlet, making it the simplest and most accessible charging method. While charging is slower—typically adding 3–5 miles of range per hour—it is ideal for overnight home charging or emergency situations. Level 1 charging uses a standard home outlet and provides about 2.3 kilowatts (kW) of power.

Lectron’s Level 1 portable chargers include:

• Lectron Portable Level 1 Tesla EV Charger (Wi-Fi)

• Lectron Portable Level 1 J1772 EV Charger (Wi-Fi)

• Lectron Portable Level 1 J1772 Charger (15A)

• Lectron Portable Level 1 Tesla Charger (15A)

These portable chargers are perfect for:

• Home use without installing a dedicated wall box

• Travel, keeping a backup charger in your car

• Emergency charging if you get stranded without access to higher-speed chargers

Level 1 chargers are lightweight, plug directly into a standard outlet, and often come with Wi-Fi or app connectivity to schedule charging or monitor progress.

Level 2 Charging: Faster, Efficient, and Versatile

Level 2 charging operates on 240V and provides much faster charging than Level 1. Depending on the charger and vehicle, Level 2 can deliver between 6–19 kW, adding roughly 20–60 miles of range per hour. Level 2 charging uses a dedicated EV charging station and can draw anywhere from 7.4 to 22 kW of power. Level 2 chargers are widely used at public charging stations, workplaces, and for home installation.

Lectron’s Level 2 offerings include:

• Lectron Portable Level 2 J1772 Charger (40A)

• Lectron Portable Level 2 Tesla Charger (40A)

• Lectron V-BOX Pro Level 2 J1772 Charging Station

• Lectron V-BOX Pro Level 2 NACS/Tesla Charging Station

Level 2 chargers are ideal for:

• Homeowners who want faster overnight charging

• Daily commuters who need reliable, high-speed charging

• EV owners seeking advanced features like scheduling, real-time monitoring, and adjustable amperage

Level 2 chargers combine convenience with power, making them the most common choice for EV owners with access to a dedicated charging station.

DC Fast Charging: Rapid Power for Road Trips

DC fast charging (sometimes called DCFC or rapid charging) delivers direct current straight to the EV battery, bypassing the vehicle’s onboard charger for maximum speed. These chargers can range from 50 kW to over 400 kW, replenishing battery levels quickly and efficiently. Level 3 charging stations, also known as DC fast chargers, can charge an EV rapidly by feeding direct current into the battery.

DC fast chargers are ideal for:

• Long road trips where speed is essential

• Quick top-ups during busy days

• Drivers without access to home charging

Most modern EVs use CCS (Combined Charging System) for DC fast charging, while Tesla vehicles rely on the NACS connector. With adapters like the Lectron CCS-to-Tesla (NACS) or NACS to CCS, Tesla and non-Tesla drivers can expand their fast charging options dramatically. Level 3 chargers require an external converter to transform AC power into DC power for charging.

EV Charging Connectors and Plug Types

Understanding your EV’s connector type is essential when using public charging stations, as not all connectors are compatible with every electric vehicle. Choosing the right connector ensures safe and efficient charging and expands the number of stations you can use. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

• J1772 – This is the standard AC connector for most North American EVs, excluding Tesla. It supports Level 1 and Level 2 charging and is commonly found at home and public charging stations. Most non-Tesla EVs, such as the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt, use J1772.

• Tesla Connector / NACS (North American Charging Standard) – Tesla vehicles use this proprietary connector for AC and DC charging. With Tesla’s recent opening of NACS to other manufacturers, more EVs are adopting it, allowing broader compatibility with Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network.

• CCS (Combined Charging System) – CCS is the most widely used standard for DC fast charging in North America and Europe. It combines an AC connector with two additional DC pins for rapid charging. Many modern EVs, including Ford, Volkswagen, and BMW models, rely on CCS for high-speed charging.

• CHAdeMO – An older DC fast charging standard, still used by some EVs such as early Nissan Leafs and Mitsubishi i-MiEV models. While less common today, CHAdeMO chargers remain available at certain public stations.

To maximize accessibility, Lectron provides adapters for every major charging standard. For example, Tesla owners can use a Tesla-to-J1772 adapter to charge at standard AC stations, or a CCS-to-NACS adapter to access DC fast chargers. These adapters unlock thousands of public charging options, giving drivers flexibility on long trips or in regions with limited Tesla chargers.

Why Charging Speed Varies

Charging speed is not always consistent and can depend on several factors:

1. Maximum power your EV can accept – Every vehicle has a limit to how much electricity it can draw safely. A high-output charger will not necessarily charge faster if the EV cannot accept the full power.

2. Output capacity of the charger – Public chargers vary in speed, from Level 2 chargers at 7–19 kW to DC fast chargers exceeding 250 kW.

3. Battery temperature – Cold or extremely hot battery conditions can slow charging to protect the battery from damage. The car's battery is sensitive to temperature, and charging performance may decrease in extreme weather to maintain battery health.

4. Number of EVs sharing a public charger – Some stations split power between multiple vehicles, reducing charging speed for each.

5. Battery charge level – Charging generally slows after 80% capacity to prolong battery lifespan. This is especially true for DC fast chargers. The battery management system may adjust charges during this phase to protect the battery and ensure optimal performance.

6. Vehicle systems running simultaneously – Using HVAC or other high-power systems while charging can slightly reduce charging efficiency.

7. Battery age and condition – Older batteries may not accept power as quickly as new ones, resulting in slower charge times. The health and capacity of the EV's battery directly impact how quickly it can be charged.

Understanding these factors helps set realistic expectations for charging duration, especially when planning trips using DC fast chargers or relying on public infrastructure.

Charging Networks

Charging networks are the backbone of public EV charging, connecting EV drivers with thousands of charging stations across the country. These networks, such as ChargePoint, EVgo, and Electrify America, make it easy to find, access, and pay for charging sessions at public EV charging stations. Most charging networks offer a dedicated smartphone app that lets you locate nearby charging stations, check real-time availability, view pricing, and even start charging with just a few taps.

When you arrive at a charging station, you can typically pay directly using a credit or debit card, or use the network’s app to authenticate and begin your charging session. Some networks also offer RFID cards for quick tap-and-go access. For frequent users, monthly fee plans can provide cost savings and added convenience. To start charging, simply plug your EV into the charging station, select your preferred payment method, and follow the prompts to begin your session. You may need to create an account with a charging network in advance, which typically involves adding a credit card for payment. Charging networks streamline the process, making public EV charging accessible and hassle-free for all EV drivers.

Paying at Public Charging Stations

Paying for EV charging is now simpler and more versatile than ever. Public stations offer multiple payment options:

• Charging apps – Networks like ChargePoint, EVgo, and Electrify America allow users to start sessions, monitor charging, and pay directly from the app.

• RFID cards – Quick access cards linked to your account can initiate a session with a simple tap.

• Credit or debit cards – Some stations allow direct payment without prior registration, making one-off charging convenient.

• Membership programs – Certain networks offer monthly subscriptions that reduce the cost per kWh or provide unlimited charging at specific stations.

Before starting a session, always check the station’s pricing, as rates vary based on charger type, location, and time of day. DC fast chargers often have premium rates due to higher power consumption and rapid charging speed.

Charging Safety Tips Every EV Driver Should Know

Safety is paramount when charging an EV. Follow these precautions to protect yourself, your vehicle, and your equipment:

• Never use extension cords – EV chargers are high-powered devices; extension cords can overheat and pose a fire risk.

• Hire a licensed electrician – For home installations, ensure a professional sets up your Level 2 wall box to meet local electrical codes.

• Store charging cables properly – Avoid kinks, tangles, or exposure to the elements to prolong cable life.

• Avoid touching connectors with wet hands – Moisture can cause electrical hazards.

• Keep children and pets away – Charging stations carry high voltage; accidents can be dangerous.

• Use certified chargers and adapters – Only UL or ETL certified products, like Lectron chargers, guarantee built-in safety features such as overcurrent and overvoltage protection.

Charging Etiquette: Being a Responsible EV Driver

Good EV etiquette helps everyone enjoy smooth charging experiences:

• Move your car promptly – Once your vehicle is fully charged, vacate the stall for other drivers.

• Never unplug another vehicle – Always respect other drivers’ sessions.

• Avoid occupying DC fast chargers for minor top-ups – These stalls are intended for quick charging, not long-term parking.

• Keep the area clean and organized – Dispose of trash and maintain tidy cable management.

• Wrap and holster cables properly – Prevent damage and trip hazards.

• Respect posted time limits – Many stations enforce maximum charging durations to ensure fair access.

Practicing these habits fosters a positive and cooperative EV charging community.

Charging Costs: What to Expect

Charging costs vary based on charger type, location, and time of day:

• Home charging – Most cost-effective; a full Level 1 or Level 2 charge usually costs only a few dollars.

• Level 2 public charging – Slightly higher but reasonable; convenient for daily commuting.

• DC fast charging – Higher rates due to greater power output and rapid charging.

Many workplaces, shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants offer free charging for employees or patrons, making it a valuable perk for EV drivers.

Troubleshooting Common Charging Issues

Even with modern chargers, occasional problems can arise. Here’s how to handle them:

• Charger won’t start → Reinsert the connector, check authentication via app, or reset the charger if necessary.

• Slow charging → Could be due to shared power, extreme temperatures, or a high battery percentage.

• Connector stuck → Always end the session fully in the app before unplugging. For stubborn connectors, gently wiggle without forcing.

• Station offline → Switch to another charger within the same network or use a portable charger as backup.

FAQs

• How much does it cost to use public EV chargers near me?

  Public charging costs vary by charger type, location, and time of day. Level 2 chargers are moderate, while DC fast chargers are premium. Some workplaces, hotels, or shopping centers offer free charging for employees or customers.

• How can I troubleshoot issues with a public EV charging station?

  Try reinserting the connector, checking app authentication, or ending the session fully. Slow charging may result from a high battery level, shared power, or cold temperatures. If the station is offline, use another nearby charger or a portable backup charger.

• What are the best apps to find public EV charging stations?

  Popular apps include PlugShare, ChargePoint, EVgo, Electrify America, and Tesla’s Supercharger app. They provide station locations, availability, pricing, connector type, and real-time status for efficient trip planning.

• Do I need a membership or special payment method to use public EV chargers?

  Some networks require accounts or RFID cards, but many allow credit/debit card payment or in-app billing. Memberships may reduce costs or offer unlimited charging options. Always check pricing before starting a session.

• What safety precautions should I take when using a public EV charger?

  Use certified chargers, avoid extension cords, store cables properly, and keep connectors dry. Keep children and pets away, and do not unplug other vehicles. Follow posted instructions and respect time limits for safe, responsible charging.