Thinking about switching to an electric vehicle (EV)? One of the biggest questions is: how do you charge it? Not everyone can plug in at home, but public chargers make EV ownership a practical option. Knowing how charging works, where to find stations, and how to pay helps make everyday driving, and even long road trips, a breeze.
In this guide, we’ll break down the basics: public vs. private charging, the types of chargers you’ll encounter, and the software that keeps everything running smoothly.
Understanding EV charging
Before you start charging, it helps to understand the two main types of chargers you’ll come across: private and public.
Private chargers are the ones you’ll find at home, in a privately owned garage, or at work. They’re reserved for residents, employees, or customers, and are built for convenience – letting you plug in overnight or during the workday without going out of your way to find a charger.
Public chargers, on the other hand, are open to everyone to use. You’ll see them at malls, parking lots, municipal buildings, curbside spots, and highway rest stops. A quick way to tell if a charger is public is to check an app like PlugShare, ChargeHub, or the ChargeLab app. If it appears there, it’s available for all drivers to use.
Certain locations, including hotels, condos, universities, or museums, might fall into either category depending on how they’ve set things up. For example, a hotel may offer charging only to guests (making it private) or to anyone visiting the property (making it public). The same goes for apartment buildings or workplaces that extend access beyond residents or employees. Ultimately, it depends on how the property owner has designated the charger and how it appears on a shared map or charging app.
No matter where you plug in, public chargers make driving an EV more accessible, letting you travel further without worrying about where to find your next charge.
Charger types
Most public chargers fall into two categories: Level 2 and DC fast chargers (often referred to as DCFCs or Level 3). Each one fits a different need, depending on how fast you want to charge.
Level 2 chargers are the most common. You’ll usually find them at parking lots, hotels, and shopping centers. They use a 240-volt connection, delivering around 7–10 kW of power – enough to add roughly 20–40 miles of range per hour. They’re perfect for longer stops, like running errands or staying somewhere overnight.
DCFCs are all about speed. Found along highways and in high-traffic areas, they can take your battery from low to about 80% in a short time, using anywhere from 150–350 kW of power. Many drivers follow the “80% rule” as a guideline – charging slows down after that point, and staying between 20% and 80% helps save time and reduce battery wear.
Knowing which type of charger you’re using helps you plan your stops efficiently, whether you’re topping up or taking a longer break.
Using public EV chargers
Charging in public is easier than it looks. Here’s a few key things to keep in mind:
- Connector types: Most Level 2 chargers use the standard J1772 connector, which works with nearly every EV. DCFCs usually use a CCS connector, while a few older models still rely on CHAdeMO. Tesla has its own connector, but adapters make it easy to charge almost anywhere. Always double-check that the charger matches your car or you have the necessary adaptor before you stop.
- Bring your cable: Some Level 2 stations ask you to use your own cable, while most DCFCs have one built in. Keeping a cable in your trunk gives you more flexibility.
- Plug in, authenticate, and pay: Follow the on-screen or in-app instructions to start charging. If you don’t have your app already installed, a QR code will bring you to the web app, keeping things quick and simple. Pricing structure varies – by kWh, by minute, membership, or even free – but ChargeLab keeps things simple by letting you store payment info in the app (credit card, Apple Pay) or use an RFID card. Pricing is set by the site host and can vary by time of day, with it being more expensive to charge during peak demand periods when energy costs are more expensive.
- Monitor your charge: Keep an eye on your battery through your EV’s app or the charger’s app. It’s best to unplug around 80% for faster, more efficient charging. Plus, you’ll be back on the road sooner.
- Charge responsibly: When you’re done, unplug and move your car. Don’t park in a charging spot unless you’re actively charging, and watch for time limits or idle fees. It keeps things fair (and friendly) for everyone.
Behind the scenes, smart software keeps chargers connected, communicating, and reliable. Using chargers on the ChargeLab network will give you a consistent simplified experience for starting and paying for a charge, taking the stress out of figuring out how to use new charging stations.
Powering the future of public charging
Public charging infrastructure is growing fast, making EVs a viable option for more drivers – whether you’re commuting, road-tripping, or living in an apartment without home charging.
Here’s what’s driving the future:
- Faster chargers: Higher-power DCFCs (350 kW+) are helping you get back on the road quicker.
- Wider access: Expect more curbside chargers, better coverage in underserved areas, and more stations at apartments, retail spots, and public spaces.
- Smarter energy use: Networks are integrating renewable energy, battery storage, and load management to cut costs and emissions.
- Simpler experience: Better software is making it easier than ever to find, plug in, and pay.
ChargeLab is at the center of this growth, powering networks, supporting flexible payment options, and making public charging reliable, convenient, and ready for the future.
In summary
Available public charging is what makes EV ownership work for everyone. Once you know where to charge, which connector to use, and how to pay, it all clicks into place. And as infrastructure continues to grow, hitting the road in an EV is becoming easier and more reliable every year.
With ChargeLab’s smart software powering things behind the scenes, public charging isn’t just convenient, it’s a seamless part of everyday driving.
