What Are The Different Types of EV Chaging Stations?

Use this Charging Station Guide To identify Different Chargings Stations near you!

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are the future of automotive transportation. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, electric vehicles emit up to 90% less pollution than gasoline-powered cars.

With gas prices continuing to rise and concerns over greenhouse gas emissions, more consumers are moving toward electric vehicles. Leading automotive manufacturers like Tesla, Chevrolet, Nissan, and Toyota already make attractive electric vehicles for consumers. And several airlines including Air Canada, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic are rolling out electric passenger airline buses.

As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) grows, so does the need for public places to charge them. If you own an EV, you probably know the struggle of finding a charger to use at work or while shopping.

Many businesses have heard the call for more charging stations and have responded by installing them for public use. Here are four excellent ways to fuel up your EV while you’re on the go.

Hotel Charging Stations

Hotels understand the need for EV charging and are responding – especially since the launch of Airbnb-style accommodations based on sustainability and green living.

Many hotels already have charging stations for guests inside the hotel itself (often in a central atrium, where the cord can be run out of sight, or in a designated parking spot near an outlet). But now, many are setting up charging stations outside their doors, too, so guests with electric cars don’t have to enter the building to refuel.

Click here for a list of hotel charging stations.

Free Public Charging Stations

Many communities have set up public charging stations to help electric car owners. These may be free or require a fee. If fees are applied, they are generally much less than at commercial charging stations. To find local public charging stations in your area, do a web search for “electric vehicle charging stations” and the name of your city or county.

Some apartment buildings also offer tenants free parking and charging access in a designated garage. While these are not generally available to the public, you can ask your real estate agent if it’s an option in a prospective rental property.

Free public charging stations are becoming more and more available but they are often occupied for hours at a time. And while most car manufacturers offer at least a free home charger with your purchase, having the car parked at your house while you’re not there for even a fraction of each day is not ideal.

The best locations have a convenient location adjacent to a park or public area where people are already hanging out. Other great locations include adjacent to a music stage or other event.

Click here for a list of free charging stations.

Paid EV Charging Stations

There are also a number of paid charging stations that you may use to charge your electric car. As the electricity is usually provided over a cable, the charging time is a bit longer for Level 2 charging.

Like level 2 chargers, paid level 3 chargers vary in power from 50 to 120+ kW. So make sure you don’t plug in your electric car to a level 3 charger that has more power than your vehicle can handle.

While a level 2 50-60A charger will cost you around $6 to $10, a level 3 charger can cost anywhere between $20 to $60 or more. While this might seem like a steep price, it could save you from damaging your car’s battery and wiring.

Click here for a map of Paid EV Charging Stations.