Introduction
Planning a long trip with your electric vehicle?
You’re probably wondering where to find the best locations for public EV charging stations.
The fear of running out of juice is real.
But don’t sweat it—I’ve got your back.
This guide will show you the top spots to charge up on your journey.
From highways to hidden gems, you’ll know exactly where to plug in.
Let’s make your road trip smooth, stress-free, and fully charged!
Why Finding Public EV Charging Stations Matters
Long trips mean you need reliable charging spots.
Without them, you’re stuck, stressing about your battery.
Public EV charging stations keep your trip on track.
They’re your lifeline for cross-country adventures.
Knowing the best locations saves time and headaches.
Plus, it makes driving electric feel as easy as gas.
Let’s dive into where to find these stations for your next big drive.
The Rise of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) are everywhere now.
More people are ditching gas for electric.
In 2024, over 3 million EVs were sold in the U.S. alone.
That’s a 40% jump from 2023!
With more EVs on the road, charging stations are popping up fast.
But not all are created equal.
You need to know the best spots for long-distance travel.
Top Locations for Public EV Charging Stations
Finding the right charging stations is key for long trips.
Here’s where to look, broken down so you can plan like a pro.
1. Highway Rest Stops
Highway rest stops are gold for EV drivers.
They’re built for quick pit stops, and many now have chargers.
Look for major routes like I-95 or I-80.
These spots often have fast chargers (Level 3 DC).
You can juice up in 20-30 minutes.
Plus, they’ve got bathrooms and snacks nearby.
It’s a win-win for road warriors.
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Why it works: Rest stops are spaced every 50-100 miles.
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Pro tip: Use apps like PlugShare to find the busiest routes with chargers.
2. Shopping Malls and Retail Centers
Shopping malls are charging station hotspots.
Big retailers like Walmart and Target often have them.
You can charge while grabbing a coffee or shopping.
Many offer free Level 2 chargers (4-8 hours for a full charge).
They’re perfect for a longer break on your trip.
Look for malls near major highways for easy access.
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Fun fact: Over 60% of U.S. malls have EV chargers in 2025.
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Bonus: Some chargers are free to attract shoppers.
3. Gas Stations with EV Chargers
Gas stations are stepping up their game.
Chains like Sheetz and BP are adding EV chargers.
They’re often on major travel corridors.
You’ll find fast chargers here for quick top-ups.
It’s ironic—gas stations saving EV drivers!
But it makes sense for long trips.
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Stat: 25% of U.S. gas stations had EV chargers by late 2024.
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Hack: Look for stations with 24/7 access for late-night drives.
4. Hotels and Motels
Planning an overnight stop?
Many hotels now offer EV charging.
Chains like Marriott and Hilton are leading the way.
You can charge while you sleep.
Level 2 chargers are common, giving you a full battery by morning.
Some hotels even offer free charging for guests.
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Key stat: 40% of U.S. hotels have EV chargers in 2025.
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Tip: Book hotels with chargers in advance to secure a spot.
5. Public Parks and Recreation Areas
National parks and recreation areas are joining the EV party.
Places like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon have chargers.
They’re great for scenic long trips.
Most offer Level 2 chargers, so plan for a longer stop.
You can explore nature while your car charges.
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Cool fact: The National Park Service added 500+ chargers in 2024.
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Advice: Check park websites for charger locations before you go.
How to Find the Best EV Charging Stations
Knowing where to look is half the battle.
Here’s how to track down the best public EV charging stations.
Use EV Charging Apps
Apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, and Electrify America are lifesavers.
They show real-time charger availability.
You can filter by charger type (Level 2 or DC fast).
User reviews tell you if a station is reliable.
Download these before your trip.
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Why it’s great: Apps update live, so you avoid broken chargers.
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Pro move: Save your favorite stations for quick access.
Plan Your Route
Map your trip with charging stops in mind.
Tools like A Better Route planner (ABR) are perfect.
They calculate your range and suggest stops.
You’ll know exactly where to charge and how long it’ll take.
This keeps your trip stress-free.
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Stat: 80% of EV drivers use route planners for long trips.
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Hack: Add buffer stops in case a charger is busy.
Check Charger Networks
Big networks like Tesla Superchargers and Electrify America dominate.
Tesla’s network is open to non-Tesla EVs now.
Electrify America has over 900 stations nationwide.
These are usually fast and reliable.
Sign up for their apps to pay easily.
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Key fact: Electrify America plans 1,200 stations by 2026.
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Tip: Compare network prices to save on charging costs.
Featured Snippet: What Are the Best Locations for Public EV Charging Stations?
The best locations for public EV charging stations for long trips include:
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Highway rest stops: Fast chargers every 50-100 miles.
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Shopping malls: Free Level 2 chargers at places like Walmart.
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Gas stations: Chains like BP offer quick EV top-ups.
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Hotels: Charge overnight at Marriott or Hilton.
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Public parks: Scenic stops like Yosemite have chargers.
Use apps like Plug Share to find them easily.
Interesting Facts About EV Charging Stations
EV charging is more than just plugging in.
Here are some cool tidbits to know.
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Solar-powered chargers: Some stations run on 100% solar energy.
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Charger growth: The U.S. added 10,000 public chargers in 2024.
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Free charging: 15% of public chargers don’t cost a dime.
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Fast charger speed: Level 3 chargers can hit 80% in 20 minutes.
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Future tech: Wireless EV charging is being tested in 2025.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t mess up your trip with these rookie moves.
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Not checking charger status: Always verify chargers work via apps.
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Ignoring range limits: Don’t push your battery too far.
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Skipping backups: Have a Plan B if a station is full.
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Forgetting cables: Some stations require your own cable.
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Not budgeting time: Fast chargers still take 20-30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions about public EV charging stations for long trips?
1. Where can I find public EV charging stations for long trips?
Public EV charging stations are at highway rest stops, shopping malls, gas stations, hotels, and public parks.
Use apps like Plug Share or ChargePoint to locate them.
Highway rest stops and gas stations often have fast chargers for quick stops.
2. Are there free EV charging stations available?
Yes, about 15% of public EV chargers are free.
Shopping malls and some hotels offer free Level 2 chargers.
Check apps like Plug Share to find free stations near your route.
3. How long does it take to charge an EV on a long trip?
Level 3 DC fast chargers take 20-30 minutes for 80% charge.
Level 2 chargers need 4-8 hours for a full charge.
Plan stops based on charger type and your schedule.
4. Can non-Tesla EVs use Tesla Superchargers?
Yes, Tesla Superchargers are now open to non-Tesla EVs.
You’ll need a compatible adapter and the Tesla app to pay.
Check station details on apps like Electrify America for access.
5. What’s the best app for finding EV charging stations?
PlugShare is top-rated for finding EV charging stations.
It shows real-time availability, charger types, and user reviews.
ChargePoint and Electrify America apps are also great for network-specific stations.