The GPS systems in EVs will guide you to charging stations that work with your car. You can set a charging station as a destination. The car will tell you how much charge you’ll have left when you get there, warn you if you don’t have enough charge to get there, and estimate how long it will take to charge.
There are several websites that have EV trip planners that will show you chargers on a map of the state or country, and calculate each charging stop for you. To use them, you need to create an account and specify the model of your EV. This way, the website will know the appropriate places to direct you to. Here are links to some of them.
There are several brands of charging stations for non-Tesla EVs. It is advisable to set up accounts for the brands available on your route before you leave. Here are links to a few of many charging brands.
At the Station
J-Plug
Level 2 | up to 19 kW max | up to 40-50 miles of range added per hour.
This is a plug and socket called an SAE J-1772, commonly referred to as a “J-plug”. It is the slowest method for charging an EV. All EVs can utilize this type of plug, and it can be found at numerous charging stations. J-plugs are often located in parking lots at workplaces, hotels, theaters, or shopping centers. In many municipal lots, schools, and colleges, they are available for use at no cost. J-plugs designed for home charging have a maximum capacity of 9.6 kW, while public J-plugs can provide up to 19 kW of power.
CCS “Combination Charging System”
Level 2 or 3 | 50 > 350 kW | Up to 16 miles of range added PER MINUTE
This is a plug and socket called CCS (Combined Charging System). CCS is the current standard connection used in new EVs that are not Teslas. The top socket connects to a J1772 plug (AC only) . The bottom socket connects to a DCFC (Direct Current Fast Charger). DCFC is the fastest method of charging an EV and is available only at fee based charging stations.
Tesla
DCFC (Direct Current Fast Charging) | Level 3 | Not possible at home.
The Tesla supercharger network was ahead of its time. Tesla began installing powerful charging stations across the country in 2012, much earlier than anyone else. This is the main reason why Tesla is the leader in electric vehicle sales. At that time, there was no standard, so Tesla decided to create their own charging system. Initially, Tesla charging stations would only charge Tesla vehicles, but this is now changing. Since the beginning, Tesla has used its own unique plug and socket, and has established a charging network solely for its cars.
Charging Non Tesla cars on Tesla’s US Charging Network in 2024.
A few Tesla chargers called “Magic Docks”, have adapters that allow you to charge CCS cars. There are a few things to know before using a Magic Dock.
- You must have the Tesla Mobile App installed and a payment method defined.
- Tell the Tesla App the name/number on the charger pedestal.
- Push the plug in (it often requires a good push) until it clicks.
- Pull plug out. A CCS plug should be attached to the end of the Tesla plug.
- If not, put it back in and push harder.
- Plug in and charge. It is currently limited to 100 kW.
- Click here to locate Magic Docks on Plugshare.com.
- Click here to locate Magic Docks on Tesla.com
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