How to Find EV Chargers on Google Maps and Other Specialized Platforms

With the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), the availability of charging stations has become a critical factor for EV drivers. Fortunately, finding EV chargers has never been easier, thanks to the power of mapping services like Google Maps, Apple Maps, Bing Maps, and specialized EV charger databases, like PlugShare and ChargeHub. In this guide, we'll walk through the steps to locate EV chargers on the most popular map platforms.

Finding EV Chargers on Google Maps

Adding Your Plug Type

Before embarking on your search, it's essential to inform Google Maps about the specific plug type your eco-friendly vehicle requires. By doing so, you'll ensure that the app only displays charging stations compatible with your EV model. 

1. Open Google Maps: Launch Google Maps on your Android device, iPhone, or iPad.

2. Access Your Settings: Tap on your profile icon located in the search bar, then select "Settings" from the menu that appears.

3. Select "Electric Vehicle Settings": Scroll down until you find the "Electric Vehicle Settings" option and tap on it.

4. Add Your Plug Type: Look for the plus icon (+) to "Add Plugs" and choose the specific plug type that corresponds to your electric vehicle.

Once you've completed these steps, Google Maps will be equipped with the necessary information about your EV's plug type, ensuring it provides accurate and relevant results during your search for charging stations.

Finding EV Chargers on Google Maps

1. Filter Search by Category: Scroll to the far right of the categories listed underneath the search bar and tap on "More." In the "Services" section, you'll find "Electric Vehicle Charging." The appearance may differ slightly between Android and iPhone, but the function remains the same.

2. Browse Charging Stations: Google Maps will display a list of EV charging stations in your vicinity. You can sort the results based on Relevance or Distance, Open Now, and Top Rated. Remember that Google Maps already knows your plug type from the previous setup.

3. See Detailed Information: Each charging station listing includes useful details, such as charging speeds and the number of available charging ports.

4. Get Directions: When you've found a suitable charging station, tap on the directions icon to begin navigating to the selected charger.

Finding EV Chargers on Apple Maps

1. Open Apple Maps: Open the Apple Maps app on your iPhone or Mac computer.

2. Search for Charging Stations: Type "EV chargers" or "EV charging stations" in the search bar. Apple Maps will pinpoint the nearest available charging stations.

3. View Station Details: Tap on a charging station to view additional information like plug types, charging speeds, and user ratings.

4. Get Directions: Tap on the "Directions" button to get step-by-step directions to the chosen charging station.

Finding EV Chargers on Bing Maps

1. Open Bing Maps: Launch Bing Maps on your preferred device.

2. Search for EV Charging: Enter "EV charging stations" or "EV chargers" into the search box. Bing Maps will display the nearest charging stations to your location.

3. View Charger Details: Click on a charging station to see more information, such as charging speeds and address details. 

4. Get Directions: Click on "Directions" to navigate to the selected charging point.

Using Specialized EV Charger Network Maps

When it comes to effortlessly finding electric vehicle (EV) chargers, specialized mapping platforms designed exclusively for this purpose are another great avenue. Two such popular apps are PlugShare and ChargeHub. These apps provide comprehensive databases of EV charging stations, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information for EV owners. This includes details such as plug type, charge time, energy levels, and more. Moreover, these apps offer specific filters tailored to EV chargers for better search. 

Finding EV Chargers on PlugShare

1. Download PlugShare: First, download the PlugShare app from your smartphone's app store and open it.

2. Allow Location Access: Allow the app to access your device's location, so it can show you nearby charging stations.

3. Filter Charging Stations: Browse the map to see all the available charging options in your vicinity. Use the filter to view charging stations by number of chargers, parking type, plug type, and charger provider. 

4. View Station Details: Click on a specific charging station to view more details about it, such as photos by previous users, recent checkins, available hours, and charging rate.

5. Get Directions: By tapping on the navigation button on the station, you will be redirected to Google Maps to configure your route. 

Finding EV Chargers on ChargeHub

1. Download ChargeHub: Start by downloading the ChargeHub app from your smartphone's app store and launch it.

2. Enter Your Location: Allow ChargeHub access to your location or manually enter your current location or destination where you need to find EV chargers.

3. Explore Charging Stations: ChargeHub will present a map displaying nearby EV charging stations. Filter by level, connector, and network. 

4. Review Charging Station Details: Click on an EV charging station icon to view in-depth information, including connector type, available hours, and previous user comments.

By using specialized apps like PlugShare and ChargeHub, electric vehicle owners can easily access extensive databases of EV charging stations, making it simple to find, review, and navigate to the most suitable charging options.

Other Useful Tips

1. Read and Leave Reviews: To make informed decisions about EV charging stations, take advantage of insights from previous user reviews. Consider leaving comments and sharing your own photos to contribute to the community and help fellow drivers.

2. Save Favorites or Bookmarks: If you frequently travel along specific routes in your daily schedule, save time by bookmarking or adding your preferred EV charging stations to your favorites in your preferred map platform. 

3. Add to Navigation: When embarking on a journey, ensure a hassle-free drive by adding your desired EV charging station to your navigation route. By doing so, you can plan your charging stops in advance, particularly during long trips or in areas with limited charging infrastructure.

Whether you're planning your journey in advance or need to make an impromptu stop during a road trip, modern mapping services like Google Maps, Apple Maps, Bing Maps, PlugShare, and ChargeHub offer comprehensive tools to help you find, save, and navigate to the different types of EV charging stations in your area.