What to expect when charging

  • For longer trips, you might need to charge out in the world. This can be a source of anxiety for prospective EV owners. Are there enough public chargers to get you where you're going? The answer is increasingly yes. In fact, there are more than 400 public charging stations in Vermont alone — the highest number per capita in the U.S.!

  • Charging your EV is a lot like filling up at a gas station, except that you pay more for a quicker charge. Level 2 charging typically costs around $0.25/kWh, while DC Fast Charging typically costs $0.40-$0.60/kWh.

  • There are several different charging networks, most of which are available to all EVs. The Tesla supercharger network has historically been exclusive to Tesla owners, but is starting to transition to become available to other EV owners with the proper plug or adapter. Speaking of plugs, there are four different types that you might encounter. Make sure that you either a) choose a charging location with a compatible plug or b) have an adapter for the type of charger you plan to use.

  • Some charging locations have built-in credit card payment systems, like a gas pump. Most charging networks also have their own smartphone app for payment processing. It's a good idea to download the apps and create an account with the charging networks that you expect to use. Some apps show real-time charger availability, which can help you avoid the disappointment of showing up to a charging station that is either full or out of service. The app will also keep your credit card on file for payments. If all else fails, most chargers requiring payment have a customer support number posted on the charger. You can call and provide credit card information over the phone if needed.

  • Best practice is to only park at a charging station if you're actively charging. Most of the charging apps will notify you when charging is finished, and some will even charge you extra for hogging the parking space after charging is finished.

    Some fast charging locations have different power levels. Any charger with a compatible plug should work, but the best practice is to choose a plug with the highest power level your vehicle can accept. The rate of fast charging slows drastically once your battery hits 80%, so if another car is waiting and you don't need any more juice to get where you're going, it's nice to give them your spot.

Trip planning tools

Heading out for a road trip in your EV often requires a little advanced planning. Some EVs have built-in route planning systems. These tools can help you figure out where to charge, and for how long, to reach your destination as soon as possible. Some EV navigation systems, including Tesla, Ford, Rivian, and Hyundai, can condition the battery as you approach a fast charger. This means your battery is at the optimal charging temperature when you arrive, which keeps the charging stop as short as possible.

In addition to in-vehicle navigation tools, there are a few other apps that can help plan your charging stops and verify charger reliability. If you encounter a problem with a charger, you can call customer support or report the issue on PlugShare for other drivers.