An EV charging station provides power to an electric vehicle (EV) so it can recharge. This is a vital component of the overall EV experience and is often located in public areas where drivers may want to charge for convenience or because they don’t have a charger at home. A network of EV charging stations can help eliminate “charging deserts” where EV owners cannot find a place to plug in and charge.

EV chargers can be found at parking garages, apartment complexes, retail shops, restaurants, airports and more. There are a variety of different types of EV chargers and they operate at different power outputs. A common EV charger type is Level 2 which provides about 25 miles of range per hour of charging. Level 2 chargers are usually located at grocery stores, shopping malls and other locations where people spend a lot of time.

The higher speed of DC fast charging offers 100 miles or more of range in about an hour of charging. This is the type of EV charging station that most people are looking for when they are out and about on a road trip and they need to fill up quickly to continue their journey. DC fast charging stations can typically be found at gas stations, hotels and other places where people are likely to stop for a meal or to stretch their legs.

When you want to use an EV charging station, it’s important to check its status before you park. Some stations require a subscription, a credit card on file or some other kind of payment to use. Others may be available for free to a select group of people such as EV drivers or visitors to the area. You’ll also want to know whether or not you can just plug in and start charging right away.

Depending on where you’re using the EV charging station, there may be rules about how long you can park and what kind of EV you can use it with. You should read the signs and the rules on the EV charging station site to determine what the requirements are.

You’ll also want to check for any safety hazards associated with a particular EV charging station. These may include things like exposed wiring, poor maintenance or weather issues that could cause damage to the charging station. The EV charging stations are often located outdoors, which can make them more susceptible to storms, high winds and other weather conditions. Some EV charging stations are also vulnerable to vandalism, which can include physical harm and tampering with service connectors. Fortunately, technology is evolving to protect the safety of EV charging stations.