Where to Find Charging Stations for Your Electric Vehicle?

A driver’s opinion about an electric vehicle (EV) is influenced by the accessibility of charging stations. The best place for an EV owner to charge their vehicle is at home. For those not equipped with an at-home charger, it’s important to know where to find charging stations.

As of February 2024, about 61,000 public charging stations are available across the United States to EV drivers. The Pew Research Center, aided by data from the US Department of Energy, also finds that roughly 6 in 10 Americans live within two miles of a public charging station.

Urban drivers have more immediate access to an EV charging station than rural or suburban residents. About 60 percent of urban residents live within a mile of a public EV charging station. In comparison, only 41 percent of suburban residents and 17 percent of rural Americans can say the same. 

The number of public and private charging stations has increased in recent years. Between 2019 and 2023, the number of ports has nearly doubled, from a measly 87,352 chargers to a whopping 161,562 charging stations. Public charging stations make up about 88 percent of these ports.

Access to charging stations is important for EV owners, many of whom charge their vehicles at home either with a Level 1 or a Level 2 charging station. But public charging stations are still essential for drivers who travel long distances and those without access to at-home chargers.

Learn more about different EV Charging Levels

Drivers who favor EVs are more likely to have immediate access to a charging station, such as at home or within close driving distance. Those who live near a charger report they’d consider buying an EV for their next vehicle and support initiatives to phase out gasoline-powered cars.

California’s EV owners have the most access to EV charging stations, since it is the state with the greatest number of charging infrastructures in the nation. In fact, the Golden State is home to a quarter of all public EV charging stations across the United States.

Despite the benefit of numerous chargers, Californians have a more difficult time finding a charger than EV drivers in other states. The state’s 43,780 charging ports must meet the demands of more than 1.2 million EV drivers. That amounts to one public port for every 29 EV drivers.

For states like Illinois, the number of charging stations is less than the Golden State; however, the number of charging ports is growing. Illinois currently has a network of 1,249 public charging stations, 273 of which have been recently added.

Where can EV drivers find charging stations?

1. At Home

As mentioned, the most convenient place for an EV owner to juice up their vehicle is at home using a residential charger. An at-home charger comes in two variations: Level 1 and Level 2. The former simply requires plugging in to an existing outlet while the latter requires expert installation.

2. Public Charging Stations

While charging at home offers the greatest convenience, EV drivers may find their vehicles low on power in the middle of a trip. When needing a charge, they can find a public charging station at commercial venues, such as grocery stores, office buildings, retail malls, or public transit stations.

Using public charging stations, however, may seem intimidating to new EV drivers, as they can be unreliable or broken, charge at different speeds, or be hogged overnight by an inconsiderate EV driver.  Wait times can be consequently long and uncomfortable.

A public charging station relies on Level 2 or Level 3 chargers. These chargers are perfect when the EV has a low battery and a quick charge is needed to get home. A public Level 3 charger provides up to 80 percent charge within 15 to 30 minutes.

However, caution should be used when charging at a Level 3 DC fast charger. These chargers are known for their charging speed yet are notorious for damaging the vehicle’s battery when used frequently. Due to the potential damage, it’s advised to avoid using Level 3 chargers often.

3. Gas Stations

Gas stations are promising places to fit public chargers. BP and Shell, two gasoline giants, announced plans to invest in electric charging stations. Shell USA acquired Volta along with its network of 3,000 charging ports at popular community destinations, like Whole Foods.

4. Workplaces

The workplace is an ideal spot to juice up while working. Many corporations have installed charging stations onsite, making it easy for employees to power their vehicles. The charging level most companies use is Level 2, which delivers a faster charge than a Level 1 charging station.

When you circle around town looking for a charging station, you may wish for greater convenience. Nu-Trend delivers this convenience with quality Level 2 and Level 3 charger installations. A Level 2 charger can be installed at your home, while we install Level 3 chargers at business locations.

We are certified to install Level 2 chargers in residential homes. Our electricians first inspect your property’s electrical system to ensure the existing setup can accommodate the voltage required of the Level 2 charger. Adjustments are made to facilitate the home EV charging station installation.

Nu-Trend also employs certified technicians to handle the installation of Level 3 chargers in commercial settings. Event centers, office spaces, and apartments, for example, are increasingly choosing to install Level 3 charging stations to better serve their guests, employees, and tenants.

Whether you opt for a Level 2 or Level 3 charging station, Nu-Trend offers comprehensive maintenance and repair services. We’ll keep your private or public charging station in peak condition so that you have continued access to a reliable charge.

Nu-Trend takes care of the entire installation process, from obtaining the necessary permits to the efficient installation and a final quality check. When you’re ready for greater convenience, choose us for your next EV charger installation. We serve Chicago, Illinois, with pride. Call our electricians today.