How to Find EV Charging Stations in Google Maps

If you drive an electric vehicle (EV), range anxiety is a real concern, especially when embarking on a long road trip or driving through unfamiliar territory. You need a reliable way to find charging stations, check their availability, and ensure they are compatible with your specific car’s charging port.

Google Maps has deeply integrated EV charging station data into its platform. You can not only find nearby chargers but also filter them by plug type, charging speed, and network, making it incredibly easy to plan your route without fear of running out of battery.

This guide explains how to find the right EV charging stations using the Google Maps app.

How to Search for EV Chargers

Google has made searching for charging stations as easy as finding a gas station or a coffee shop.

1. Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone or go to the Google Maps website on your computer.
2. In the search bar at the top of the screen, simply type “EV charging stations” and press search.
3. Google Maps will instantly populate the map with red pins indicating the locations of nearby chargers.

How to Filter by Plug Type

Not all EV chargers are the same. Finding a station is useless if the plug doesn’t physically fit your car (e.g., pulling up to a Tesla Supercharger in a Nissan Leaf). You need to filter the results.

1. After searching for “EV charging stations,” look directly below the search bar for the filter bubbles.
2. Tap the bubble labeled Any plug.
3. A menu will appear listing the different plug standards: J1772, CCS (Combo 1), Type 2, CHAdeMO, and Tesla.
4. Select the specific plug type(s) that your vehicle uses.
5. Google Maps will refresh, hiding any stations that you cannot use.

Pro Tip: To avoid doing this every time, you can tell Google Maps what car you drive. Tap your profile picture > Settings > Your vehicle, and add your EV’s plug type permanently.

Filtering by Charging Speed

If you are on a road trip, you don’t want to sit at a Level 2 destination charger for six hours; you need a DC Fast Charger.

1. Look at the filter bubbles below the search bar again.
2. Tap the Any speed filter.
3. Select Fast (50kW+).
4. The map will refresh to show only high-speed charging stations.

Checking Station Details and Availability

Before you start driving to a station, you should check its details.

1. Tap on one of the charging station pins on the map.
2. An information card will slide up from the bottom.
3. This card will show you crucial information:
   • The Network: (e.g., ChargePoint, Electrify America, EVgo).
   • Total Plugs: How many chargers are physically at the location.
   • Live Availability: For supported networks, Google Maps will show you how many plugs are currently in use and how many are available in real-time, helping you avoid long lines.

Once you find the perfect, available, fast charger with the correct plug, simply tap the blue Directions button to navigate there.