How to Find EV Charging Stations on SpotCharge

Finding Charging Stations

SpotCharge makes it easy to find compatible EV charging stations near you or along your route. This guide shows you how to search effectively.

Quick Start

Visit: /locations

You'll see:

• Map view showing all nearby stations
• List view with station cards
• Filters to refine results
• Search bar for specific locations

Search Methods

1. Search by Current Location

1. Click "Use My Location" button
2. Allow location access when prompted
3. See stations sorted by distance
4. Closest stations appear first

Tip: Enable location services in your browser for best results.

###2. Search by Address or City

1. Click search bar at top
2. Type address, city, or ZIP code
3. Select from autocomplete suggestions
4. See stations in that area

Examples:

• "San Francisco, CA"
• "94102"
• "123 Main St, Oakland"
• "Golden Gate Bridge"

3. Browse by Map

1. Switch to Map View (toggle at top)
2. Drag map to explore areas
3. Zoom in/out with +/- buttons or pinch gesture
4. Click pins to see station details

Map Tips:

• Cluster pins show number of stations
• Click cluster to zoom in
• Different pin colors indicate connector types (coming soon)

Using Filters

Filters help you find compatible stations for your EV.

Connector Type Filter

Why it matters: Your EV only works with specific connectors.

Available options:

• J1772 - Standard Level 2 (most EVs)
• CCS - DC fast charging (most modern EVs)
• CHAdeMO - DC fast (Nissan Leaf, older EVs)
• Tesla - Tesla Supercharger/Destination chargers

How to use:

1. Click "Filters" button
2. Select your EV's connector types
3. Click "Apply Filters"
4. Only compatible stations show

Learn about connector types →

Charging Speed Filter

Options:

• Level 2 (AC): 3-19 kW, 4-10 hours for full charge
• DC Fast: 50-350 kW, 15-45 minutes to 80%

When to use:

• Level 2: Daily charging, overnight, workplace
• DC Fast: Road trips, quick top-ups, emergencies

Network Filter

Filter by charging network:

• ChargePoint
• Electrify America
• EVgo
• Tesla Supercharger

Why filter by network:

• You have network membership
• You know network reliability
• Network-specific payment methods

Availability Filter (Coming Soon)

Filter to show only:

• Available now
• Open (not restricted access)
• Free charging
• 24/7 access

Understanding Station Cards

Each station card shows:

Top Section:

• Station name
• Distance from you
• Star rating (average reviews)
• Number of reviews

Middle Section:

• Address
• Available connector types with icons
• Charging speed (kW)
• Number of ports

Bottom Section:

• Pricing (per kWh or per session)
• Network (ChargePoint, EA, etc.)
• Hours of operation
• Amenities icons

Actions:

• Click card to view full details
• Click heart to save as favorite
• Click directions for GPS navigation

Viewing Station Details

Click any station card to see:

1. Location Details:

   • Full address
   • Map with exact location
   • Access instructions
   • Parking details

2. Charging Information:

   • All available connectors
   • Power output per port
   • Number of ports
   • Operational status

3. Pricing:

   • Per-kWh rates
   • Session fees
   • Membership discounts
   • Payment methods

4. Amenities:

   • Restrooms
   • WiFi
   • Food/shopping nearby
   • Covered parking
   • Accessibility

5. Reviews:

   • Overall rating
   • Recent reviews from drivers
   • Photos from users
   • Owner responses

6. Real-Time Status (If Available):

   • Ports available now
   • Occupied ports
   • Out of service
   • Last updated time

Saving Favorites

Found a station you'll use often?

1. Click heart icon on station card or detail page
2. Station saves to your Favorites
3. Access favorites: Dashboard → Favorites

Learn more about Favorites →

Planning a Charging Route

For Road Trips:

1. Search destination city
2. Filter for DC Fast charging
3. Find stations every 100-150 miles
4. Save stations to favorites
5. Note hours and pricing

Tools:

• Export favorites to route planner
• Check station hours before trip
• Have backup stations identified

Route planning guide →

Mobile Tips

On smartphones:

• Use "Near Me" for current location
• Swipe between map and list views
• Tap station cards for details
• Use "Get Directions" for GPS
• Call ahead if concerned about availability

Troubleshooting Search

No results showing:

• Zoom out on map
• Remove filters
• Check spelling in search
• Try nearby city name
• Verify internet connection

Wrong location:

• Clear search and try again
• Manually enter address
• Check browser location permissions
• Use ZIP code instead of city name

Outdated information:

• Check "Last updated" date
• Read recent reviews
• Report issues via "Report Issue" button
• Contact station owner if listed

Related Articles

• Understanding Connector Types
• Saving Favorite Locations
• Reading Station Details

Need Help?

Can't find what you're looking for? We're here to help.

Contact Support or check our Help Center