How to Add Charging Stations to Your Location

Adding Charging Stations

After claiming your location, you can add individual charging stations (physical charging units) to provide detailed information for EV drivers.

Understanding the Hierarchy

SpotCharge organizes charging data in three levels:

📍 Location (Site)
  └── 🔌 Stations (Physical charging units)
      └── ⚡ Ports (Individual connectors)

Example:

• Location: "Whole Foods Market - Downtown"
• Station 1: "ChargePoint Unit #1" → 2 ports (J1772)
• Station 2: "ChargePoint Unit #2" → 2 ports (J1772)
• Station 3: "Tesla Destination Charger" → 4 ports (Tesla)

Learn about managing ports →

Why Add Detailed Station Info?

Benefits:

• Better driver experience: Drivers know exactly what to expect
• Reduced confusion: Clear manufacturer and network info
• Improved search ranking: Detailed stations appear higher in results
• Accurate availability: Real-time port status (coming soon)
• Professional appearance: Shows you care about accuracy

Before You Start

What you'll need:

1. Claimed location - Claim your location first
2. Station details:
   • Manufacturer (ChargePoint, Tesla, Clipper Creek, etc.)
   • Model number (if available)
   • Network affiliation (ChargePoint Network, EVgo, etc.)
   • Number of ports
   • Connector types for each port
   • Power output per port
3. Pricing information:
   • Per-kWh rate OR per-session fee
   • Payment methods accepted
   • Network membership requirements

Tip: Have this info handy before starting. Check the physical station labels for model numbers and specs.

How to Add a Station

Step 1: Navigate to Your Location

1. Go to Dashboard → Sites
2. Click on your claimed location
3. Scroll to "Charging Stations" section
4. Click "Add Station" button

Step 2: Fill Out Station Details

Basic Information:

Station Name (required)

• Use descriptive names: "ChargePoint Station #1", "North Parking Lot - Unit A"
• Keep consistent naming if you have multiple stations
• Include location within site if large property

Manufacturer (required)

• Select from dropdown or type custom
• Common options: ChargePoint, Tesla, Clipper Creek, JuiceBox, Electrify America

Model Number (optional but recommended)

• Example: "CPF50-L2", "Tesla Wall Connector Gen 3"
• Found on station label or documentation
• Helps drivers identify exact equipment

Step 3: Network Information

Network Affiliation:

• ChargePoint Network
• EVgo
• Electrify America
• Tesla Supercharger Network
• FLO
• Greenlots
• None (independent)

Network Website: URL to network's site or station-specific page

Why it matters: Drivers may need network accounts to use your station.

Step 4: Pricing & Payment

Pricing Type:

• Per kWh: $0.25/kWh (most common for Level 2)
• Per session: $2.00/session
• Free: No charge
• Membership required: Network members only

Payment Methods: (select all that apply)

• Credit/debit card
• Mobile app (specify network)
• RFID card
• Network membership
• Contact property for access

Example:

Pricing: $0.30/kWh
Payment: ChargePoint app, RFID card, credit card at terminal

Step 5: Access & Hours

Access Type:

• Public: Anyone can use
• Semi-public: Customers/visitors only
• Private: Residents/employees only
• Restricted: By appointment or authorization

Hours of Operation:

• 24/7
• Business hours only
• Custom schedule

Access Instructions: (optional but helpful)

• "Park in visitor spots near main entrance"
• "Use ChargePoint app to unlock"
• "Ask front desk for access code"

Step 6: Review & Save

1. Review all information for accuracy
2. Click "Add Station"
3. Station appears in your location's listing
4. You'll be prompted to add ports next

Next step: Add ports to your station →

Adding Multiple Stations

If you have multiple stations at one location:

1. Add first station completely (including ports)
2. Return to location detail page
3. Click "Add Another Station"
4. Repeat for each physical charging unit

Naming tip: Use consistent numbering or location-based names:

• "North Lot - Station 1", "North Lot - Station 2"
• "ChargePoint Unit A", "ChargePoint Unit B"
• "Building 1 - Level 2", "Building 2 - Level 2"

Power Output Specifications

Important: Enter power specs carefully. Drivers use this to plan charging time.

Common power levels:

Level 2 (AC Charging):

• 3.3 kW (slow, overnight charging)
• 6.6 kW (standard Level 2)
• 7.2 kW (common for newer units)
• 11 kW (three-phase, commercial)
• 19.2 kW (high-power Level 2)

DC Fast Charging:

• 50 kW (standard DC fast)
• 100 kW (high-power DC)
• 150 kW (ultra-fast)
• 250-350 kW (Tesla Supercharger V3, Electrify America)

How to find power specs:

• Check station label/nameplate
• Look up model number in manufacturer docs
• Check network's website for station details
• Use manufacturer's spec sheet

Tip: If you're unsure, it's better to underestimate power output than overestimate. Drivers plan charging time based on this.

Network-Specific Information

ChargePoint Stations

Include:

• ChargePoint station ID (found on unit)
• Network pricing (shown in ChargePoint app)
• Payment methods (app, RFID, credit card)
• Real-time availability (auto-synced if configured)

Tesla Destination Chargers

Include:

• "Tesla Destination Charger" in name
• Note if Tesla vehicles only or open to others
• Power output (typically 11-19 kW)
• Number of ports

Independent Stations

Include:

• Clear payment instructions
• Who to contact for issues
• Any access requirements
• Your business contact info

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Don't:

• Guess power output (look it up or measure)
• Leave pricing blank (say "Contact for pricing" if variable)
• Forget to add ports after creating station
• Use generic names like "Charger 1" (be descriptive)
• Mix up station count vs port count

✅ Do:

• Double-check all specs against physical unit
• Add clear access instructions
• Include network info if applicable
• Use consistent naming across multiple stations
• Test pricing accuracy (check network app if applicable)

Editing Station Information

To update station details:

1. Dashboard → Sites → [Your Location]
2. Find station in list
3. Click "Edit" button
4. Update fields
5. Click "Save Changes"

Changes take effect immediately and appear to drivers in search results.

Removing a Station

If a station is decommissioned:

1. Dashboard → Sites → [Your Location] → [Station]
2. Click "Mark as Out of Service" (temporary)
   • OR -
3. Click "Delete Station" (permanent)

Warning: Deleting removes all ports and photos associated with this station. Consider marking "Out of Service" instead if it may return.

Subscription Limits

Charger limits by tier:

• Free: 1 location, 3 stations per location
• Premium: 3 locations, 10 stations per location
• Premium Multi: 5 locations, unlimited stations

To add more stations: Upgrade your subscription →

Learn about subscription limits →

After Adding Stations

Next steps:

1. Add ports: Define connector types and power for each port
2. Upload photos: Add photos of each station
3. Test the listing: View as a driver would see it
4. Share the link: Direct drivers to your location page

Optimize your listing:

• Add all amenities
• Upload high-quality photos
• Keep pricing and hours current
• Respond to driver reviews

Guide to optimizing your listing →

Common Questions

Q: What's the difference between a station and a port? A: A station is the physical charging unit. A port is an individual connector on that unit. One station can have multiple ports (e.g., a dual-port ChargePoint unit).

Q: How many stations can I add? A: Depends on your subscription tier. Free: 3 per location. Premium: 10 per location. Premium Multi: unlimited.

Q: Can I bulk import stations from a network? A: Not yet, but it's on our roadmap. For now, add them individually or contact support for large installations (10+ stations).

Q: Do I need to add stations if they're already listed? A: If your location was imported from NREL, stations may already exist. Review them for accuracy and edit as needed.

Q: What if I don't know the power output? A: Check the station label, manufacturer website, or network app. If truly unknown, use a typical value for that connector type and note "Approximate" in the description.

Q: Can drivers see real-time availability? A: If your stations are on ChargePoint Network or similar, real-time availability syncs automatically. For independent stations, this feature is coming soon.

Related Articles

• Claiming a Location
• Managing Charging Ports
• Uploading Photos
• Subscription Limits
• Optimizing Your Listing

Need Help?

Questions about adding stations? We're here to assist.

Contact Support or check our Help Center