What Electrify America stations are and where to find them

Electrify America is a network of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles across the United States. The stations are owned and operated by Volkswagen Group as part of a settlement agreement, and they are open to any EV driver regardless of what brand of car you own. You do not need to own a Volkswagen to use them.

Electrify America has over 900 stations with more than 3,500 individual chargers spread across the country. Most stations are located along major highways and in urban areas near shopping centers, restaurants, and rest stops. You can find a station near you by using the Electrify America mobile app, their website map, or by searching "Electrify America near me" in Google Maps.

Each station typically has multiple chargers available at the same location. Some stations have only DC fast chargers, while others have a mix of DC fast chargers and Level 2 chargers. DC fast chargers are the ones that charge your battery significantly in 20 to 45 minutes, while Level 2 chargers take several hours but are often free or cheaper to use.

Key Takeaways

  • Electrify America stations are open to all EV owners and do not require membership, though you can join their membership program to save money on charging.
  • You pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity you use, and prices vary by location and time of day, typically ranging from around $0.30 to $0.50 per kWh for DC fast charging.
  • You start a charging session by scanning a QR code at the charger with your phone, using the Electrify America app, or tapping a payment card directly on the charger's reader.
  • Most DC fast chargers take 20 to 45 minutes to add significant range to your battery, depending on your vehicle model and the charger's power output.
  • Electrify America membership plans offer discounts on per-kWh rates and monthly subscription options if you charge frequently.

How to pay and what it costs

Electrify America charges by the kilowatt-hour (kWh), not by the minute. This means you pay for the actual electricity your car uses, similar to how you pay for gas by the gallon. Prices vary depending on the station location, the time of day, and whether you are a member. Non-members typically pay between $0.30 and $0.50 per kWh for DC fast charging, though some locations charge more during peak hours.

You have three ways to pay at an Electrify America charger. First, you can use the Electrify America mobile app to start and pay for your session. Second, you can scan the QR code displayed on the charger with your phone's camera, which opens a payment page in your browser. Third, you can tap a credit or debit card directly on the charger's contactless payment reader. All three methods accept major credit cards.

If you charge regularly, Electrify America offers two membership tiers. The standard membership costs a monthly fee and gives you a lower per-kWh rate. The premium membership costs more per month but offers an even lower rate per kWh. You can also purchase a one-time pass if you only charge occasionally. Compare the membership cost against how often you plan to charge to see whether a membership saves you money.

Starting a charging session step by step

When you arrive at an Electrify America station, first locate an available charger. The Electrify America app shows which chargers are in use and which are open. Pull up to the charger and turn off your engine.

Open your car's charging door and remove the charger connector from its holster on the pump. Most Electrify America chargers use the CCS (Combined Charging System) connector, which is the standard in North America. Plug the connector firmly into your vehicle's charging port until you hear or feel it click into place. Your car's screen will usually show that charging has begun.

To start the session, open the Electrify America app on your phone and select the charger you are using, or scan the QR code on the charger with your phone's camera. Follow the prompts to enter your payment method if you have not already saved one. The charger will begin delivering power to your battery. You will see the charging rate and estimated time remaining on both the charger's screen and in the app.

You can leave your car unattended while it charges. The session will stop automatically when your battery reaches full charge or when you stop it manually through the app. When charging is complete, unplug the connector and return it to the holster. Your receipt will be sent to the email address associated with your account.

Membership plans and discounts

Electrify America offers membership plans designed for drivers who charge frequently. The standard membership provides a discount on the per-kWh rate compared to non-member pricing. The premium membership offers a steeper discount but requires a higher monthly fee. Both memberships are month-to-month and can be canceled anytime through the app.

Beyond membership, Electrify America sometimes runs promotions for new users, such as free charging credits or discounted rates for your first few sessions. Check the app or website to see current offers in your area. Some credit card companies also partner with Electrify America to offer bonus points or cash back when you charge at their stations, so check your card's rewards program.

If you own certain EV models, your car manufacturer may have negotiated special rates or free charging credits with Electrify America. Check your vehicle's owner portal or contact the manufacturer's customer service to see whether you have access to any of these programs.

What to do if a charger is broken or unavailable

If you arrive at a station and find that all chargers are in use or out of service, the Electrify America app will show you the next nearest station and how far away it is. The app also displays real-time availability, so you can check before you drive to a station.

If a charger malfunctions while you are using it, stop the session when ready through the app or by pressing the stop button on the charger. Do not attempt to force the connector or restart the session multiple times. Report the broken charger through the app by selecting the charger location and choosing "Report an Issue." Electrify America's support team will see your report and dispatch a technician.

If you were charged for a session that did not deliver power, contact Electrify America customer support through the app or website with your receipt number and a description of what happened. Support can review the charger logs and issue a refund if the charger malfunctioned.

Charging speed and what affects how long it takes

DC fast chargers at Electrify America stations deliver power at different rates depending on the charger model and your vehicle. Most chargers deliver between 50 and 350 kilowatts (kW) of power. A 150 kW charger typically adds 100 to 150 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes, while a 350 kW charger can add similar range in 15 to 20 minutes.

Several factors affect how fast your car actually charges. Your vehicle's battery size and chemistry determine how much power it can accept at any given moment. Newer EV models generally accept higher power levels than older models. The outside temperature also matters — very cold weather slows charging because the battery needs to warm up before it can accept full power. Battery state of charge plays a role too: charging from 10 percent to 80 percent is faster than charging from 80 percent to 100 percent, because batteries slow down as they near full capacity to protect the battery's long-term health.

If you are charging a Level 2 charger at an Electrify America station, expect to add 20 to 30 miles of range per hour of charging. Level 2 charging is slower but costs less per kWh than DC fast charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a member to use Electrify America?

No. Any EV driver can pay per session without a membership. Membership is optional and only saves money if you charge frequently. Non-members pay a higher per-kWh rate but can start charging when ready by scanning a QR code or tapping a credit card.

What if my car uses a different charging connector?

Most Electrify America chargers use the CCS connector standard in North America. If your vehicle uses a different connector (such as Tesla's connector on older models), you will need an adapter. Some EV owners carry a CCS adapter in their car for this reason. Check your vehicle's manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm what adapter you need.

Can I charge overnight at an Electrify America station?

Electrify America stations are designed for fast charging during the day, not overnight parking. Most stations are located at rest stops, shopping centers, or parking lots where overnight parking is not permitted. If you need to charge overnight, look for a Level 2 charger at a hotel, workplace, or residential charging network instead.

How do I know if a charger is working before I drive to it?

The Electrify America app shows real-time status for each charger at every station. Green means available, yellow means in use, and red means out of service. Check the app before you leave to confirm the charger you want is working.

What happens if I leave my car plugged in after charging is complete?

Once your battery reaches full charge, the charger stops delivering power automatically. You will not be charged for idle time. However, you should unplug your car promptly to free up the charger for other drivers, as some stations may charge an idle fee if a car remains plugged in for an extended period after charging completes.