How to Use an Electrify America Charging Station

Using an Electrify America fast charger comes down to five steps: find a working stall, pull in so the cable reaches your port, pick the right connector, authenticate (app or contactless card), and plug in to start. The app is the smoothest path, but you can also tap a credit card at most newer stations.

Electrify America is one of the largest public DC fast-charging networks in the US, so most non-Tesla EV owners will use it on road trips. The process is simple once you have done it once.

Before you arrive

Install the network app and add a payment method, and check the station locatorfor a site with several working stalls — not one lone charger. Preconditioning your battery on the way improves speed; see our preconditioning guide.

At the station

• Pull in so your charge port is near the cable — ports differ by car, so nose-in or back-in accordingly.
• Most EVs use the CCS1 connector for DC fast charging; some sites also carry a Tesla-style connector.
• Authenticate on the stall: start the session in the app by stall number, tap a contactless card, or use Plug and Charge if your car supports it.
• Seat the connector firmly — a loose plug is the number-one reason a session will not start.

During and after

Speed ramps up, then tapers as the battery fills — that taper is normal, explained in our 10-to-80% guide. Stop around 80% on a busy site out of etiquette. To end, stop the session in the app (or on the screen), then unplug. If a stall will not start, our public-charging troubleshooting guide covers the fixes.