Finding a charging station: tips for connected driving

With the growing popularity of electric vehicles, the network of charging stations continues to expand. But how do you find out where to recharge your car, whether you’re in the city, in the country or on the road? Here’s a practical guide to finding a charging station, wherever you are.

Why plan your charging?

Even though EV range is improving, planning your charging remains a key factor in travelling with peace of mind.
Here are a few good reasons to be well prepared:

Avoid the stress of running out of fuel.
Maximize your travels, especially on long journeys.
Take advantage of fast charging stations to save time.
Save money by choosing low-cost or free charging stations.

Where to find charging stations?

At home

Home charging stations are a must for EV owners. Installing a home charging station remains the simplest and most economical option for most EV owners. It allows you to leave every morning with a full battery. At BEQ Technology, we specialize in the sale and installation of charging stations. We’re perfectly placed to advise you on the best product for your needs and your vehicle. What’s more, you won’t have to worry about the installation – we’ll take care of it! Finding a charging station has never been easier!

At work

More and more companies are offering charging stations on their premises. This is of considerable benefit to employees, visitors and even employers, if they decide to charge for recharging. What’s more, companies can benefit from attractive subsidies, so find out more! The presence of a charging station at your workplace means you can fill up on energy during office hours, and go home with a full charge! It’s simple, easy and nearby!

On the road: public charging stations

Here are the main places where you can find public charging stations:

• Shopping centers
• Municipal parking lots
• Gas stations
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Tourist sites
• Highway service areas

Public charging stations are becoming more and more numerous, and access to them is very simple. Whether you’re looking for a Level 2 or Level 3 public charging station, you’ll find them just about everywhere, thanks in particular to the Circuit Électrique network. For a small fee, you can fill up your battery in just a few minutes, or even hours!

The best tools to locate a charging station

Mobile applications :

The most convenient way to find a charging station is to use a specialized mobile app. Here are a few must-haves:

• Circuit électrique (Québec)
• ChargeHub
• PlugShare
• Flo
• EVgo (in the USA and some parts of Canada)
• Tesla Supercharger (for Tesla owners)

These applications allow you to :

• locate the nearest charging stations;
• check their availability in real time;
• consult user reviews;
• filter charging stations by connector type, charging speed or network.

Charging network maps

The major recharging networks also offer interactive maps on their websites. It’s a handy tool for planning your itinerary in advance, and since most of us carry a cell phone in our pocket, you can access them easily from anywhere!

Your vehicle’s GPS

Some electric vehicles integrate the location of recharging stations directly into their navigation system, even showing you recharging options based on your battery level. What’s more, Google Maps now displays charging stations on the road, which is really interesting!

A few practical tips

Plan your journeys in advance, especially for long trips.
Plan alternative solutions in case a charging station is busy or out of order.
Have several applications at hand: some networks are not always interconnected.
Bring the right adapters if you change region or country.

BEQ Technology, THE destination for charging stations

Finding a charging station has never been easier, thanks to the rapid evolution of networks and technological tools. By combining the right planning with the right applications, you can enjoy your electric driving experience to the full – hassle-free! If you’re opting for a residential charging station, BEQ Technology is your one-stop destination for turnkey service for all your charging needs.

Contact our experts today to find the right charging station for you.