Introduction
Running low on charge and need to find a nearby charging station fast? You’re in luck! In this article I’m diving into a super useful tutorial on how to find electric vehicle charging stations using Waze. This popular navigation app is more than just a map—it’s your ticket to keeping your EV powered up. We’ll walk you through the steps to locate the nearest charging stations, making your journey smooth and stress-free. By the end of this guide, you’ll be a pro at finding charging points anytime, anywhere. So, fire up Waze, and let’s make sure you never run out of juice on the road!
All images associated with these steps can be seen in the embedded YouTube video. Also, please note that you’re not able to leave a comment directly on this article. If you have a question or feedback, please leave it on the YouTube video.
Steps to Find Nearby Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Waze
- First, make sure you have enabled showing information associated with your electric vehicle in Waze. If you haven’t done that, or want to make sure that you have, I’ll link to my video in the description and pinned comment that will show you how to do that.
- Tap inside of the “Where To” field on your Waze home screen. Waze search options will now take up the full screen.
- Tap “EV Charging” in the row of options along the top of the screen. This screen will close, and a map showing charging stations near you is displayed.
- Pull the Charging Stations menu up if you want to see more details about any of the charging stations that are close to you, such as whether they are open, the distance to them and their address.
- If you want to see more information about a specific charging station, either tap that charging station in the list or on the map. You’ll bring up a details screen for that charging station where you can see the speed of the charging station, routes to it, accepted payment methods, photos, contact information and sharing options.
5 Reasons to Find Nearby Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Waze
1. Avoiding Range Anxiety
Let’s be real, range anxiety is a major concern for EV owners. Using Waze to find charging stations helps alleviate this fear. You get real-time updates on nearby charging points, ensuring you never run out of juice. This feature is a lifesaver, especially on long trips. You can plan your route with confidence, knowing where the next charge is. Waze’s community updates also let you know if a station is busy or out of service. Stay relaxed and enjoy the drive without constantly worrying about your battery level.
2. Saving Time with Efficient Routing
Time is money, right? Waze helps you save both by finding the most efficient route to a charging station. No more driving around aimlessly looking for a place to charge. Waze integrates charging stops into your route, optimizing your journey. You avoid unnecessary detours and get to your destination faster. Plus, with real-time traffic data, you can avoid congested areas. This smart routing makes your trips smoother and more efficient. Spend less time searching and more time enjoying the drive.
3. Discovering Compatible Charging Stations
Not all charging stations are created equal. Waze lets you filter stations by connector type and charging speed. This ensures you find a compatible station for your EV. You won’t waste time arriving at a station only to find it doesn’t work with your car. This feature is especially useful when traveling in unfamiliar areas. You can easily find stations that meet your specific needs. Waze takes the guesswork out of charging, making your EV experience hassle-free. It’s all about finding the right fit for your vehicle.
4. Accessing User Reviews and Ratings
Want to know if a charging station is reliable? Waze’s community-driven platform includes user reviews and ratings for each station. You get honest feedback from other EV owners. This information helps you choose the best charging spots. Avoid stations with frequent issues and find the ones that are well-maintained and reliable. User reviews can also provide tips and insights, making your charging experience better. It’s like having a community of fellow drivers guiding you to the best spots. Trust the Waze community to help you make informed decisions.
5. Planning Long-Distance Trips
Planning a long-distance trip in an EV? Waze makes it easy by integrating charging stops into your travel plans. You can map out your entire route, including where and when to charge. This feature takes the stress out of long trips. You can focus on the journey and enjoy the ride, knowing you have reliable charging points along the way. Waze’s real-time updates ensure your trip goes smoothly, with no unexpected charging issues. Long-distance travel in an EV becomes a breeze with Waze’s comprehensive planning tools. It’s your perfect travel companion for the road.
