EV Charger Locator

Find charging stations nearby. Use Demo Mode to see how it works, or enter an NREL API Key for live data.

What this calculator does

Find nearby EV charging stations by location, connector type, and search radius. You can use demo data offline or live data from the NREL Alternative Fuel Stations API. Results include station details and directions links.

Inputs explained

Data source: Demo data or live data from NREL.
API key: Optional for live mode; used for NREL requests.
Location: Address, city, or latitude and longitude.
Search radius: Distance around the location in miles.
Minimum power: Approximate kW threshold to focus on faster chargers.
Connector type: CCS, CHAdeMO, J1772, Tesla/NACS, or all.

How it works / Method

In demo mode, a local sample dataset is displayed.
In live mode, addresses are geocoded via Nominatim, or coordinates are used directly.
The NREL API returns nearby charging stations within the radius.
Results are filtered by connector type and a simple power threshold.
Stations are listed with network, connectors, pricing, and map links.

Formula(s) used

This tool performs lookup and filtering rather than numeric formulas. The key steps are:

geocode(location) -> latitude, longitude

stations = NREL_nearest(lat, lon, radius)

filtered = filter(stations, connector, min_power)

Distances are provided by the data source; the filter uses a simple DC fast proxy when min power is high.

Data Source

Stations Found 0

No stations loaded yet. Click "Find Stations".

Step-by-step example

Example search: Location "Austin, TX", radius 10 miles, connector CCS, minimum power 50 kW.

Address is geocoded to coordinates.
NREL API returns nearby electric charging stations within 10 miles.
Results are filtered to stations that list CCS connectors.
Minimum power filter keeps DC fast focused results.
Stations are displayed with address, network, and pricing where available.

Use cases

Find chargers near your current location or destination.
Filter for compatible connectors before a trip.
Locate faster DC chargers for quick top-ups.
Compare networks and pricing information.
Plan charging stops in unfamiliar areas.
Validate a route before using a full trip planner.

Assumptions & limitations

Live results depend on the NREL station database and may not be real-time.
Geocoding accuracy depends on the input address and Nominatim results.
Minimum power filtering is approximate and not a precise kW lookup.
Station availability, pricing, and connector data can be incomplete.
API usage limits apply to live searches.
Results are for planning and do not guarantee station uptime.

Disclaimer: Results are estimates for planning only. Always verify station availability before relying on a stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between demo and live mode?

Demo mode shows sample stations so you can test the interface without an API key or internet access. Live mode queries the NREL Alternative Fuel Stations API and returns real station data near your chosen location. Live mode is best for actual planning, while demo mode is useful for quick trials or offline demos.

Do I need an API key?

For live mode, an NREL API key is recommended because it helps manage rate limits and access. The tool includes a shared key for basic usage, but using your own key is more reliable for frequent searches. Demo mode does not require a key.

Why are some stations missing or inaccurate?

Station data comes from the NREL database and may lag real-world changes. Some stations may be new, closed, or temporarily offline without immediate updates. Location coordinates can also be approximate. Use the station network app or mapping service to verify availability before you drive to a specific site.

How is the minimum power filter applied?

The NREL dataset does not always include precise kW values for each connector. This tool applies a simple filter by treating higher minimum power requests as a preference for DC fast charging. It helps narrow results but is not a guarantee of exact power output. Check the station details or network app for confirmed power ratings.

Does it show real-time availability?

No. The locator lists station locations and general details, not live availability or queue status. For real-time availability, use the station network app or a live mapping provider. This tool is intended for planning and discovery, not live status checks.

Can I search by address or coordinates?

Yes. You can enter an address, city, or a latitude and longitude pair. If you enter an address, the tool uses Nominatim to geocode it into coordinates. If you enter coordinates directly, it skips geocoding and uses them immediately for the station search.

Sources & references

NREL Alternative Fuel Stations API - Data source for live station results.
OpenStreetMap Nominatim usage policy - Geocoding service policies and limits.
DOE AFDC: Electric vehicles for consumers - Charging levels and connector context.
Schema.org: FAQPage, WebPage, and BreadcrumbList - Structured data definitions used on this page.