Can't Find a Working Charger
The chargers near you are broken, occupied, or missing
You need to charge but the charger you planned to use is broken, occupied, or does not exist where the app says it should be. Here is how to find an alternative quickly.
Your situation
You arrived at a charging station but the chargers are out of service, fully occupied, or not where the app said they would be. You need to find another option.
What to try first
- 1
Check multiple charger apps
No single app shows all chargers. Check 2-3 apps (for example PlugShare, the car's built-in charger map, and a network-specific app). Filter by 'available now' if the app supports it.
- 2
Look for nearby alternatives within range
Check how much range you have and search for chargers within that radius. Hotel and shopping center chargers are often less busy than highway chargers. Destination chargers (slower AC) may be available when fast chargers are not.
- 3
Check community reports
Apps like PlugShare show user-submitted status updates. Check recent reviews to see if other drivers report the charger as working or broken. A charger with no recent check-ins may be out of service.
More scenarios in the app
The EVcourse app walks you through more specific scenarios for this problem with visual step-by-step guides. Free for iOS and Android.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if no EV chargers are available near me?
Check multiple apps, broaden your search radius, and consider slower AC chargers at hotels, restaurants, or parking garages. In a genuine emergency, a standard household outlet with a portable charger gives you about 5-8 km of range per hour. Enough to reach the next station.
Are charger apps accurate about availability?
Real-time availability data varies by network. Some apps show live status, others rely on user reports. PlugShare is often the most up-to-date because it combines network data with community check-ins. Always have a backup location in mind.
Related guides
Stuck at the charger? Open the app.
Step-by-step help for real charging problems. Free on iOS and Android.
Free to download · Available on iOS and Android