While this concern is completely valid, it’s also reassuring to know that 41 percent of current EV owners don’t face any charging issues when they need to. Unlike traditional gasoline or diesel cars, which can only be refueled at gas stations, EV drivers have many more options for recharging their vehicles. But where exactly do most people charge their electric cars?

In this article, we’ll explore the five most common places where EV drivers charge their vehicles and take a look at what the future holds for EV charging infrastructure.

Where Can I Charge My Electric Car?

The answer depends on several factors, such as the availability of charging stations in your area and what you find most convenient.

According to our Mobility Monitor report, which surveyed hundreds of EV drivers and potential buyers across Europe, there are five main locations where people currently charge their electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids.

Home charging is by far the most popular choice, with 64 percent of EV drivers reporting that they charge at home. The next most common spots are at work (34%), public parking lots (31%), gas stations (29%), and supermarkets (26%).

Let’s dive into each of these top five locations and see how they’re shaping the future of electric mobility.

1. Charging at Home

As shown in the data, home charging is the most popular option, with 64 percent of EV drivers charging their vehicles at home. As EVs become more widespread, this trend is expected to continue, according to PwC forecasts.

Why is home charging so popular? It's all about cost and convenience. Charging at home is typically the cheapest option since you pay only for the electricity you use. Plus, you don't have to stop and wait in line like you would at a gas station—you just plug in and go about your day, returning to a fully charged car later.

If you're interested in learning more about home charging, check out our detailed guide on everything from installation to costs and best practices.

2. Charging at Work

Workplace charging is a close second, with 34 percent of EV drivers already using it. Many more would like to if the option were available.

Forward-thinking companies are starting to offer EV charging as an employee benefit, but there's still room for improvement. 27 percent of EV drivers say they'd like to charge at work, and 65 percent feel there aren't enough workplace charging options.

For those without access to home charging, workplace charging is especially valuable. Employers who provide it not only support their employees but also help reduce carbon emissions.

Discover why workplace EV charging is essential and how it can enhance employee satisfaction in our latest blog posts.

3. Charging at Gas Stations

Gas station charging is the third most common place, with 29 percent of European EV drivers charging there regularly. An additional one in five would love to if it were available.

Many fuel retailers now offer DC fast charging, also known as Level 3 charging. This method can recharge a vehicle’s battery in minutes instead of hours, making it ideal for quick stops during a trip.

Learn more about the different levels of charging in our guide.

4. Charging at Retail and Hospitality Locations

EV drivers can now charge at a wide variety of places—shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, and more. According to our research, 26 percent of EV drivers charge at supermarkets, and 22 percent do so at malls and department stores.

Most EVs can charge around 20-25% in an hour or two, making it easy to enjoy a meal or shopping trip while your car charges.

With the help of apps and online tools, it's simple to find nearby locations that offer EV charging. Some even provide free charging as part of loyalty programs.

5. Public Charging Stations

31 percent of EV drivers in Europe use public chargers regularly. These stations are crucial for supporting the growing number of EVs on the road.

Public charging helps meet demand and offers fast charging options to reduce time spent waiting. However, cities and governments are working to keep up with the rapid growth of EVs.

In 2014, the EU set a target of no more than 10 EVs per public charging point. Today, the ratio is about 7.5 EVs per PCP, but more stations will be needed in the coming years.

According to the International Energy Agency, there could be as many as 145 million EVs on the road by the end of the decade. That means more public charging stations will be essential.

To find public charging stations near you, use online maps or search “Public charging stations near me” on Google.

EV Charging Infrastructure Forecast

Governments around the world are investing in EV charging infrastructure to reduce emissions and support the shift to electric mobility. Europe, the US, and China have already made significant progress in expanding their networks.

With increased funding and policy support, the global EV charging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 30 percent between 2020 and 2026.

Installing charging stations at homes, businesses, and along roads is key to supporting the growing adoption of electric vehicles. Learn about available EV charging incentives in Europe in our latest guide.

Electric mobility is becoming the new standard, and the right charging infrastructure is essential to meet rising demand. EV driving is changing how we commute and how we choose to “refuel” our vehicles.

Discover More About EV Charging

Many new EV drivers are unsure about how to charge their vehicles and where to find charging stations. The variety of charging locations is one thing, but what about the battery itself? How far can you drive on a single charge? What does it cost? How long does it take? And what's the difference between charging levels?

Find answers to all these questions and more in our in-depth EV charging guide.