This guide addresses common questions about charging with the EVCS network, including account access, station compatibility, charging speed, and policies.
In this Guide
- Account Access and App Use
- Finding Stations and Compatibility
- Charging Mechanics and Speed
- Station Policies and Payment
Account Access and App Use
How do I open an account?
- Visit www.evcs.com, then select My Account, and then Register. Complete all required fields. Download the EVCS app and log in using the same credentials. You'll receive a verification link via email. Open the link to confirm your email address and complete your registration.
Does your app work with other networks?
No. The EVCS app only works with the EVCS network of chargers.
Finding Stations and EV Compatibility
How can I find the closest charger?
The best way to find EVCS chargers is by creating an account and using the EVCS app. The app shows all EVCS chargers with real-time status data such as charger status, charging speed and connectors.
Which vehicles and charging types are supported?
EVCS utilizes CCS, NACS, CHAdeMO, and J-1772 connectors to support various electric vehicles.
- BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) can utilize both Level 2 and Level 3 (DCFC) chargers.
- PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) can utilize L2 chargers, but are generally not compatible with Level 3 DCFC chargers.
Please check the EVCS app to see if the necessary charging connector is available at your chosen station.
Do your connectors work with all EVs?
Most of our DC Fast Charging sites in California have a mix of CCS, CHAdeMO and NACS (Tesla) connectors. The best way to see the connectors on a charger is by creating an account on the EVCS app. The app will show the chargers and their corresponding connectors.
Charging Mechanics and Speed
How fast do your stations charge?
Charging speed is determined by numerous factors, however as a general guideline:
- Level 2 chargers typically take several hours or more to fully charge a vehicle.
- Level 3 chargers on most EVs will charge 80% of the battery in less than 60 minutes.
More details can be found in our Getting started with EVCS charging article.
Do your stations with 2 connectors allow for simultaneous charging?
Some EVCS Level 3 (DC Fast) chargers with multiple connectors do allow for simultaneous charging, while other chargers do not.
- In the EVCS app, those that do allow for simultaneous charging will list each connector individually with it's associated station ID on different station cards in the EVCS app, or on the network map. These stations typically have the same station ID prefix with a 00 or 01 suffix:
- Other stations that have two connectors, but do not allow for simultaneous charging will list both connectors together with their single station ID on the same station card:
Does simultaneous charging affect the charging rate?
Yes, each charging station has a maximum power capacity. If two vehicles are charging simultaneously from the same charger, the available power is usually shared between them. This can reduce the charging rate for both vehicles, often splitting the power equally or based on the station's load management system.
Station Policies and Payment
Can I reserve a charger?
No. Chargers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The app will display how many chargers are currently available at that particular site by opening the site details.
Is there an idle fee?
No, however we do ask that customers remove their vehicle as soon as they are done charging in order to keep stations available for other customers.
The station is prompting me to insert an RFID card, is that the same as a credit card?
No, the RFID card is a separate EVCS payment type and should not be confused with credit card readers. RFID card payment is reserved exclusively for commercial customers at this time. RFID cards may be referenced on the LCD screen of newer EVCS chargers.