The quickest way: Google Maps
Type “EV charging station” or “EV charger near me” into Google Maps, and the stations near you will appear. Before you set off, open the station's page and look at three things:
- Opening hours: does the station show “Open now”? Some chargers inside malls or petrol stations close at night.
- The latest reviews and photos: a review from last week tells you more about the state of the chargers today than a hundred old ones.
- Charger type: some pages list the connectors and the power. If you cannot find them, ask the station before you go.
Charging station apps
Alongside Google Maps, many drivers in Jordan use charging map apps such as PlugShare and Electromaps. Their advantage is that they show the connector type at each station, and drivers add their own notes and photos. The data in them comes from users, so it can sometimes be out of date. Compare it with the station's Google page.
Some stations have their own apps that show charger status in real time. FAST RANGE is developing an app of this kind.
Fast charger or regular charger?
Not every “charging station” is a fast-charging station. The difference in time is large:
- DC fast charger: charges the battery directly, and many modern cars need about 30 minutes from 20% to 80%.
- Regular AC charger: goes through the car's onboard charger, and the same charge may take several hours. It suits you if you are leaving the car for a long time, for example during working hours.
The details are in how long it takes to charge an electric car.
Check the connector before the trip
The most common wasted trip is when a driver arrives and finds that the charger's connector does not match the car's charging port. In Jordan there are two common fast-charging types: GB/T (the “Chinese” connector) and CCS2 (the “European” connector), plus CHAdeMO on some older Japanese cars. The guide to EV charger types explains how to tell which one your car has.
Tips for long journeys
- Plan your charging stop before the battery drops below 20%, not when it reaches zero.
- Save two stations on your route rather than one, in case the chargers are busy or out of service.
- Driving fast and running the air conditioning in summer raise consumption noticeably, so allow for that.
In Zarqa: FAST RANGE
If you are in Zarqa or passing through, FAST RANGE is a DC fast-charging station built for electric cars, with clearly marked bays under a lit canopy. Find out more on EV charging in Zarqa.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the nearest EV charging station to me?
Type “EV charging station” into Google Maps with your location turned on, and the nearby stations will appear, sorted by distance. Check the opening hours and the charger type before you set off.
What is the best app for EV charging stations in Jordan?
Google Maps is the easiest way to find the nearest station and see its opening hours. Apps such as PlugShare and Electromaps show the connector type and drivers' notes. Use more than one source, because some data may be out of date.
How do I know if a charging station is open now?
The station's page on Google Maps shows “Open now” if its opening hours are listed. Recent reviews also help you find out the state of the chargers.
Do all charging stations suit all cars?
No. The charger's connector has to match your car's charging port: GB/T (the “Chinese” connector), CCS2 (the “European” connector) or another type. Check before you go.