Charging Stations in the Four Corners
The first stop for charging information is Plugshare. Below are maps from Plugshare for Non-Tesla and Tesla fast chargers. Fast chargers can take a fully electric car (BEV) from almost empty to 80% full in less than an hour. This is the kind of charger you need when you’re on a road trip – just passing through an area. The maps below show the fast charger situation in June 2024. You can also search for “EV charger” in Google Maps to find all levels and types of charging stations.
Non-Tesla (CCS/SAE and Chademo) Fast Chargers
- CHAdeMO fast chargers serve:
- Nissan
- Mitsubishi
- Other Japanese automakers
- Most non-Tesla chargers have connectors for both these types.
Tesla Superchargers in the Four Corners
The maps above show a non-Tesla BEV with greater than 230 miles range, if starting with a full battery at Cortez, Colorado, can make it to either the I-70 or I-40 interstates. As of the summer of 2024, thanks to Electrify America, the interstates have fast-charger coverage at fairly regular intervals, but if you’re driving an EV with 230 miles of range you need to plan carefully to go further west from Moab or Grand Junction. Colorado has done a far better job than the other Four Corners states in getting adequate fast charger coverage on their interstates. In all Four Corners states, it’s wise to be prepared to wait if the fast chargers are all in use when you arrive.
Know that fast chargers charge by time or by kilowatt hour (kWh). Prices can (but don’t always) rise steeply after the first 30 minutes to an hour. Almost all fast charging stations raise the price dramatically if you leave a car plugged in after the car has finished charging. This is done to discourage people from staying at the charger any longer than it takes to fill up. These locations are not meant to be parking spots.
Teslas have a few more options, but would still have to plan carefully and stay on the most heavily traveled state highways.
Level 2 Non-Tesla Chargers in the Four Corners
It’s important to remember that with an EV, you can fill up every night while you sleep. Choose accommodations that offer EV charging. Your options increase if you plan to spend the night in the Four Corners during your trip. Know that any campground that has plug-ins for RV campers can also act as a Level 2 charger for your EV. To charge at campgrounds, you need to carry the J-1772 or Tesla charge cord that is usually provided with the car AND a NEMA 14-50 adapter which you will need to purchase and will allow you to plug your charge cord into the campgrounds’ charging posts.
The locations on the map below are Level 2 J-1772 and NEMA 14-50 chargers. These generally “fill up” at a rate of about 20 miles/hour charging. The cost to charge is much lower than the fast charging stations. If you stay overnight at these locations you can go from almost empty to full. These locations are also good if you want to stop for a meal, or to visit a place for a couple hours. You can top up 20-60 miles and then continue your trip to your overnight stop or a fast charger to continue on that day.
