Data Scientist Launches EV Plug Finder to Aid EV Drivers

Sam Khattak, a data scientist in Fairfax County, Virginia, launched EV Plug Finder after seeing electric vehicle drivers complain online about unreliable public charging stations and frustrating charging experiences. The free, web-based platform combines data from Open Maps, the U.S. Department of Energy, and real-time reports submitted by users to help drivers make better-informed charging decisions.

EV Plug Finder identifies public charging locations and provides information about charger operating status, pricing, parking fees, and nearby amenities, including restrooms. Drivers can rate charging stations, post comments, and upload pricing information that expires after two hours to help keep details current. The platform also highlights potential hidden costs, such as parking fees at locations where charging itself is advertised as free.

In the screenshot below, a restroom icon shows that a restroom is available at the locations.

The service includes a trip-planning tool that helps drivers identify charging locations along a route and compare options based on availability, cost, and convenience. Users can access the platform without downloading an app or creating an account, and it does not display advertisements.

Khattak developed the service to address a common frustration among EV drivers: arriving at a charging station only to discover that a charger is broken, occupied, or located somewhere with unexpected fees or limited amenities.

EVinfo.net had the honor of speaking with Khattak.

Khattak said: “I built EV Plug Finder to help EV drivers find charging stations and plan road trips, but I wanted it to be more than just another map with charging locations. The idea came from reading EV community discussions where people were sharing frustrations about broken chargers, unexpected parking fees, inaccurate pricing, and not knowing what to expect until they arrived.”

EVinfo.net’s Take: Why EV Drivers Need More Tools to Find Reliable Public Charging

Public EV charging infrastructure is expanding, but finding a charging station is only part of the challenge. Drivers also need accurate information about charger operating status, pricing, parking fees, and nearby amenities. Better tools can make electric vehicle travel more convenient, predictable, and accessible.

Finding a Working Charger

A map listing does not guarantee a charger is operational. Drivers may arrive to find broken connectors, offline equipment, or occupied stations. These problems are especially frustrating on road trips, when battery range and alternative charging options may be limited.

Tools that combine real-time station data with recent driver reports can help users check charger status before arriving and identify backup locations if a station is unavailable.

Transparent Pricing and Parking Fees

Charging costs vary by network, location, charging speed, membership, and payment method. Some stations also have time-based fees or session charges. Parking fees at garages, shopping centers, and downtown locations can add unexpected costs, even when charging is advertised as free.

Displaying charging prices and parking fees together helps drivers compare locations and estimate the total cost of a stop before they arrive.

Nearby Amenities Improve the Experience

Drivers also need to know what is available near a charging station. Restrooms, restaurants, convenience stores, and accessible facilities can make charging stops more comfortable, particularly for families and people traveling long distances.

Charging tools should help drivers evaluate the entire stop, not simply locate charging equipment.

Driver Reports Add Real-World Information

Drivers can report broken chargers, unexpected fees, blocked access, and unavailable amenities. These updates can supplement official station data, which may not immediately reflect changing conditions.

Useful platforms should show when reports were submitted and distinguish official operating information from user comments. Time-sensitive details, including pricing and availability, should be regularly updated.