Tesla EV charging station
File photo by Bram Van Oost/UnSplash

STURGEON BAY — As the number of visitors to Wisconsin’s Door County continues to grow, so do the number of people in search of a charging station for their electric vehicle.

Whether its a Tesla or any number of other makes of electric vehicles or hybrids, a charging strategy is on the to-do list for vehicles owners before they head north.

Several frequent visitors from Chicago responded in a recent online post with useful tips they’ve employed.

One driver recommends using the charging station at the Electrify America at the Walmart in Milwaukee on the way up, then staying at 70 m.p.h. or just under to conserve battery.

The Target in Sturgeon Bay has Tesla chargers, and seasoned EV drivers recommend checking ahead to find lodging that includes a Level 2 charging station.

You also can use the Plugshare app to find a good number of L2 chargers throughout the peninsula, including at a number of the town halls, Kress Pavilion, and One Barrel Brewing.

(Search here on the PLUGSHARE APP)

If your lodging does not have a charger available, keep it plugged in to a 110v outlet at the house, then take advantage of the Level 2 chargers as often as possible.

Although it hasn’t been updated since November of 2021, Destination Door County has a basic charging station list of EV CHARGING STATIONS HERE.

Other options from RoadTrippers Magazine include:

  1. PlugShare is a community-backed app where other EV drivers can leave feedback and report broken chargers on listings. It shows all available chargers near your location as well as the price of charging. It’ll also show you what adapters you’ll need based on the vehicle you’re driving. 
  2. Roadtrippers lists EV chargers along your route. Since you’re already mapping out your trip, you can conveniently add stops at chargers along the way.
  3. Your car’s built-in navigation system can help you find chargers near your location or along your route.
  4. You can also search for chargers on Google Maps. 

By Dan Plutchak

Editor and publisher of the Door County Shore Report