If you’re staring at a parking lot full of ChargePoint logos and wondering, “Are ChargePoint stations fast charging, and does ChargePoint actually do Level 3 chargers?”, you’re not alone. The short version: most ChargePoint stations are Level 2 (slower), but ChargePoint also operates and sells a growing number of Level 3 DC fast chargers that can add serious range in a short stop.
Key takeaway
ChargePoint is best known for Level 2 AC chargers at workplaces, apartments and parking garages, but it also offers DC fast chargers (often branded Express or Express Plus) that qualify as true Level 3. You just have to know how to spot them in the app or on-site.
Quick answer: Are ChargePoint stations fast charging?
ChargePoint at a glance
Not every orange station is created equal
Most are Level 2 (slower)
Yes, ChargePoint has Level 3
Coverage is spotty vs. Tesla or EA
ChargePoint charger types: Level 2 vs Level 3
To understand whether a ChargePoint station is “fast,” you first need the difference between Level 2 AC charging and Level 3 DC fast charging What you actually experience at the plug. Numbers are typical ranges; your exact speed depends on your EV and the specific station. For most EV owners, Level 2 is your bread‑and‑butter charging, at home, at work or when you’ll be parked for a while. DC fast charging is the road‑trip or emergency turbo boost, not something you need every day. Yes. ChargePoint absolutely offers Level 3 DC fast charging hardware and operates thousands of DC fast ports for site hosts like retailers, fleets and highway travel plazas. In ChargePoint’s product line, these are usually branded Express 250 or Express Plus. In the EV world, “Level 3” is informal shorthand. ChargePoint usually brands these simply as DC fast chargers, rather than using “Level 3” in marketing, but they’re the same thing: DC power delivered directly to your battery at high power levels. On paper, ChargePoint’s latest Express Plus hardware can push up to 500 kW to a single passenger‑vehicle port, with megawatt‑scale systems aimed at commercial trucks. In practice, your actual speed will depend on three things: the station’s hardware limit, how that power is shared between cars, and what your EV can accept. If your EV tops out at 100 kW DC charging, a 500 kW ChargePoint pedestal won’t magically make it faster. Always check your car’s maximum DC fast‑charge rate, especially important when you’re shopping used. Because ChargePoint’s brand covers both slow and fast charging, it’s easy to assume a random orange station will give you road‑trip speed, and end up staring at a Level 2 plug. Here’s how to confirm you’re headed to a true DC fast (Level 3) site. In the ChargePoint app, use filters for <strong>“DC fast”</strong> and your connector type (CCS, CHAdeMO, or NACS). This immediately hides Level 2 stations that would slow your trip. Tap a station in the map and scroll down to connector details. If you see ratings like <strong>50 kW, 62.5 kW, 150 kW or higher</strong>, that’s DC fast. Level 2 posts will show 6–19 kW instead. Station names or descriptions that include <strong>Express, Express Plus, DC fast, CPE250</strong>, or similar branding almost always indicate Level 3 hardware. In the app, DC fast locations usually list <strong>CCS, CHAdeMO, or NACS DC</strong> connectors. If you only see J1772, you’re looking at Level 2 AC. Many hosts upload photos. <strong>Thick, short, liquid‑cooled cables on a big pedestal</strong> are a giveaway for DC fast. Thin, long cords on small posts usually mean Level 2. DC fast stations often show per‑minute or higher per‑kWh prices and idle fees, while Level 2 tends to be cheaper or even free at workplaces and hotels. Before a long drive, save a few ChargePoint DC fast sites as favorites in your app, plus back‑ups on other networks. That way you’ve got options if a specific fast charger is busy or offline. Knowing that a ChargePoint station is fast isn’t enough; you also need the right plug. Newer ChargePoint fast chargers increasingly support multiple connector standards on the same pedestal. Some plug‑in hybrids and older EVs have no DC fast‑charging hardware at all. In that case, even a ChargePoint Level 3 station will only offer Level 2 speeds with your car. Check your owner’s manual or window sticker before assuming you can use DC fast. You don’t always need the biggest, baddest charger on the lot. In fact, over‑relying on DC fast charging can be tougher on your battery and your budget. Here’s how to choose between ChargePoint Level 2 and Level 3 on any given day. Match the charger to your stop, not just your impatience Most EVs charge fastest between about 10% and 60–80% state of charge. Past that, charging speeds drop sharply. On trips, treat ChargePoint DC fast stops as quick boosts rather than full charges whenever you can. Fast charging is incredibly convenient, but it comes with trade‑offs that matter even more if you own, or are considering, a used EV. Many DC fast sites, including some ChargePoint locations, add idle or overstay fees once your car is done charging. Move your car promptly to avoid surprises on your bill and free up the stall for the next driver. If you’re driving, or shopping for, a used EV, understanding how ChargePoint’s network fits into your charging mix is part of feeling confident beyond the test drive. That’s exactly the kind of practical planning Recharged buyers ask about. Before a long trip, verify whether your EV supports DC fast and at what maximum kW. This matters more for used models where specs vary by trim or option package. Use apps like ChargePoint, PlugShare and your in‑car nav to plan stops across <strong>several networks</strong>. That way you’re not stranded if one ChargePoint site is offline or fully occupied. On older or smaller‑battery EVs, you may need more frequent, shorter stops. Planning breaks around meals and rest stops makes the charging time feel far less painful. If your hotel or destination offers ChargePoint Level 2, grab it. Waking up to a full battery often means you can skip a fast‑charging stop entirely the next day. Every used EV sold through Recharged comes with a Recharged Score Report that covers battery health and realistic range. That makes it much easier to plan around real‑world charging speeds on networks like ChargePoint, not just the numbers on a spec sheet. ChargePoint plays a big role in everyday EV life in the U.S., especially for Level 2 public charging. When you need speed, though, the answer to “Are ChargePoint stations fast charging?” is: sometimes. ChargePoint absolutely offers true Level 3 DC fast chargers, but they’re a subset of the network and you need to seek them out using the app filters and power ratings. If you’re currently driving, or thinking about buying, a used EV, understanding how ChargePoint’s Level 2 and Level 3 options fit into your routine will make your ownership experience smoother and your road trips less stressful. And when you’re shopping, working with a marketplace like Recharged that surfaces real battery health and range data means you can match the right car to the charging networks you actually plan to use.Level 2 vs DC fast charging (including ChargePoint)
Feature Level 2 (AC) DC Fast / Level 3 (DC) Typical power 3.3–19.2 kW 50–350+ kW Typical Voltage 208–240V AC 400–1000V DC Miles of range added ~10–40 mi/hour ~100–200+ mi in 20–30 min Best use case Home, work, long stops Road trips, quick top‑ups Common for ChargePoint? Yes (most stations) Yes, but fewer sites Think of Level 2 as your daily charger
Does ChargePoint offer true Level 3 (DC fast) chargers?
Level 3 by any other name
How fast are ChargePoint DC fast chargers in the real world?
What ChargePoint fast charging usually looks like
Your car is the bottleneck too
How to tell if a ChargePoint station is fast before you drive there
Checklist: Spotting ChargePoint fast chargers
1. Filter by DC fast in the ChargePoint app
2. Look for power ratings (kW)
3. Scan for words like “Express” or “DC”
4. Check connector icons
5. Zoom in on photos, if available
6. Confirm pricing structure
Pro move for road trips
Connector types: CCS, CHAdeMO, NACS and your EV
Visitors also read...
Common DC fast connector types
How this plays out for you
Not every EV can DC fast charge
When you should use ChargePoint Level 2 vs Level 3
Smart ways to use ChargePoint
Use Level 2 when you’ll be parked for hours
Use Level 3 when you’re on the move
Think 10–80%, not 0–100% on DC fast
Battery health, costs and queues at ChargePoint fast chargers
Watch those idle fees
Planning trips in a used EV with ChargePoint stations
Trip‑planning checklist for used EVs
Confirm your car’s DC fast capability
Map multiple networks, not just ChargePoint
Plan around 60–90 minute windows
Use Level 2 overnight whenever possible
Where Recharged fits in
FAQ: ChargePoint fast charging and Level 3
Frequently asked questions
Bottom line: How “fast” is ChargePoint, really?
