The first time you pull up to a charging unit in a shopping mall parking lot or by the roadside in your EV, the same question always comes to mind: "Okay, now what?" Using a public charging station is actually about as easy as downloading a smartphone app — the real trick is understanding the difference in time and cost between AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) units.

The number of EVs on Turkey's roads is climbing fast in 2026, and along with it, both AC sockets in city centers and DC fast chargers on intercity routes are multiplying. In this guide, we'll walk through every step from the moment you arrive at a public charging station to the moment you unplug and drive off, along with the AC/DC difference, payment methods, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Before You Head to the Station: Pick the Right Charger

The answer to "how do I use a public charging station" really starts before you even leave home. Through the mobile apps of charging network operators (e.g. Trugo, Sharz, Zes, Eşarj, ADZE, and others), you can check the nearest station's:

Availability — is it free or occupied,
Type — AC or DC,
Connector type (Type 2, CCS2, CHAdeMO),
Live price per kWh

Checking this in advance saves you from driving to a unit that's occupied or out of service.

AC or DC? Why the Difference Matters

Turkey has two common charging types, and mixing them up can turn a quick stop into a much longer break than you planned.

Feature	AC Charging (Slow/Medium)	DC Charging (Fast)
Power range	3.7 – 22 kW	50 – 360 kW
Connector	Type 2	CCS2 (standard in Turkey)
Typical charging time	3-8 hours (full charge)	20-40 minutes (20%→80%)
Where to find it	Malls, residential complexes, parking lots, workplaces	Highways, gas stations, DC hubs
Best used when	The car will be parked anyway (shopping, work, home)	You need a quick top-up on a trip
Approximate kWh price	Lower	Higher

For example, a mid-range EV with a 60 kWh battery takes roughly 3 hours to go from 20% to 100% on a 22 kW AC charger, while a 100-150 kW DC charger can cover the same range in just 25-35 minutes. So if you're going to be parked at a mall for hours anyway, AC makes sense; if you're on the road and need to top up quickly before continuing your trip, DC is the smarter choice.

Step by Step: How to Start a Charge at the Station

1. Find the right spot and park. Charging spots are usually reserved in a specific section of the parking area; in some places only EVs are allowed to park there, and violating this can result in a fine.

2. Open your car's charging port and plug in the cable. At AC stations, you typically plug the cable into your car yourself (Type 2 connector); at DC fast chargers, the cable is permanently attached to the unit, and you simply plug the CCS2 end into your car.

3. Start the charge. There are three common methods:

Mobile app: Open the operator's app and scan the QR code or enter the unit's ID number to start charging.
RFID card: Tap the physical card you received from the operator on the unit.
QR code guest charging (no card needed): Some operators let you scan a QR code and pay by credit card for a one-time charge, no app download required.

4. Confirm the charge has started. You should see a "charging" status on the unit's screen or in the app; on your car's dashboard, the charging icon should stop blinking and stay solid.

5. Wait or go about your business. With DC fast charging, you'll usually stay near the car; with AC, you can leave the car and go shopping or head to work.

6. End the charge and unplug. Stop the session from the app or by tapping your card again, then disconnect the cable first from the car, then from the unit.

7. Check your payment. The charge is usually deducted automatically from your app wallet or saved credit card; you can view the receipt in the app if you'd like.

How Does Payment Work?

Almost all public charging stations in Turkey charge per kWh — you pay for exactly how much energy you drew (some stations also add a per-minute occupancy/idle fee on top). AC charging tends to have a lower per-kWh price, while DC fast charging is generally pricier, varying by the unit's power and the operator. Exact TRY/kWh rates change over time and differ between operators, so always confirm the current price through the app or on the unit's screen.

Payment is typically made one of these ways:

Automatic deduction from a credit/debit card saved in the app
Pre-loaded balance/wallet
One-time cardless payment via QR code (guest user)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving the cable plugged in after charging finishes: Especially at DC fast chargers, if your car keeps occupying the socket for too long after the charge is done, some operators apply an extra "occupancy" (idle) fee. This is meant to discourage drivers from blocking the unit for others.
Using the wrong connector type: CHAdeMO is a fading standard in the Turkish market; nearly all new EVs use CCS2. Knowing your car's connector type ahead of time saves you from wasted trips.
Not keeping a valid payment method in the app: If your saved card has expired, the charge may fail to start; check your app before you hit the road.
Not checking availability beforehand: Especially during peak hours (6:00 PM-9:00 PM), city AC stations can get crowded.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I pay at a public charging station? At most stations, payment is deducted automatically per kWh from the credit card saved in the operator's app. Some stations also let you scan a QR code and pay once with a card, without downloading the app.

Can I charge without a card or app? Yes, more and more operators now offer a "guest" option: you scan the QR code on the unit with your phone, enter your card details, and start charging without installing an app. Not every station offers this though, so for routes you use often, it's more practical to download that operator's app.

How soon do I need to unplug after charging finishes? The general rule is to unplug and move your car as soon as the charge completes. Especially at busy DC fast chargers, if you leave the socket occupied for a certain grace period (usually 10-15 minutes) after charging ends, you may be charged an extra per-minute "idle/occupancy" fee. This policy varies by operator and is detailed in the app or on the unit itself.

How do I find the nearest public charging station? Charging network operators' mobile apps show the nearest units on a map, along with their current availability and power level (AC/DC). If you're planning a long trip, marking the DC fast chargers along your route ahead of time helps you plan your stops efficiently.

Conclusion

Using a public charging station becomes second nature after just a few tries — arguably more flexible than a gas station stop in some ways — as long as you understand the speed-cost tradeoff between AC and DC and remember to free up the unit once your charge is done. By checking out apps from networks like ADZE Charge, which operates AC and DC charging points across more than 50 locations, you can plan ahead for the station that best fits your route.

How to Use a Public EV Charging Station: A Step-by-Step Guide