An electric charging station, also known as an EV charging station or electric vehicle charging station, is a device that provides electricity to charge the batteries of electric vehicles (EVs). They are typically located in public places, such as shopping centers, parking lots, and rest areas, to provide convenient charging options for EV owners.

There are several types of electric charging stations, including:

1. Level 1 charging stations: These use a standard household outlet to provide a slow charge, typically taking 8 to 12 hours for a full charge.
2. Level 2 charging stations: These use a dedicated 240-volt outlet to provide a faster charge, typically taking 4 to 8 hours for a full charge.
3. DC Fast Charging stations: These use high-voltage direct current to provide the fastest charge, typically taking 30 minutes to an hour for an 80% charge.

The cost of using an electric charging station varies, with some being free to use and others requiring a fee. Some charging networks also offer membership plans with lower charging rates for frequent users.