Beatrice Lang
Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are becoming increasingly common, with over 113,000 across the U.S. alone. However, the cost of charging can vary, with the average cost to charge a vehicle at a public EV station ranging from $0.30 to $0.60 kWh. This has led to a growing demand for free EV charging stations, which can be found through various apps and other means. These apps, such as PlugShare, ChargePoint, ChargeHub, and EVHotels, allow users to locate free charging stations, plan routes, and even reserve chargers. Additionally, some workplaces, hotels, and popular retail stores offer free EV charging as an incentive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of charging an electric vehicle | $0.30- $0.60 kWh |
| Average cost to fully charge an electric vehicle | $11 to $50 |
| Cost of electricity | Varies by location |
| Apps to find free charging stations | PlugShare, ChargePoint, Recargo, Chargemap, ChargeHub, A Better Route Planner, EVHotels, EVmatch, EVgo, Electrify America, Blink Charging, EV.Energy |
| Free charging on certain days | Earth Day |
| Free charging for certain vehicles | Tesla on holidays |
| Free charging at certain locations | Workplaces, hotel chains, gas stations, big-box stores, shopping malls, popular fast-food chains, grocery stores |
| Other ways to save money on charging | Multi-Network RFID Cards, Smart Chargers, Subscription services, Loyalty programs |
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What You'll Learn
- Using apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, ChargeHub, and EVmatch to find free stations
- Leveraging subscriptions and memberships for discounted rates
- Taking advantage of incentives and loyalty programs
- Using RFID cards to access multiple charging networks
- Planning trips around charging needs and availability
Using apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, ChargeHub, and EVmatch to find free stations
There are several apps available that can help you find free electric charging stations. Here's how you can use them:
PlugShare
PlugShare is a free app for iOS, Android, and web that allows users to find charging stations, leave reviews, and connect with other plug-in vehicle owners. It has the most accurate and complete public charging map worldwide, with stations from every major network in North America, Europe, and the rest of the world. You can use the built-in trip planner to find all the stations along your route, making it perfect for planning a road trip in a Tesla or any other electric vehicle. The app also includes over 5,800,000 station reviews and 725,000 charging station photos, so you can get a good idea of what to expect at each location.
ChargePoint
The ChargePoint app helps you find charging stations from the largest global EV charging network. You can use the charging map to locate the right station for you, and then drive up, plug in, and enjoy the amenities nearby. The app also allows you to filter stations by compatibility with your EV, charging speed, and availability. You can start charging by scanning a QR code or by tapping your ChargePoint RFID card at ChargePoint or roaming partner stations.
ChargeHub
ChargeHub offers an EV Charging Map that is connected to the widest range of networks across North America. The map helps you easily locate charging stations and improve your EV roaming experience.
EVmatch
The EVmatch mobile app gives you access to a nationwide charging network on the go. You can search for charging stations by connector type, charging speed, availability, and price. The app also allows you to manage reservations and payments remotely.
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Leveraging subscriptions and memberships for discounted rates
Electric vehicle charging networks, such as Tesla, EVgo, and Electrify America, offer monthly subscription membership plans that can provide discounted rates and other benefits. For instance, Electrify America's Pass+ membership, available for $7 per month, reduces charging fees by approximately 25%. Similarly, EVgo's PlusMax membership costs $12.99 per month and offers a reduced rate of $0.29/kWh compared to the non-member rate of $0.42/kWh.
Some apps, like PlugShare, ChargePoint, and Recargo, can help locate free charging stations or those that require a membership fee. PlugShare, in particular, offers a detailed map of charging stations worldwide, allowing users to filter by cost, connector type, charging speed, and amenities. It also provides station reviews and photos contributed by other drivers.
If you frequently use public charging stations, subscribing to these networks may offer cost savings. For example, if you require at least 65 kWh of energy from an Electrify America station each month, the Pass+ membership can be economical. Similarly, for EVgo's PlusMax membership to be worthwhile, you would need to publicly charge over 70 kWh of energy per month.
Additionally, some subscription plans may offer introductory promotions, such as one free month of EV charging, providing further incentives to leverage subscriptions and memberships for discounted rates.
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Taking advantage of incentives and loyalty programs
Electric vehicle owners can take advantage of incentives and loyalty programs to access free charging. For instance, the City of San Antonio allows EVs enrolled in their Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Parking Program to park for free at downtown street parking meters or street pay stations. Similarly, the FlexEVSM Off-Peak Rewards program in San Antonio provides EV owners with rebates when charging their vehicles at home.
SmartCharge New York is another incentive program that allows EV drivers to earn cash incentives for charging during off-peak times. Participants can earn an average of $400 per year and can receive payments through Venmo or PayPal.
In addition to location-specific programs, some apps offer incentives and loyalty programs for free electric vehicle charging. For example, EVgo allows users to collect rewards for charging their cars, and PlugShare offers a points system for its users.
Workplaces may also offer employee EV charging as an incentive to go green, and hotel chains, certain gas stations, and big-box stores like Target and Walmart may provide free charging stations.
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Using RFID cards to access multiple charging networks
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) cards are an increasingly popular way to access electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. They are designed to make the EV charging process more convenient, accessible, and secure for users.
RFID cards are not always necessary to charge your EV, but they do offer benefits such as speed and security, especially if you charge regularly. These cards can be offered by a specific charging network, a roaming provider, or you can use your contactless bank card. RFID cards are also likely to become an effective solution for addressing compatibility issues between different charging networks in the future.
RFID cards from certain companies can be used across multiple countries and charging networks, such as NewMotion, Chargemap, and Polar Plus in Europe, and ChargePoint, EVgo, and Blink in North America. These cards can be used at numerous different charging stations, thanks to cooperation agreements between these companies. For example, bp offers an RFID-enabled Fuel & Charge Card that provides access to a network of thousands of bp and partner petrol stations across the UK, as well as access to EV charging via the bp pulse on-the-go network.
RFID cards can also be used to monitor and track transaction history through a centralized platform. For instance, transactions made with a bp pulse card will appear in the bp pulse app, making it easy to keep track of charging sessions and spending. Businesses can also use RFID cards to track spending across their fleets, contributing to more efficient operations management.
Overall, RFID cards offer a convenient and secure way to access EV charging networks, providing speed and flexibility for users.
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Planning trips around charging needs and availability
Planning a trip in an electric vehicle (EV) doesn't have to be complicated. With a bit of preparation, your trip can be as enjoyable and convenient as a trip in a gas-powered car. When planning a long-distance trip in an EV, it's important to plan your route in advance and identify where you can stop to recharge. This includes knowing where EV charging stations are located, as well as places where you can use an electrical outlet to plug in your Level 1 (L1) charger in case of an emergency.
There are several apps available that can help you plan your route and find charging stations, such as ChargeHub, PlugShare, Blink Mobile App, ChargePoint, Recargo, Chargemap, and EVmatch. These apps allow you to filter and customize your route based on charging speed, availability, and price. You can also use Google Maps to locate EV charging stations. It's recommended to review the suggested routes and select one that suits your needs, including the availability of charging stations.
When planning your route, consider including charging stations along the way. Filling an EV battery takes longer than filling a gas tank, even with Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC). You can use this time to take a break, such as eating a meal or stretching your legs. Look for charging stations at hotels, gas stations, and popular entertainment areas near highways. When booking hotels, ensure they have Level 2 (L2) charging stations so your vehicle can charge overnight.
In addition to planning your route and locating charging stations, there are a few other things to keep in mind. First, bring snacks and water in case you need to wait longer than expected at a charging station. Second, pack light to maximize your EV's range. Third, monitor the weather, as cold weather can drain your EV's battery faster. Finally, keep in mind that the price of electricity varies depending on your location, so travelling across state lines may affect the cost of charging your EV.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, ChargeHub, EVHotels, EVmatch, and Recargo. These apps allow you to filter by cost, charging speed, and availability to find free charging stations near you.
Yes, you can engage with local EV communities to share resources and access peer-to-peer charging opportunities. You can also plan your trips using road trip guides like PlugShare to ensure you have access to affordable charging stations along your route.
Yes, free public charging stations can sometimes be found at shopping centers, workplaces, hotels, gas stations, and big-box stores like Target and Walmart. Your town or city may also operate free charging stations to promote clean energy.
Yes, apps like PlugShare, EVgo, and Electrify America provide real-time information on station locations, availability, and charging status.
Yes, subscription services like Electrify America Pass Plus, EVgo Plus, and EVHotels offer significant discounts on charging costs. These are ideal for frequent travelers or users of specific charging networks.
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