Considering joining the green revolution and investing in an electric car?
Wondering how much it might all cost?
Aside from the car itself, your two main costs are likely to be installing your own EV charger or paying to recharge using a public charger. But are any EV charging stations free?
Can you charge your EV for free?
Put simply – yes, depending on your EV charging type!
For Level 1 chargers, it can be more complex, but even you can benefit from free charging.
For Level 2 EV charger users, you will likely have more luck – as it might take a little more planning but there are thousands of free EV chargers available if you can be flexible.
According to The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, there are over 160,000 public charging stations or outlets – with the vast majority of these being in California.
So, whichever charger your car is compatible with, there are options you can take advantage of.
Considering joining the green revolution and investing in an electric car?
Wondering how much it might all cost?
Best free EV charging options
Depending on what type of charger you use, there are a few ways you can enjoy free (or very low cost) EV charging.
Read on to find out more…
Level 2 chargers
By far the most accessible, Level 2 EV chargers have many, many free charging options, giving EV adopters the chance to recharge at no extra cost. Our favorite methods are:
- While you shop
Many larger chains offer free charging as a customer perk, including Kohl’s, Fred Meyer, Stop & Shop, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods. This also includes some Macy’s department stores and Cinemark movie theatres!
- When spending a night away
Hotels and Inns, in select: Mariott, Hilton, and Radisson locations allow for free charging while you sleep or eat with them.
- At school
Though there may be restrictions, you can recharge at many schools or universities nationwide.
- Getting out and about in nature
More than 140 chargers are available at 23 of the national parks’ individual parks and campgrounds.
This includes the Oasis at Death Valley, Yosemite National Park, and Golden Gate National Recreation Area in CA, with 10,000 more expected across the US and Canada – this interactive map will help you find them all.
- At your leisure
Thanks to an initiative with Shell, there are over 3,600 Volta charging stalls in shopping malls, stadiums, amusement parks, and hospitals in the major US cities.
- As part of sales promotions
Get up to three years of free charging when shopping for a new car with select manufacturers.
- While making use of charging maps and apps
If you are a bit more tech-savvy, you can use charging maps and apps that advertise free and paid EV charging – these include PlugShare, ChargeFinder, or ChargeHub. Just be sure to change your filters to find the free options.
NEMA 14-50 chargers
Many homeowners opt for NEMA 14-50 EV chargers as a way to save money while also enjoying faster charging for their electric cars.
As a more specialist outlet, there will be an associated cost with the parts and installation, but you can also look into ways to reduce the cost of charging by:
- Investing in renewable energy
With the ability to recoup your investment in just a few months, at-home electricity generation can be a smart way to gain free EV charges.
Just remember, you will also need a PV inverter unit – some solar installations have them as standard but it’s always worth checking.
- Coordinate with your workplace
If you travel for work, it could be possible to install a NEMA 14-50 EV charger at your workplace or in workplace accommodation.
This can be discussed with your employer, particularly if there are multiple staff with company vehicles who would benefit from using such chargers. This can even make running costs cheaper for your employer – making it a real win-win!
Accessible EV charging for all
Swapping from a petrol or diesel vehicle to an EV can be a bit of a minefield because of the different ways you can recharge.
Whether you are completely lost and expecting delivery of your EV any day now or are already driving an EV but feel you could charge more efficiently – the team at EV Chargers can help.
Give us a call on (888) 399-6916 or email us at [email protected] and our friendly team will be in touch to help as soon as they can.
Aside from the car itself, your two main costs are likely to be installing your own EV charger or paying to recharge using a public charger. But are any EV charging stations free?
Can you charge your EV for free?
Put simply – yes, depending on your EV charging type!
For Level 1 chargers, it can be more complex, but even you can benefit from free charging.
