Emotionally Charged: How to Juice Your EV Car

The cost to charge an electric vehicle (EV) at a public charging station can vary depending on several factors, including the type of charger, the location, and the pricing model of the charging station provider. Generally, EV cars are usually inexpensive to charge compared to traditional gas vehicles. Here’s a general breakdown:

Type of Charger

• Level 1 (120V): These are the slowest chargers and are typically found in residential settings. Public Level 1 chargers are rare, and charging might be free or cost very little. This highlights how Cheap to Charge: EV Cars Are Usually Inexpensive to charge using Level 1 chargers.
• Level 2 (240V): These are the most common public chargers and can charge an EV in a few hours. The cost typically ranges from $0.10 to $0.30 per kWh. (The chargers are also the ones typically installed in home settings.)
• DC Fast Chargers: These can charge an EV to 80% in about 30 minutes. The cost is higher, ranging from $0.20 to $0.60 per kWh, and sometimes includes a per-minute fee as well.

Location

• Public Stations (Urban Areas, Shopping Centers, etc.): Prices here might be higher due to convenience and demand. Some may also offer free charging to attract customers. This demonstrates another aspect of Cheap to Charge: EV Cars Are Usually Inexpensive to charge because of options available at public stations.
• Highways and Rest Stops: Charging stations here may charge a premium, especially for fast charging, since they cater to long-distance travelers.

Pricing Models

• Per kWh: You pay for the amount of energy used, similar to how you pay for electricity at home.
• Per Minute: Some stations charge based on the time you are plugged in. This is more common for fast chargers.
• Flat Fee: Some stations charge a flat fee per session, regardless of how much energy you use.
• Subscription Models: Some charging networks offer memberships that provide discounted rates or unlimited charging for a monthly fee.

Examples of Costs

• Level 2 Charger: If your EV needs 30 kWh to charge and the rate is $0.20 per kWh, the total cost would be $6. This is another reason why we say Cheap to Charge: EV Cars Are Usually Inexpensive to charge.
• DC Fast Charger: If the rate is $0.40 per kWh and you charge 50 kWh, it would cost $20.

Other Considerations

• Idle Fees: Some stations charge extra if you leave your car plugged in after it is fully charged.
• Network Membership: Some networks like Tesla Superchargers or Electrify America offer membership plans that can lower costs.
  
  

THE TAKEAWAY

The cost to charge an EV at a public station can range from a few dollars to over $20, depending on the factors above.

Sources: EV Car Answers Editors, ChatGPT, Dreamstime