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Chargepoint EV Charging Station

The EV Owner’s Guide to Public Charging Stations

The cost to charge an electric vehicle (EV) at a public charging station can vary based on several factors. In this article we are going to arm you with everything you need to know.


Type of Charging Station

  • Level 1 (120V): Typically used at home, slow charging (about 3-5 miles of range per hour).
  • Level 2 (240V): Common in public places, faster charging (about 10-25 miles of range per hour).
  • DC Fast Charging (Level 3): Very fast, typically found at highway stations, can charge an EV to 80% in about 20-40 minutes.


Location

  • Charging costs vary depending on the region, state, and even specific locations like urban vs. rural areas.


Pricing Model

  • Per kWh (Kilowatt-hour): Most common pricing method, similar to how you pay for electricity at home. Prices can range from $0.10 to $0.60 per kWh.
  • Per Minute: Some stations, especially DC fast chargers, charge based on the time your vehicle is plugged in. This can range from $0.10 to $0.30 per minute.
  • Flat Fee: Some stations charge a flat fee per session, regardless of how much you charge.
  • Membership Plans: Some networks offer membership plans with lower rates for members.


Charging Network


Time of Day

Example Cost Calculation:

  • If you charge at a Level 2 station that costs $0.25 per kWh and your EV has a 60 kWh battery, the full cost to charge from 0% to 100% would be 60 kWh * $0.25 = $15.00.
  • For a DC fast charger at $0.40 per kWh, the cost for the same 60 kWh would be 60 kWh * $0.40 = $24.00.

THE TAKEAWAY

Charging at home is generally cheaper than public stations, but public stations provide convenience and speed, especially during travel.

Sources: EV Car Answers Editors, ChatGPT


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