Yes, there are free public charging options available for electric vehicles (EVs). You can often find free EV chargers at locations such as malls, shopping center parking lots, universities, hotels, casinos, public transit stations, and recreation areas managed by the National Park Service. Some car dealerships and certain businesses also provide free charging as an incentive or service to customers.
Free charging stations usually offer Level 2 charging, which is slower than DC fast charging (Level 3). Level 2 chargers typically add about 20 miles of range per hour of charging, so while free options exist, charging can take longer compared to paid fast chargers.
Some common places where free charging is offered include:
- College campuses
- Retailers like Whole Foods and Target
- Energy-focused businesses
- Certain gas stations and visitor centers
- National parks
- Libraries, museums, government offices, and nonprofits
- Hotels and casinos
To locate these free chargers near you, several smartphone apps and platforms can help:
- PlugShare: Community-sourced map with filters to show free stations
- ChargePoint and ChargeHub: Include options to find no-cost charging
- Google Maps: EV charging filters can highlight free chargers in your area
Additionally, some EV manufacturers offer free charging incentives with new vehicle purchases, such as up to three years of complimentary fast charging.
While free public chargers exist, keep in mind they may not always be convenient or available due to slower charging speeds or busy stations. It’s wise to have a backup charging plan, especially when traveling in unfamiliar areas.
In summary, free public charging options are available at various public and commercial locations and can be found effectively using EV charging apps and maps. However, these free stations are typically slower chargers and may require extra planning due to potential wait times.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-any-free-public-charging-options-available/
