Where Can I Charge My Electric Car for Free?
In this article, we'll discuss the different ways you can charge an EV for free, along with tips for finding free EV charging and potential drawbacks. Whether you're a current EV owner or considering purchasing an electric vehicle, here’s some information you may want to know to make the most of your EV ownership experience.
Published On: August 2, 2023
Ways to charge an electric car for free
Depending on the type of electric vehicle you own and your location, there may be several cost-free charging options available to you. Let’s explore what they are below.
1. Free EV charging stations with ChargePoint
The rise of electric vehicles has naturally led to an increase in the number of public charging stations. Despite this, finding a charging station while on the go can still be a challenge for many EV owners. Fortunately, the ChargePoint mobile app makes it easy to find complimentary charging stations nearby.
Users can filter their results to show only cost-free EV charging stations or stations compatible with the make and model of their EV.
ChargePoint or other similar apps may provide information about a station's charging rate, availability, and any applicable fees. Some even have the capability to allow users to start and stop charging sessions directly from their compatible smartphones, making the process even more convenient. With these helpful apps, electric vehicle owners can easily locate free EV charging stations and plan their routes accordingly, with almost no worry of running out of power on the road.
2. Manufacturer promotions
Many vehicle manufacturers are offering incentives to encourage drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles, including free or discounted access to charging stations, making it easy for them to keep their EVs charged while on the road. Because every manufacturer is different, it's worth checking to see what options are available for you and your vehicle.
3. Businesses and universities
Some businesses and universities now offer free electric vehicle charging stations. These charging stations may be available to employees, students, or community members. Consumers will need to check to see if these public stations are truly free or if they have membership fees, but close proximity can make them a convenient charging and potentially cost-effective option.
4. Charging rewards programs
EV owners may also be able to charge their car for free through vehicle charging subscription services, which sometimes offer rewards programs to encourage customers to use their services. These loyalty programs allow customers to earn points or discounts for using their charging services, which can then be redeemed for free charging sessions or other rewards. While these charging subscription services may not technically be free, their rewards can make them more cost-effective and have the potential to pay for themselves after just a few weeks.
For example, some providers offer a rewards program that allows customers to earn points for every charging session they complete. These points can then be redeemed for free charging sessions or other rewards, such as gift cards or discounts on electric vehicle accessories.
5. Solar Panels
If you have solar panels installed on your home, you may be able to charge your electric vehicle using free solar energy. By using a home charging station connected to your solar panel system, you can take advantage of the energy your panels already generate during the day to charge your vehicle at no additional cost. This can be a great way to reduce your overall energy costs and make electric vehicle ownership even more affordable. The amount of money you save is dependent on factors like how much electricity you use, the size of your solar system, and how much energy it can generate among others.
While the upfront costs of installing solar panels may be high, the long-term benefits of solar energy and electric vehicle ownership may be well worth the investment. The cost of solar panels has decreased in recent years, making investing in renewable energy more feasible.
6. Government incentives
Another great way electric vehicle owners can save money is through government incentives, which often give you money back for simply purchasing an EV or installing a charger into your home.
The Federal Government currently offers a tax credit of up to $7,500 for purchasing a new electric vehicle, depending on factors like the vehicle’s MSRP, final assembly location, battery component and/or critical mineral sourcing, and modified adjusted gross income. Some states, like California, offer their own benefits for purchasing an electric vehicle, such as additional tax credits or rebates, so be sure to check your local government's website to see what incentives might be available in your area.
There’s also a U.S. federal tax credit you may be able to claim for 30% of the cost (up to $1,000) of your home charger and installation. These savings can help offset charging station installation costs, making free EV charging more accessible for new owners.
As the government encourages the transition to electric vehicles, we'll continue to see incentives become available to help make EV ownership a reality for everyone—so be sure to keep an eye out.
What to know about free EV chargers
The key to successful electric vehicle ownership is planning ahead. While there are many options available for free electric vehicle charging, it's important to keep in mind that these options may not always be the most reliable. Free charging stations may be out of the way, have slow charging speeds, or be crowded with long lines during peak usage periods. Therefore, it's important to have a backup plan in case your free charging option is unattainable.
Investing in a home charging station is one option worth considering. Although there might be initial expenses related to buying and installing the charging station, having a dedicated place to charge your electric vehicle at home can be very convenient and dependable, making it a worthwhile investment. While not necessarily free, it would likely be less expensive than public, paid options.
You may also want to consider using paid charging services, which are available through charging networks like ChargePoint. While these services do require payment, they may offer subscription plans or rewards programs that can help decrease the cost of charging and make it more affordable for electric vehicle owners.
Find your next electric vehicle
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