Free EV Charging Stations Near You:
Free EV Charging Stations Near You:Find Them In 2025
Learn how to find free EV chargers and discounted options. Save money and make the most of your EV journey!
Charging your electric vehicle (EV) is not only more environmentally friendly but is also more cost-effective than fueling traditional gas vehicles.
You can save even more by learning how to find free EV charging near you or discounted EV charging options.
Our nonprofit’s guide explores various strategies and tools to help you find free EV chargers and minimize your public charging expenses.
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Key Takeaways
- Free EV charging stations are accessible through apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, and ChargeHub.
- Subscription services such as Electrify America Pass Plus and EVgo Plus provide significant discounts on charging costs.
- Up to 3 years of free fast charging can be included with certain EV purchases, offering substantial savings.
How to Find Free EV Charging Stations
Using apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, and ChargeHub can help you easily locate free EV chargers near you.
Here’s how to locate these cost-saving opportunities:
Use Top EV Charging Apps:
PlugShare: Filter your search to display only free charging stations by selecting "free" or "$0" in the price filter.
ChargePoint: Similar to PlugShare, use the app's filtering options to find zero-cost charging.
ChargeHub: Discover free charging deals by adjusting the price filter within the app.
Finding Free Charging Stations Pro Tips:
💡 Always check the compatibility of free charging stations with your EV's connector type using apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint. This ensures you don’t waste time visiting a station you can’t use. Ideally, you can also check if the charger is available on the charging station’s specific app as that is generally the most reliable.
💡 Plan charging stops during off-peak hours. Free chargers tend to be busiest during peak hours. Even when free charging isn’t available, off-peak rates can significantly reduce costs. Use a smart charging app like EV.Energy to track peak times
💡 Verify time limits on free chargers. Some free charging stations enforce time limits or idle fees after a certain period. Track your session to avoid unexpected costs.
💡 Look for chargers in unconventional places. Libraries, community centers, and municipal buildings often have free chargers that are less crowded than retail locations.
💡 Join local EV communities or forums. Drivers often share insider tips on where to find free or underutilized chargers, saving you time and money.
💡 Keep a backup charging option in mind. Free chargers can sometimes be unavailable due to high demand.
Explore PlugShare’s Free EV Charging Stations Map
PlugShare’s Free EV Charging Stations Map:
This map provides a comprehensive view of all free charging stations, making it easier to plan your trips without incurring additional costs.
Download the Home Charging Guide
Charging an EV at home costs around $0.17 per kWh on average, while public charging stations charge on average about $0.29 per kWh - about 70% more than home charging.
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This free resource provides valuable information on: Choosing the Right Home Charger, Installation Tips and Cost-Saving Strategies.
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Where You Can Find Free EV Charging Stations Near You
Diverse free charging options demonstrate how businesses, institutions, and public spaces are encouraging EV adoption while offering valuable perks to drivers. While free options may decrease as EV adoption rises, savvy drivers can still take advantage of these perks to lower their charging costs.
Locations That Have Offered Free EV Charging:
- Retailers and Supermarkets: Not all stores participate but Macy’s, Kohl’s, Whole Foods, Stop & Shop, Safeway, Kroger, and Fred Meyer have offered free EV charging as a perk to keep customers shopping longer.
- Hotels: Not all hotels participate but you can check Marriott, Hilton, and Radisson locations, with some extending benefits to restaurant patrons. Many other hotels offer charging stations. You can also search for AirBnBs if they allow charging and if you need to pay.
- Colleges and Universities: Santa Clara University, University of Florida, and others, often in partnership with ChargePoint which has partnered with these 11 colleges.
- National Parks: Yosemite, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and others with Rivian-sponsored Waypoint chargers. Plans for installations exist across many U.S. and Canadian parks.
- Campgrounds: For outdoor enthusiasts, KOA locations across the nation provide free or low-cost EV charging. Many other campsites have charging stations.
- Movie Theaters: Some Cinemark and Harris Teeter locations have provided free charging.
- Ad-Supported Charging Stations: Volta stations in shopping malls, stadiums, and hospitals have offered 30 minutes of free Level 2 charging.
- Libraries, Museums, and Nonprofits: Many of these locations provide free EV charging, often listed on platforms like PlugShare.
EV Purchases with Free Charging Incentives
When considering an EV purchase, look for models that come with free charging incentives of up to 3 years of free fast charging. Many EVs now include free fast charging, reducing your costs significantly when you're searching for 'free EV chargers near me.'
Check if your vehicle qualifies for these free charging incentives based on the manufacturer and model.
Finding Discounted EV Charging
When free charging isn't available, discounted charging options via subscriptions can help you save money.
💡Pro Tip: Before subscribing to a membership, see which charging stations you use most and the membership benefits for those particular stations. One membership may be best for you, and it may even make sense to hold more than one membership.
Oftentimes, you’ll need to sign up for an app to use a charger anyway.
Monthly Subscriptions and Memberships:
- Electrify America’s Pass Plus:
- Benefits: Monthly subscription that offers savings across their extensive network of chargers. For a $7 monthly membership, Pass+ Members save about 25% on charging.
- Ideal For: Frequent travelers who require reliable and fast charging options.
- EVgo’s Monthly Subscription:
- Benefits: Similar to Electrify America, EVgo provides discounted rates for subscribers. With EVgo PlusMax at $12.99/month, you can save up to 30% with no session fees, while EVgo Plus™ at $6.99/month offers 15% savings and no session fees. For occasional users, the Pay As You Go plan has no monthly fee but a $0.99 session fee.
- Best For: Users who prefer EVgo’s network of fast chargers.
The Hidden Costs of Gas Vehicles
Switching gas cars to EVs offers hidden health benefits by reducing harmful emissions. This means fewer risks of asthma, heart and lung diseases, and other vehicle-emissions-related health problems—especially for families living near busy roads.
Imagine cleaner air for your children to breathe, a quieter neighborhood, and fewer trips to the mechanic. EVs aren’t just about saving money—they’re about creating a better future.
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EV Charging - Money-Saving Strategies
1. Optimize Charging Costs
- Advocate for Workplace Chargers: Encourage your employer to install free or reduced-cost EV chargers. Utilize government grants like the Workplace Charging Scheme, which covers up to 75% of installation costs.
- Opt for Slower Level 2 Chargers: Slower chargers are generally cheaper and can help preserve your EV’s battery health.
- Avoid Idle Fees: Use apps to track your charging sessions and disconnect promptly once charging is complete to avoid idle fees.
- Understand Fee Structures: Charging networks may charge by kilowatt-hour (kWh), by time, or offer flat rates. Always check the tariff before starting your charge to avoid unexpected costs.
- Participate in Energy Incentive Schemes: Programs like Equiwatt and EV.Energy offer rewards for charging during low-demand periods or when renewable energy is abundant.
2. Maximize Efficiency and Range
- Adopt Eco-Driving Techniques:
- Regenerative Braking: Use regen to convert kinetic energy back into battery power.
- Avoid Aggressive Acceleration and Braking: Smooth driving conserves energy.
- Use Cruise Control: Helps maintain a steady speed and reduces energy consumption.
- Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: Ensure your EV’s tires are properly inflated to reduce drag and improve efficiency.
- Limit Use of AC/Heating: Minimize the use of climate control features to extend your battery range and reduce energy consumption.
3. Take Advantage of Discounts and Perks
- Participate in Cashback and Loyalty Programs: Utilize cashback cards that offer rewards for charging expenses. Sign up for loyalty programs at charging destinations like coffee shops to save on extras like food and beverages.
- Consider Peer-to-Peer and Community Charging: Platforms like CoCharger and EVmatch connect EV owners with private chargers, often at competitive rates compared to public charging stations. Engage with local EV communities to share resources and access peer-to-peer charging opportunities.
4. Use the Right Tools and Equipment
- Use Multi-Network RFID Cards: Invest in RFID cards like those from Chargemap to access multiple charging networks with a single card, simplifying your charging experience.
- Invest in a Smart Charger: Smart home chargers can optimize charging times based on off-peak energy tariffs, reducing your home charging costs.
5. Plan Ahead
- Plan Your Trips Around Charging Needs: Use road trip planning guides like PlugShare to ensure you have access to affordable charging stations along your route, avoiding the high costs of last-minute charging.
Conclusion
Whether you’re searching for free EV chargers near you or exploring subscription plans for discounted EV charging, these strategies can help you save money while supporting a more sustainable future.
By leveraging tools like PlugShare, ChargePoint, and Electrify America, and implementing smart charging strategies, you can significantly reduce your EV operating costs while enjoying the benefits of sustainable transportation.
Maximize your savings and enjoy a cost-effective, eco-friendly driving experience by utilizing these free and discounted EV charging options.
We hope this guide helps you save money and find free or discounted EV stations.
Our mission is to reduce gasoline use and promote cleaner, healthier transportation options for everyone. Please consider signing up for our nonprofit's monthly newsletter here.
Free and Discounted EV Charging FAQ
1. Where can I find free EV charging stations near me?
You can locate free EV charging stations using apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, and ChargeHub. These apps allow you to filter search results to display only free charging stations. Google Maps also has EV-specific filters to help you find compatible chargers.
2. Are there businesses or public locations that offer free EV charging?
Yes, various businesses and institutions provide free EV charging to encourage EV adoption:
- Retailers: Macy’s, Whole Foods, Safeway, and others.
- Hotels: Marriott, Hilton, and Radisson properties.
- National Parks: Yosemite and others with Rivian-sponsored chargers.
- Libraries, museums, and nonprofits: Often provide free charging and are listed on PlugShare.
3. How can I identify EV purchases that include free charging incentives?
Certain EV manufacturers offer up to 3 years of free fast charging with new vehicle purchases. Check with your dealer or the manufacturer’s website to see if your EV model qualifies for these benefits.
4. What apps are best for finding free EV chargers?
- PlugShare: Offers a comprehensive map of free EV charging stations.
- ChargePoint: Includes filtering options for zero-cost charging.
- ChargeHub: Allows users to locate free charging deals nearby.
5. What are some discounted EV charging options when free chargers aren’t available?
Subscription services like Electrify America’s Pass Plus and EVgo memberships provide significant discounts. These are ideal for frequent travelers or users of specific charging networks.
6. How can I save on EV charging costs at home?
Invest in a smart home charger to optimize charging during off-peak hours. Programs like Equiwatt and EV.Energy reward charging during low-demand periods, reducing costs further.
7. Are there specific strategies to reduce public charging costs?
- Use RFID cards like Chargemap to access multiple charging networks.
- Avoid idle fees by disconnecting promptly after charging.
- Adopt eco-driving techniques like regenerative braking to conserve battery energy.
8. How can I make the most of cashback and loyalty programs?
Sign up for cashback cards that reward energy-related expenses. Many charging destinations also offer loyalty programs that include perks like discounts on food and beverages.
9. What is the best way to plan EV trips to minimize charging costs?
Use road trip planning tools like PlugShare to ensure access to affordable charging stations. Planning ahead helps avoid the higher costs of last-minute charging.
10. Are there community-based EV charging solutions?
Yes, platforms like CoCharger and EVmatch connect EV owners with private charging options, which are often cheaper than public stations. Engaging with local EV communities can also help you find peer-to-peer charging opportunities.
11. Are Free EV Charging Stations Always Available, and Are They Compatible with All EVs?
Free EV charging stations may not always be available due to high demand or limited coverage in certain areas. Additionally, not all free chargers are compatible with every EV model. To ensure compatibility, use apps like PlugShare to filter chargers based on your vehicle’s connector type. You can also explore ChargePoint for additional filtering options and real-time availability. Ideally, check the charging station's specific app for real-time availability, as these apps tend to provide the most accurate and reliable information.