EV Charging Costs Vary Wildly, Complicating the Switch to Electric

A recent Consumer Reports analysis has shed light on the significant price disparities in public electric vehicle (EV) charging across the United States. This variation in costs presents a challenge for consumers considering the switch to electric vehicles, particularly those without access to home charging.

The Tale of Two Suburbs

In the Chicago suburbs of Elmwood Park and Oak Park, just 2 miles apart, the cost difference for a 2-hour charging session on similar Level 2 chargers is a staggering 81%. Elmwood Park charges $2.53, while Oak Park charges $4.59 for the same service.

Drew Toher, sustainability campaign manager at Consumer Reports, states, “It can be really hard to know where to go if you want to get the best price when charging your EV at a public facility.”

The Bigger Picture

The inconsistency in pricing is not limited to these Chicago suburbs. It’s a nationwide issue that could potentially hinder the adoption of EVs, especially among renters and apartment dwellers who rely on public charging infrastructure.

The Biden administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allocated $7.5 billion to build 500,000 public EV chargers by 2030. Currently, there are over 168,000 public chargers in the U.S.

Consumer Challenges

Andrea Marpillero-Colomina, PhD, from the nonprofit GreenLatinos, describes the current state of affairs: “Being a retail consumer of EV charging is a giant pain.”

She emphasizes the need for a more straightforward consumer experience to ensure that under-resourced communities can benefit from cleaner transportation and lower energy costs.

Tips for EV Owners

To navigate this complex charging landscape, Consumer Reports offers several tips:

1. Use apps like ChargeHub and PlugShare to compare prices across charging networks.
2. Look for free charging options at retailers like Macy’s and Cinemark theaters.
3. Consider subscription services offered by charging networks for discounted rates.
4. Explore peer-to-peer charging platforms like EVmatch.
5. Disconnect promptly after charging to avoid idle fees.
6. Opt for slower Level 2 chargers when possible, as they’re often cheaper than DC fast chargers.

EVXL’s Take

The inconsistent pricing of public EV charging highlights the need for standardization and transparency in the emerging EV infrastructure. As we’ve seen in our Tesla coverage, the success of EVs relies heavily on a reliable and accessible charging network. The industry must address these pricing discrepancies to ensure a smooth transition to electric mobility for all consumers, regardless of their living situation or access to home charging.

The variability in charging costs underscores the importance of informed decision-making for EV owners and potential buyers. As the charging infrastructure continues to expand, we expect to see more initiatives aimed at creating a more uniform and fair pricing structure across the country.

What are your thoughts on the current state of public EV charging costs? Share your experiences in the comments below.