Summary
- Public EV charging stations supplement home and workplace charging, especially useful for long-distance travel or drivers without private charging access. These stations are typically found in shopping centers, office complexes, rest stops, and city parking lots.
- Apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, Electrify America, and Google Maps help drivers locate available chargers, filter by price or charger type, and check real-time availability.
- Average public charging costs $0.30–$0.35 per kWh or $1–$3/hr for level 2 chargers and $0.40–$0.60 per kWh or $10–$30/session for DC fast chargers.
- Cheapest charging spots in L.A are City-owned lots (LADOT, Metro), retail stores (Whole Foods, Target), and Universities/workplaces (UCLA, USC).
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Rise of Public EV Charging
While EV sales are projected to surpass 20 million by 2025, many Americans remain hesitant about the transition, primarily due to concerns over charging infrastructure. One of their biggest concerns? The lack of access to charging stations. Most EV owners still charge at home, but level 1 charging won’t support the national shift to EVs or long-distance travel.
Public electric vehicle charging stations bridge the gap between home charging and long-distance travel. For EV drivers, access to public charging is not just a convenience but a necessity. And with increasing demand, governments and private companies are investing heavily in this infrastructure. However, knowing where to charge, how much it costs, and charger types can make all the difference.
In this guide, our experts will break down how public EV charging works, where to find the most reliable and affordable stations, and how much you can expect to pay.
What Are Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations?
When charging at home or work isn’t an option, usually through a lack of infrastructure, or during road trips, public charging stations allow your journey to continue.
These stations are open to all EV drivers and are usually located in public or semi-public areas such as shopping centers, office parks, highway rest stops, or parking garages.
The goal of these stations is to provide fast charging over a quick stop, effectively reducing wait times and ensuring a relatively comfortable experience. Public chargers often fall into two categories:
- Level 2 (240V): This is the most common type of public charger. It can provide 10-30 miles of range per hour, depending on the vehicle and charger output.
- DC Fast Chargers (DCFC): These are high-powered EV chargers. They can add 60 to 100 miles of range within 20 minutes of charging. They are typically found around high-traffic areas and highways to ensure fast charging for travelers.
How to Find the Nearest Public EV Charging Point
Finding a public EV charging station is easier than ever thanks to a growing number of navigation apps, online maps, and in-built vehicle navigation systems. Here are some of the most widely used platforms to find EV charging stations in public places:
PlugShare
PlugShare is a widely used app that helps EV drivers locate nearby public chargers. The app shows real-time availability, charger type, pricing, user reviews, and even photos. It shows chargers from all major charging networks, including Tesla, ChargePoint, EVgo, Electrify America, Blink, Shell Recharge, among others. The app also lets you filter by charger type, network, plug type, and price.
ChargePoint
ChargePoint is both a charging network and an app platform that allows EV drivers to locate, access, and manage public charging stations across America. The app has over 240,000 activated ports, making it one of the most extensive and reliable charging networks in the country.
The app lets you filter results by price, charger type, availability, and other preferences. It also has a flexible payment option, whether with an RFID card or from the app.
Electrify America
Electrify America is one of the fastest-growing public charging networks in the United States. It is known for having a large range of DC fast chargers. As of 2024, the network has over 3,800 fast chargers at more than 900 stations across the U.S.
The Electrify America app is good for long-distance travellers as it shows real-time updates across its DC fast chargers, showing charger availability, session status, and pricing tiers.
Google Maps
Start by searching for “public electric vehicle charging stations” in the search bar. The app then allows you to filter your search by charging networks, connector types, charger types, and availability.
Tesla In-Car Navigation
Tesla has its navigation program that automatically routes you to nearby Superchargers or Destination Chargers and also estimates battery range between stops.
Alternative Fueling Stations Tool
This is a tool from the US Department of Energy with comprehensive data on EV chargers. It features locations, charger types, and connector types.
Cost of Public EV Charging: What to Expect
Generally, level 2 public car charging stations cost $0.30–$0.35 per kWh or $1–$3 per hour. While DC Fast Chargers cost $0.40–$0.60 per kWh or $10–$30 per session.
In Los Angeles, open public EV charging costs vary based on the provider, charging speed, and location. Understanding how pricing works will help you budget effectively while on the road. Here is what to expect:
- Per Kilowatt-hour: This is the most common pricing model in California. The typical charging rate is $0.35–$0.65 per kWh.
- Per Minute: This pricing model is used at some DC fast charging stations where per kWh billing is not supported. Typical rates range from $0.25–$0.60 per minute, especially on networks like EVgo and older ChargePoint units.
- Session or Connection Fees: High-demand areas like Downtown or West LA may charge $1–$5 per session, especially for non-members.
- Idle Fees: Idle charges are common in busy areas like Santa Monica or Hollywood. These charges range from $0.40–$1.00 per minute if you leave your EV plugged in after it is done charging.
Cheapest Public EV Charging Stations: Where to Save
You don’t have to pay high fees to charge your EV, knowing where to go can help you find significantly lower rates. While rates vary depending on location and charging networks, several public initiatives make it easy to find cheap or even free charging.
Here are some of the cheapest EV charging spots in L.A:
City-Owned Parking Lots (LADOT & Metro)
Los Angeles offers one of the most accessible and affordable EV charging stations, thanks in large part to LADOT (Los Angeles Department of Transportation) and Metro. You can get level 2 charging for free or under $1 per hour at most city-owned parking lots. These affordable charging options are available in Downtown LA, Hollywood, Westlake, and near Metro park-and-ride stations.
Retail Centers and Grocery Stores
Many retail centers and grocery stores offer free or low-cost charging as a perk for customers while they shop or dine. For example, Whole Foods offers free Level 2 charging at select locations. Additionally, Target and Walmart offer discounted fast charging at several stores across L.A.
Workplaces and Universities
Many employers and campuses offer free or discounted charging fees for staff, visitors, students, customers, and sometimes, to the public. For example, UCLA and USC offer level 2 chargers for staff, students, and the public at a rate of under $0.25 per kWh.
EV Charging Etiquette in Public Places
Here are a few key etiquette guidelines to ensure a smooth experience at public charging stations:
- Move your car when charging is complete: Operators discourage users from blocking access to idle chargers by charging idle fees when you are plugged in and not charging.
- Don’t unplug someone else’s EV: Don’t unplug another vehicle even if charging is complete, unless the station specifically permits it.
- Use the right charger: If you only need a short top-up, choose a Level 2 charger instead of occupying a DC fast charger meant for long-distance or urgent needs.
- Don’t park in charging spots: Charging spots are not for general EV parking. They are to be used for active charging only.
- Be mindful of cable treatment: When you are through with charging, coil the cable back on the holster to avoid damage or trip hazards.
- Respect time limits: Some chargers have posted time limits, especially in shopping centers or city-owned lots. Ensure you don’t exceed the limits.
Future Trends in Public EV Charging Infrastructure
The future of public electric vehicle charging stations is faster, smarter, and more integrated. Key trends to look forward to include:
Ultra-Fast Charging (350kW)
Next-generation DC fast chargers are delivering 100+ miles of range in under 10 minutes. These ultra-fast chargers will increase confidence in EVs, making them perfect for long-term travelling.
Wireless Charging
Though still in testing stages, wireless inductive charging and automatic chargers could eliminate cables in public stations. Inductive charging transfers energy through coils, one embedded in the road, the other beneath your car, eliminating the need for cables. So, the moment your car passes above this charging pad, power is sent straight to it without any hardwire connection.
Solar Power for Charging Stations
Solar power and battery storage reduce reliance on grid power, lowering costs and improving reliability.
Conclusion
Understanding how public electric vehicle charging stations work makes owning electric vehicles (EVs) more convenient and more cost-effective than ever. You can find low-cost and even free chargers at city-owned parks and charging points, grocery stores, universities, or workplaces.
If you need more information on public EV charging stations, contact the Tercero Inc. experts.
FAQs
It costs between $0.30–$0.35 per kWh for level 2 chargers. And for DC fast chargers, $0.40–$0.60 per kWh.
The cheapest public EV chargers are usually at grocery stores, city-owned parking lots, workplaces, etc.
To find free EV charging stations, use charging apps with filter options such as PlugShare, Volta, ChargePoint, etc.
Yes, most public EV chargers cost money, but the price varies depending on location, charging speed, charger type, and charging network.
To figure out the cost of EV charging, you need to consider the charger type, pricing model, and the vehicle’s battery size.
The cost of an EV charging unit depends on the types, features, and installation requirements. Public level 2 chargers cost $1,500–$10,000 per unit and $3,000–$10,000 for installation. While DC fast chargers cost $25,000–$200,000+ per unit and $25,000–$100,000+ for installation.
The cost per km for public level 2 charging in Los Angeles is $0.05–$0.09 per km, while that of a DC fast charger is $0.08–$0.13 per km.
Many electric cars can provide between 150 to 400 miles (240 to 640 km) of range after a full charge.
No, unless you are an electrician with experience in installing electric vehicle chargers.
EV batteries can last 12–15 years under moderate conditions.