Free Charging Is Real (But Not Everywhere)
Yes, free EV charging exists. No, it's not as common as it used to be. But knowing where to look can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually.
This guide shows you where to find free charging, how to use apps to locate it, and strategies to minimize your overall charging costs.
Where to Find Free EV Charging
1. Retail Stores and Shopping Centers
Many retailers offer free charging to attract EV-driving customers:
Common Free Charging Locations:
- Target (many locations)
- IKEA (free while shopping)
- Whole Foods (some locations)
- Wegmans
- Kohl's (select stores)
- Simon Malls
- Nordstrom (some locations)
How It Works:
- Usually Level 2 chargers (10-25 miles/hour)
- Free while you shop
- Time limits often apply (2-4 hours typical)
- May require ChargePoint app to start
Tip: Search for "free" in ChargeFind or PlugShare to find free stations near retail.
2. Hotels and Resorts
Many hotels offer complimentary charging for guests:
Hotel Chains with Free EV Charging:
- Marriott (select properties)
- Hilton (destination chargers at many locations)
- Hyatt (varies by property)
- Best Western (ChargePoint stations)
- Many boutique hotels
How to Find:
- Filter by hotels in ChargeFind
- Check hotel websites before booking
- Call ahead to confirm availability
- Ask at check-in for charger access codes
Tip: Book hotels with free charging for road trips—you charge overnight for free while sleeping.
3. Workplaces
Free workplace charging is a growing perk:
What to Know:
- Ask your HR department about charging benefits
- Many companies offer free Level 2 charging
- Some subsidize home charging costs
- Tax-free fringe benefit possible
Advocacy Tip: If your workplace doesn't have chargers, propose it as a sustainability initiative. Many companies are eager to add EV infrastructure.
4. Municipal and Government Locations
Cities and governments often provide free charging:
Common Municipal Free Charging:
- City hall parking lots
- Public libraries
- Community centers
- Municipal parking garages
- Parks and recreation facilities
Example Cities with Free Charging:
- Parts of Los Angeles
- Austin, TX
- Portland, OR
- Many others
Note: Free municipal charging is declining as EVs become mainstream, but many areas still offer it.
5. Car Dealerships
Dealerships often offer free charging to customers and EV drivers:
What to Expect:
- Usually Level 2 ChargePoint stations
- Open during business hours
- Some available 24/7
- Primarily serves customers but often open to public
Best Practice: Be courteous—dealerships offer this as goodwill. Don't abuse it.
6. Universities and Colleges
Many campuses offer EV charging:
Typical Situation:
- Free for students, faculty, staff
- May require campus parking permit
- Public access varies
- Often Level 2
Check: Your local university's parking services website.
7. Casinos and Entertainment Venues
Large entertainment venues often have free charging:
- Casinos
- Amusement parks
- Sports stadiums
- Concert venues
- Movie theaters (some)
The goal is to keep you there longer—free charging is a customer perk.
Manufacturer Free Charging Programs
Tesla
- Referral Credits: Free Supercharging miles through referrals
- Free Supercharging: Occasionally offered on new vehicle purchases (promotional)
- New Owner Credits: Sometimes included with vehicle purchase
Ford
- BlueCruise Credits: Complimentary charging credits with new EV purchases
- Charging Network Access: Partnerships for discounted or complimentary charging
Volkswagen/Audi
- Electrify America Credits: 3 years of included charging with ID.4, e-tron models
- Electrify Home Offer: Free home charger installation deals
Hyundai/Kia
- Electrify America: 2 years of complimentary charging with Ioniq 5/6, EV6
- 250 kWh/year at no charge
BMW/Mercedes
- Electrify America: Complimentary charging periods with various models
- ChargeNow/Mercedes me: Brand charging programs with free tier options
Rivian
- Rivian Adventure Network: Some complimentary charging may be included
- Free home charger included with vehicle purchase
GM (Chevrolet, Cadillac)
- Ultium Charge 360: Access to multiple networks, sometimes with credits
- EVgo Partnership: Complimentary charging credits
Important: These programs change frequently. Verify current offers when purchasing.
Apps for Finding Free Charging
ChargeFind
- Filter by price to find free stations
- Shows "Free" tag on station listings
- Real-time availability
- User reviews confirm free status
PlugShare
- Filter by "Free" in station type
- Community-reported pricing
- Detailed reviews about free charging
ChargePoint
- Shows pricing including free stations
- "Free" clearly marked in listings
- Many free stations on ChargePoint network
Chargeway
- Free station identification
- Good for beginners
Strategies to Minimize Charging Costs
Even when not free, you can significantly reduce charging costs:
1. Home Charging on Time-of-Use Rates
Savings: 30-50%
- Many utilities offer EV-specific rates
- Off-peak charging can be $0.08-0.12/kWh
- vs. $0.20-0.30/kWh peak rates
- Schedule charging for overnight
2. Workplace Charging (If Available)
Savings: 50-100%
- Many employers offer free or subsidized charging
- Charge while you work
- No home charging needed for daily use
3. Network Memberships
Savings: 20-30%
- Electrify America Pass+: $4/month for ~25% off
- EVgo Plus: $6.99/month for 20%+ off
- Calculate if memberships pay off for your usage
4. Credit Card Rewards
Savings: 2-5%
- Use cards with high rewards on "other" spending
- Some cards categorize charging as automotive
- Stack with network memberships
5. Free Charging While Doing Other Activities
Savings: 100%
- Shopping while charging at retail
- Eating while DC fast charging
- Charging overnight at hotels with free stations
6. Utility Rebates and Incentives
Savings: Varies
- Home charger rebates: $200-500
- Installation rebates: $200-500
- Ongoing charging credits: Some utilities offer
The True Cost of "Free"
A word of caution about free charging:
When Free Makes Sense:
- Convenient to your route
- Doesn't add significant time
- Actually available (not always occupied)
When Free Costs More:
- Driving out of your way to reach it
- Waiting for availability
- Slow charging when you need fast
- Wasting time you could spend elsewhere
Example:
- Free Level 2 charger: 20 miles round trip detour + 2 hours charging
- Paid DC fast charger: On your route, 30 minutes, $15
Time has value. Sometimes paying is the better deal.
Building a Free Charging Strategy
For Home Owners:
- Primary: Home charging on TOU rates (cheapest)
- Secondary: Free destination charging while out
- Road trips: Manufacturer credits + memberships
For Apartment Dwellers:
- Primary: Workplace charging (often free/subsidized)
- Secondary: Destination charging at routine stops
- Backup: Paid DC fast charging when needed
For Road Trippers:
- Hotels with free overnight charging
- Free destination charging at stops
- Manufacturer free charging credits
- Network membership for discounts
Conclusion
Free EV charging is available if you know where to look:
- Retail stores and shopping centers
- Hotels and workplaces
- Municipal locations
- Manufacturer programs
But the real savings come from strategic planning:
- Time-of-use home charging
- Workplace charging benefits
- Network memberships when they make sense
- Combining charging with activities you'd do anyway
Use ChargeFind to filter for free charging stations near you—every kWh for free is money in your pocket.
Happy (free) charging!