Are EV Charging Stations Free, and How Do I Find Free Charging Near Me?
Are EV Charging Stations Really Free?
The short answer: Yes, many are! While not all charging stations are free, there are thousands of free charging points across North America, Europe, and beyond. Free charging is offered by businesses, municipalities, workplaces, and even some charging networks as a customer perk or incentive.
But there's nuance. Let's explore where to find free charging, why it's offered, and how to take advantage of it.
Types of Free Charging
| Type | Where | Charger Level | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail/Mall Charging | Shopping centres, grocery stores | Level 2 | Business (customer perk) |
| Hotel Charging | Hotel parking lots | Level 2 | Hotel (guest amenity) |
| Workplace Charging | Employee parking | Level 2 | Employer (benefit) |
| Municipal Charging | City parking lots, libraries | Level 2 | Taxpayers (public service) |
| Dealership Charging | Car dealerships | Level 2, some DCFC | Dealership (marketing) |
| University/College | Campus parking | Level 2 | Institution |
| Network Promotions | Various locations | Level 2 & DCFC | Charging network |
| Vehicle Purchase Perks | Any compatible station | DCFC | Automaker (included with purchase) |
Where to Find Free Charging Stations
1. Shopping Centres and Retail
Many major retailers offer free EV charging to attract customers and increase dwell time. Stores know that EV drivers spend an average of 50 minutes charging — that's 50 minutes of potential shopping.
Common retailers with free charging:
- IKEA — free Level 2 at most locations
- Whole Foods / Amazon Fresh — ChargePoint stations, often free
- Simon Property Group malls — frequently offer free charging
- Canadian Tire — growing network of free Level 2
- Walmart — expanding free and paid charging partnerships
🛒 Smart Strategy: Plan your grocery shopping or errands around charging stops. You're shopping anyway — might as well charge for free while you do it!
2. Hotels and Hospitality
The hospitality industry has embraced EV charging as a competitive amenity. Many hotels offer free Level 2 charging for overnight guests.
Hotel chains with EV charging:
- Hilton — partnered with Tesla for Destination Chargers
- Marriott — expanding ChargePoint installations
- Best Western — free charging at select locations
- Fairmont — Level 2 charging for guests
- Airbnb — many hosts now list EV charging as an amenity
Use our Map to filter for charging stations near hotels when planning road trips.
3. Workplaces
An increasing number of employers offer free workplace charging as an employee benefit. This is one of the most convenient free charging options because your car charges while you work — no extra time needed.
Why employers offer free charging:
- Attracts and retains talent
- Demonstrates environmental commitment
- Tax benefits for installing chargers
- Relatively low electricity cost (~$2–3 per employee per day)
💼 For Business Owners: Installing workplace chargers can qualify for government incentives and tax deductions. Learn more on our Pricing page about commercial charging solutions.
4. Municipal and Government Stations
Many cities install free public charging as part of their climate action plans. These are commonly found at:
- City hall and government buildings
- Public libraries
- Community centres and recreation facilities
- Municipal parking lots and parkades
- Parks and public transit hubs
5. New Vehicle Purchase Perks
Several automakers include free charging credits with new vehicle purchases:
| Automaker | Free Charging Offer | Network | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai (Ioniq 5/6) | 2 years unlimited | Electrify America/Canada | ~$3,000–$5,000 |
| BMW | 2 years, 30-min sessions | Electrify America | ~$2,000 |
| Volkswagen (ID.4) | 3 years | Electrify America | ~$4,000 |
| Ford (Mustang Mach-E) | 250 kWh free | BlueOval Network | ~$100 |
| Mercedes-Benz (EQ models) | 2 years MBUX integration | Mercedes me Charge | Varies |
| Genesis (GV60/GV70e) | 3 years unlimited | Electrify America | ~$5,000+ |
🚗 New EV Owner? Check your purchase agreement — you may already have free charging credits you don't know about!
6. Charging Network Promotions
Charging networks occasionally run promotions offering free or discounted charging:
- Tesla — referral credits for Supercharger miles
- ChargePoint — free charging at sponsor locations
- FLO — promotional events and partnerships
- Electrify America — launch promotions for new station openings
Follow our News page to stay updated on the latest free charging promotions and deals.
How to Find Free Charging Near You
Step 1: Use Our Interactive Map
The fastest way to find free charging is our EV Charging Map. Filter by:
- Price: Free stations
- Charger type: Level 2 or DC Fast
- Amenities: Restaurants, shopping, WiFi nearby
Step 2: Check Multiple Apps
No single app lists every free charger. Use a combination:
- EV Car Charge Stations — comprehensive directory with price filters
- PlugShare — community-reported free chargers
- ChargePoint — shows their free locations
- Google Maps — increasingly shows EV charger pricing
Step 3: Ask Local EV Communities
Join local EV owner groups on Facebook, Reddit, or forums. Members frequently share tips about hidden free chargers that aren't well-known.
Step 4: Check Your Utility Provider
Some electric utilities offer free or subsidized charging programs for their customers. Check your provider's website for EV-specific programs.
The Economics of "Free" Charging
Nothing is truly free — someone is paying for the electricity. Understanding the economics helps you appreciate why free charging exists and how long it might last:
Why Businesses Offer Free Charging
| Motivation | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Customer attraction | EV drivers specifically seek out businesses with chargers |
| Increased dwell time | More time in-store = more spending (avg. $40–$70 per visit) |
| Brand image | Demonstrates environmental responsibility |
| Government incentives | Tax credits and grants offset installation costs |
| Low cost | Level 2 charging costs the business only $1–$3 per session |
| Competitive advantage | Early adopters gain loyal EV-driving customers |
The Cost to the Provider
| Charger Type | Electricity Cost per Session | Annual Cost per Charger |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 (4-hour session) | $1.50–$3.00 | $1,500–$6,000 |
| DC Fast (30-min session) | $5.00–$10.00 | $15,000–$40,000 |
For a business, offering free Level 2 charging is comparable to offering free WiFi — a small cost that generates significant customer goodwill and foot traffic.
Free Charging Etiquette
When using free chargers, follow these guidelines:
- Don't hog the charger — Move your car when it's done charging, even if parking is free
- Be considerate — If the charger is at a business, make a purchase to support them
- Don't abuse it — Free charging is a perk, not a right. Excessive use may lead businesses to start charging fees
- Leave it tidy — Coil the cable neatly and report any damage or issues
- Share the wealth — Report free chargers on our Prices page so other EV drivers can benefit
⚡ Community Tip: The best way to ensure free charging remains available is to be a good citizen about it. Support the businesses that offer it!
Is Free Charging Going Away?
As EV adoption grows, some free charging programs are transitioning to paid models. However, new free options continue to emerge:
Trending toward paid:
- Some municipalities introducing low fees to manage demand
- Tesla Destination Chargers at some hotels now requiring a fee
- Older free ChargePoint stations being converted to paid
Still expanding free options:
- More retailers adding free charging
- Government incentive programs funding new free public chargers
- Workplace charging growing rapidly
- New vehicle purchase perks becoming more generous
The landscape is evolving, but free charging isn't going away — it's shifting and growing in different ways.
Quick Checklist: Maximizing Free Charging
✅ Map out free chargers along your regular routes using our Map ✅ Check if your vehicle came with free charging credits ✅ Ask your employer about workplace charging ✅ Shop at retailers known for free EV charging ✅ Stay at hotels with complimentary charging ✅ Join local EV groups for insider tips ✅ Follow our News page for promotions and new free charger announcements ✅ Report free chargers you find on our Prices page
Ready to find free charging near you? Head to our Interactive Map and filter for free stations, or browse charging options by city to see what's available in your area.