The words ‘electric car’ and ‘incentive’ frequently go hand in hand. Whether it’s tax credits, government subsidies, or discounts on home charging stations, EV buyers often benefit from various savings and deals.
One of the most attractive offers available right now is free public charging.Charging an electric vehicle is already more cost-effective than refueling with gasoline, but with the rising cost of living, any additional savings are welcome.
Fortunately, finding free EV charging stations isn’t too difficult even though certain lawmakers seem determined to hinder these efforts.
More than a dozen of the world’s leading automakers now include free charging perks with their vehicles.
From newcomers like Rivian and Lucid to established giants like Audi and BMW, automakers have partnered with public charging networks such as Electrify America to provide complimentary charging.
Below is a rundown of the car manufacturers currently offering free public charging in the U.S.
1. Audi
Similar to deals currently offered by several other manufacturers, Audi has partnered with Electrify America to provide Audi e-tron GT buyers with three years of free charging.
Electrify America serves as the U.S. counterpart to Ionity in Europe, both of which function similarly to Tesla’s Supercharger network.
Electrify America’s chargers are capable of operating at speeds of up to 350kW, allowing the Audi e-tron GT to charge at its maximum rate of 270kW.
With this charging speed, replenishing the battery from five to 80 percent equivalent to approximately 180 miles of range takes roughly 22 minutes.
Currently, the Electrify America network comprises around 3,500 chargers spread across 800 charging stations throughout the U.S. These stations are strategically placed along major highways, with an average distance of 70 miles between them.
2. BMW
BMW has also partnered with Electrify America, though its offer works a little differently.
Owners of a BMW i4 or BMW iX can enjoy 30 minutes of free charging per session whenever they plug into an Electrify America charger. This benefit is available on every visit for the first two years.
According to BMW, using an ultra-fast Electrify America charger for just 10 minutes can add up to 108 miles of range to its vehicles.
3. Cadillac
Anyone fortunate enough to have pre-ordered the Cadillac Lyriq which sold out almost as quickly as the latest PS5 restock will receive complimentary charging through EVgo.
In fact, buyers will enjoy two years of unlimited charging, making it an excellent perk.However, those considering a home EV charger installation may want to opt for an alternative offer.
Instead of the free EVgo charging, buyers can claim up to $1,500 toward the cost of a home charger installation through Qmerit.
This incentive cannot be combined with the EVgo charging deal, so customers will need to choose between the two options.
4. Ford
Ford has also partnered with Electrify America to offer free charging, though its deal isn’t as extensive as Audi’s.
Instead, buyers of the Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning pickup truck, and E-Transit van receive 250kWh of complimentary charging at Electrify America stations.
Considering the battery capacities of these vehicles, Ford estimates that this amount translates to between three and five full charges.
5. Genesis
Hyundai’s luxury division isn’t missing out on free charging perks for those interested in the Genesis GV60. In fact, the benefits are even better than what buyers receive with an EV from its parent company.
Through a partnership with Electrify America, owners of a 2023 Genesis GV60 will enjoy complimentary 30-minute charging sessions for a full three years.
Also Read: Top 10 Ultra-Expensive Cars That Offer Insane Customization Options
6. Hyundai
Can you guess which charging network Hyundai has partnered with? That’s right Electrify America.
In this case, buyers of the IONIQ 5 receive the same offer as BMW drivers, meaning they get 30 minutes of free charging on an ultra-fast Electrify America charger during each session, for the first two years of ownership.
However, this deal applies specifically to the IONIQ 5. Hyundai offers a different incentive for buyers of its older IONIQ Electric and Kona Electric models.
Instead of time-limited sessions, these buyers receive unlimited access to Electrify America chargers for their first three years, with no usage cap.
7. Kia
Kia’s charging deal for the EV6 is structured similarly to Ford’s offer for the Mustang Mach-E, as it is based on energy usage rather than time.
EV6 owners receive 1,000kWh of free charging at Electrify America stations, with the benefit remaining valid for three years.
According to estimates, this amount of energy should provide between 3,000 and 4,000 miles of complimentary driving.
8. Lucid
Lucid is yet another automaker to team up with Electrify America, with its Lucid Air luxury sedan positioned as a strong competitor to the Tesla Model S.
For customers who pre-ordered their Lucid Air by June 30, 2022, the company offered free, unlimited access to the ultra-fast charging network for a full three years.
9. Mazda
Now for something different Mazda has partnered with ChargePoint instead of Electrify America. Buyers of the Mazda MX-30 electric vehicle will receive a $500 credit, which can be used at ChargePoint charging stations.
Alternatively, they can apply the credit toward purchasing a home charger, which is also available through ChargePoint.
According to ChargePoint, it operates the “world’s largest and most open EV charging network,” with over 18,000 charging locations across the U.S. and Canada.
Also Read: The Evolution of EV Charging Speeds Over the Last Decade
10. Mercedes
Mercedes offers the exact same Electrify America deal as BMW. This means that buyers of its fully electric vehicles receive 30 minutes of free charging per session at Electrify America stations for the first two years of ownership.
11. Nissan
Now, a third charging network joins the mix this time, it’s EVgo. Nissan Leaf buyers receive a $250 credit to use at EVgo charging stations.
Previously, customers who pre-ordered a Nissan Ariya by January 31, 2022, were eligible for a $500 charge credit.
EVgo operates over 850 fast charging stations across 34 states, all powered by renewable energy. According to the company, 130 million Americans and 80% of Californians live within 10 miles of an EVgo fast charger.
12. Polestar
Returning to Electrify America, Polestar offers a deal identical to those from BMW and Mercedes.
Buyers of the Polestar 2 receive 30 minutes of free charging per session at Electrify America stations for the first two years of ownership.
