Free and Easy Ways You Can Charge Your EV: Ultimate Tips
Companies like Tesla, Volkswagen, Nissan, Rivian and General Motors etc. have done a great job by bringing electric cars on the scene. Eco-conscious people choose EVs because they are much greener and create lower carbon footprints than vehicles with internal combustion engines these days.
Fossil fuel pollutes the air and it’s harmful for all the living things on the planet. Seeing the deteriorating condition of earth, many people have started focusing on green energy maximization. Now that people have the option to avoid fossil fuel vehicles, eco-friendly people are happy with EVs.
As more and more people are opting for EVs these days, demand for EV changers is also growing. So many EV charging stations have popped up across the US. Since the last three years, the number of EV charging stations is increasing rapidly. Charging an EV is not only cheaper than filling up the tank, but you can also charge it for free.
Mushrooming of charging stations encourages people to use EVs. Most of the free charging stations are found in high traffic areas. Save some dough with these free electric vehicle charging tips.
Choose a hotel/inn/resort that provides free charger
Some hotels show their hospitality by letting their guests charge the vehicles for free. EV users select hotels with free chargers so that they don’t have to worry about not finding a charging station.
Most of the time it’s the bigger hotels that have free charging stations. Some of the hotels who provide this service are Hilton Hotels and resort, Marriott Hotels, Hyatt hotels and resorts and Holiday Inn etc.
These hotels provide this free facility because they choose to be eco-friendly. Going to a new place and trying to find a charging station can be difficult sometimes. Have a tension-free trip by staying in a hotel with a free charger.
Companies offer incentives to their customers
Many companies lure customers by offering complimentary charging when they buy EVs. Unlimited free charging for some years sells like hotcakes.
Some companies take care of their customers by installing charging stations at shopping centers, dealerships and along some frequently taken routes so that they charge their EVs conveniently.
The best time to buy an EV is during promotional periods and special events. This is the time when companies pampered the customers with many offers. Keep your eyes open to grab the opportunity.
Also Read: Are Electric Charging Stations Free?
EV chargers at shopping centers and malls
Many of them choose to go shopping at places like Walmart (Walmart alone has , Whole Foods, because of the free charging stations. Shopping centers are now offering free charging stations to increase visitors. Oftentimes, you will see the stations in the parking lots.
Leave your car at the station and when you are done with the shopping, you can pick it up. Some shoppers might want to spend a little longer at the shopping places to charge the EVs longer and some end up saving lots of time and money that way.
Using sun energy to charge the EVs
Harness the sun energy and take advantage of it. The rooftop solar panel installation is gaining popularity among EV users all over the world. This cost-effective method is preferred because it’s free after the initial payment of the panels and easily accessible.
Sun energy can be harnessed the best when it’s sunny and bright, but there are also dark and gloomy days, that’s when battery storage becomes your savior. Rooftop panels are seen everywhere these days. Solar panel car roofs are also grabbing attention of the EV users.
Charge the EV while attending your class
Some schools and colleges let students, staff and professors use EV chargers for free. Get a valid pass from the authority and you can leave your EVs to charge while you attend the class. In some campuses, even the visitors enjoy the free charger.
On-campus free EV charging encourages young people to respect the environment and go green. Santa Clara University, the University of Buffalo and the university of Florida are reducing the pollution by installing free on-campus. Teaching them young is the key.
Get your EV charge while watching videos
Volta was founded in San Francisco, in 2010. Its charging stations are the most popular ones in the US. They are located strategically in the parking lots of grocery stores, pharmacy chains, hospitals and shopping centers. Its innovative business model has made Volta the most used EV charging station in the US.
With the help of volta Charging app, you can you find out the nearest volta station. According to the official website, it has set up more than 3000 charging stations across the US.
This ad-supported network wants you to watch commercials displayed on the screen while your EV is being charged. Both parties, Volta and the EV users, gain by exchanging favors with each other.
The apps that will find the free charging stations
Charging an EV is totally different from filling up a tank. Having the knowledge of how many chargers the station has, how long it takes and whether they have the right charging connector for your car.
EV apps are there to guide you. With the help of a charging map, you can find them out easily. ChargeFinder, ChargeHub and PlugShare are the popular charging map services.
Open the app and find free charging stations from the list and plan out the route. ChargeHub will find out the plug type, charging network and many more. It will filter the stations that will support your EV. Apart from the places which are mentioned above, there are many government offices, restaurants, museums and libraries that offer free EV charging, which can be found with the help of the apps.
In some places free charging stations are easily available and it may not be the same in others. All the free charging stations are making life so much easier.
EV is good for the environment and easy on our wallets, and the free charging stations are the icing on the cake. Going green and save the planet.
Other Resources to Read on this Topic
7 FAQS On Charging an Electric Car Answered
You can Also watch YouTube Video On this Topic Below