Yes, Free EV Charging Still Exists

With rising energy prices, you might think free EV charging is a thing of the past — but it’s alive and well in 2025 to Charge Your EV for Free . Savvy EV drivers can still find free charging in places they visit every day.

Here are the top 5 places to charge your EV for free in 2025, plus pro tips to help you find them reliably.

1. Grocery Stores & Retail Chains

Many major chains offer free EV charging as a customer perk.

Examples:

• Whole Foods (select locations)
• Target
• IKEA
• Safeway
• Walmart (with EVgo or Electrify America partners)

Tip: Check availability via PlugShare, and charge while shopping.

2. Hotels with Complimentary Charging

Many hotels now offer Level 2 chargers as an incentive to attract EV-driving guests.

Chains to look for:

• Hilton
• Marriott
• Hyatt
• Kimpton
• Best Western

Pro Tip: Use Booking.com or Google Maps filters to find “EV charging available” hotels — many include it in the room rate.

3. Workplaces and Office Buildings

More employers are investing in free charging as a green benefit for employees.

• Level 2 charging in employee lots
• Often tied to your ID badge
• Some campuses offer guest access

Ask your HR department or facilities manager about your options.

4. Shopping Malls and Plazas

Outlet malls, high-end shopping centers, and large retail plazas often include free or time-limited charging.

Why? It’s a customer retention strategy — charging keeps you browsing longer.

Look for: ChargePoint stations with 2-hour limits, especially in urban areas.

5. Public Parks, Libraries & Civic Buildings

Many cities and towns now offer free EV charging at:

• Public libraries
• Community centers
• Municipal buildings
• National and state parks

Supported by: Local governments, grants, or green city initiatives

Use PlugShare or ChargeHub to filter by “free” stations.

How to Find Free Charging Stations

• Use the “Free” filter on PlugShare, Chargeway, or ChargePoint apps
• Join EV driver groups in your area (Facebook, Reddit, Discord)
• Look for co-branded promotions (e.g. free charging with a grocery receipt)

FAQ

Q: Is free charging slower than paid?
Not necessarily — many Level 2 chargers are free and offer 20–30 miles per hour.

Q: Do I need a membership?
Some stations require apps like ChargePoint or EVgo — even if the session is free.

Q: Is free charging sustainable long-term?
See our next article: What is Ad-Supported EV Charging & Is It Sustainable?

Final Thoughts

Free EV charging may not be everywhere — but it’s still accessible if you know where to look. With a little planning, you can cut your charging costs to zero for regular trips.

Related reads:

• How Much Does It Really Cost to Charge an EV?
• How to Find the Closest EV Charger Using Your Phone
• EV Road Trip Planning: Tools, Tips & Chargers

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