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Where to Find Free EV Chargers at Your Destination: A Guide for Electric Vehicle Drivers

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One common question is, “Where can I find free EV charging stations at my destination?”

Whether it’s a long road trip in your electric car or just driving between home and work, free charging stations can offer convenience for you.


In this article, we’ll explore how to find a free EV charging station at your destination and answer some of the most frequently asked questions from drivers about free EV charging.


Let’s dive in!

Where can I find a free EV charger?

1. Use the Charging application

Some charging applications, like PlugShare, allow users to filter free chargers. When you input “your destination,” apply the “free charging “filter, and you can find a nearby free charger. These applications usually connect to Google Maps and have the free charging station real-time data for commercial parking lots, shopping malls, office buildings and public places.

free level 2 EV charging station

2. Asking local businesses

Many businesses, like Hotels、Shopping malls, and co-working spaces, provide free charging services to attract customers. Go, view the local business’s website or call to check whether the charger is available.

3. Seeking the public charging station

With more and more people purchasing electric cars, many governments have installed public charging stations to offer electric car owners free charging service, such as in public parking lots, libraries, and community centers. You can find a public charging station near your destination and plan your route around it.

4. Workplace charging programs

Many companies are adding workplace charging to their sustainability efforts. They will install a Level 2 EV charger near the workplace so employees can freely use it.

How to plan travel and enjoy free charging

  • Plan Ahead: Use Google or PlugShare to find free charging stations along your route and at your destination.
  • Confirm Compatibility: Make sure the charging station matches your EV’s connector type (such as J1772, CCS, or CHAdeMO).
  • Check Availability: Some free chargers may be out of service. Confirm in advance that the station is operational to avoid missing charging opportunities.
  • Charge while you take a break: Choose charging locations where you’ll naturally spend time, like restaurants or shopping centres, to maximise efficiency.

Countries and Locations That Offer Free EV Charging

Below are verified countries and specific locations where free EV charging is commonly available. However, availability may vary over time due to local policies or operational changes, so it’s best to confirm before you travel.

Norway

Free Charging Locations:

  • Oslo – Oslo City Shopping Centre: Norway leads the world in EV adoption (86% of new cars sold in 2021 were electric). Many shopping centres offer free charging to attract customers. Oslo City offers free Level 2 chargers, but a purchase may be required.
  • Bergen – Klostergarasjen Parking Garage: Public parking garages, often supported by municipalities or private sponsors, provide free charging to encourage EV use.
  • Highway Rest Stops (E18 Route): Some government-subsidised chargers along highways remained free as of 2023.

Ireland

Free Charging Locations:

  • Dublin – Drury Street Car Park: ESB’s public network provided free charging at many sites before mid-2019. Some locations, like Drury Street, may still offer it.
  • Cork – Mahon Point Shopping Centre: Malls often offer free charging to draw visitors. As of 2023, free access is partially available here.

France

Free Charging Locations:

  • Paris – Auchan La Défense: The Auchan supermarket chain is known for offering free fast chargers. Select locations were still free in 2023.
  • Lyon – Centre Commercial Part-Dieu: Large shopping centres often provide free Level 2 charging, though purchase or membership may be required.
  • Nice – Radisson Blu Hotel: Some upscale hotels offer free charging for guests.

United States

Free Charging Locations:

  • California – Whole Foods (San Francisco): Some Whole Foods locations offer free EV charging in their parking lots.
  • New York – Cinemark Tinseltown: Select Cinemark theatres provide free charging to encourage attendance.
  • Texas – The Galleria (Houston): Large malls like The Galleria offer free Level 2 chargers to attract shoppers.

China

Free Charging Locations:

  • Beijing – SKP Mall: High-end malls increasingly provide free charging to attract affluent EV drivers. 2024 data confirms this trend.
  • Shanghai – Century Park Parking Lot: Some public lots, subsidised by local governments, offer free charging as part of EV promotion programs.
  • Shenzhen – Marriott Hotel: Upscale hotels often provide free charging for overnight guests; industry reports support this trend.

United Kingdom

Free Charging Locations:

  • London – Folkestone Eurotunnel Terminal: Free EV charging is available for travellers crossing between the UK and France.
  • Manchester – Tesco Extra: Select Tesco stores provide free Level 2 chargers, typically with a purchase required.
  • Birmingham – Bullring Shopping Centre: Free EV charging is offered to draw shoppers.

United Kingdom

Free Charging Locations:

  • London – Folkestone Eurotunnel Terminal: Free EV charging is available for travellers crossing between the UK and France.
  • Manchester – Tesco Extra: Select Tesco stores provide free Level 2 chargers, typically with a purchase required.
  • Birmingham – Bullring Shopping Centre: Free EV charging is offered to draw shoppers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are free charging stations reliable?
A: Yes, many free charging stations are maintained by businesses or local governments and are just as reliable as paid ones.

Q: How can I tell if a charging station is free?
A: Use charging apps like PlugShare or Google Maps, or contact the location directly to confirm.

Q: How do I use a free charging station?
A:1. First, use Google Maps or a charging app to check the station’s location and compatibility with your vehicle.
2. When you arrive, look for usage instructions or signs indicating whether registration is required (e.g., via an app or QR code).
3. In some cases, the station may only be available to customers, like hotel guests or shoppers.
4. Plug in your vehicle and follow any on-screen or posted instructions to start charging.

More to explorer
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Joint Tech to Exhibit at ACT Expo 2025 in Anaheim on April 28

At this ACT Expo, Joint Tech will unveil its latest advanced commercial Level 2 charging solution, designed to enhance the user experience. Meanwhile,powered by new technology, our commercial chargers effectively address multiple challenges encountered in real-world applications.

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