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What You Pay at Public EV Charging Stations

By Viola Travers · Practical Services & Civic Guide

How public EV charging costs work in South Carolina

Public EV charging stations charge by the kilowatt-hour (kWh) — the same unit on your home electric bill — or by the minute you spend plugged in. Some stations are free, some charge a flat session fee, and some use a membership model where you pay monthly for unlimited charging. The price you pay depends on which network owns the station, whether you have an account with them, and how fast the charger is.

Fast chargers (DC fast chargers that add 200 miles in 20 minutes) cost more than Level 2 chargers (which take 4 to 10 hours to fully charge). A DC fast charge might cost $10 to $15 for a partial charge, while a Level 2 session at a workplace or shopping center often costs $1 to $3 or nothing at all. Pricing is not standardized across networks, so the same type of charger in different locations can have different rates.

Key Takeaways

  • Public charging networks in South Carolina charge by the kilowatt-hour, by the minute, or as a flat fee per session, and prices vary widely between networks and locations.
  • DC fast chargers cost significantly more than Level 2 chargers because they deliver power much faster and are more expensive to operate.
  • Many workplaces, shopping centers, and apartment complexes offer free Level 2 charging to customers or residents, which can eliminate your charging costs for daily driving.
  • Membership plans with networks like Electrify America or EVgo may lower your per-session cost if you charge frequently, but require a monthly fee.
  • You can check real-time prices and availability at most stations through apps like PlugShare or the charging network's own app before you drive there.

Where to find free or low-cost charging

Many retailers and workplaces offer free Level 2 charging as a customer or employee benefit. Grocery stores, shopping malls, hotels, and office parks often have chargers in their parking lots at no cost. Some municipalities in South Carolina have installed free public chargers in downtown areas or parks. Check the PlugShare app or your vehicle's built-in navigation to see which nearby stations are free before you plan a trip.

Apartment complexes and condominiums increasingly install charging stations for residents. If you live in a multi-unit building, ask your property manager whether chargers are available or planned. Some landlords cover the cost as part of rent or a utility fee; others charge residents a separate monthly fee. If your building has no chargers, some programs may help you install one — contact your local utility company to ask about rebates or incentives.

DC fast charging networks and their pricing

The three largest DC fast charging networks operating in South Carolina are Electrify America, EVgo, and Tesla Superchargers (for Tesla vehicles only). Each has its own pricing structure and app. Electrify America charges by the minute at some locations and by the kilowatt-hour at others, with rates typically between $0.43 and $0.69 per kWh. EVgo charges similarly, usually between $0.40 and $0.60 per kWh depending on location and time of day.

Tesla Superchargers are available only to Tesla owners and charge by the kilowatt-hour, with rates that vary by location and time. Non-Tesla vehicles can use some Tesla locations through the Magic Dock adapter, but pricing may differ. All three networks have their own apps where you can see real-time pricing, reserve a charger, and pay. If you charge frequently on the same network, ask whether a membership plan would lower your cost — many networks offer monthly subscriptions that reduce the per-kWh rate.

Level 2 charging networks and costs

Level 2 chargers are slower than DC fast chargers but much cheaper to use. ChargePoint is the largest Level 2 network in South Carolina, with stations at workplaces, shopping centers, and public parking lots. Pricing ranges from free to about $3 per session or $0.25 to $0.50 per kWh. Volta Charging operates free Level 2 chargers at retail locations and makes money from advertising rather than charging fees.

Many Level 2 chargers at workplaces and retail locations are free to use, especially if you are a customer or employee. Some require a membership with the network to unlock the charger, but membership is often free. Check the station's listing in the ChargePoint or Volta app to see whether it requires payment or membership before you drive there. If you charge at the same location regularly, a monthly membership with that network may be worth the cost.

What affects the price you pay

The time of day you charge can change the price. Some networks charge more during peak hours (typically 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays) and less during off-peak hours. Charging overnight or early morning is usually cheaper. The speed of the charger also matters — a 350 kW fast charger costs more per minute than a 50 kW charger because it delivers power faster and the network's costs are higher.

Your payment method and account status affect pricing too. If you pay per session without an account, you may pay a higher rate than if you set up an account with the network. Some networks charge a small fee ($0.50 to $1) just to start a session, on top of the per-kWh or per-minute charge. Always check the app before you plug in so you know the total cost, not just the per-kWh rate.

Comparing costs: home charging versus public charging

Charging at home on a standard household electricity rate costs far less than public charging. If your home electricity rate is $0.12 per kWh, charging at home costs about one-third what you would pay at a public DC fast charger. For daily commuting, home charging is almost always the cheapest option if you have access to it.

Public charging makes sense for road trips, charging away from home when you cannot wait, or when free charging is available at your workplace or shopping destination. If you charge at free Level 2 stations regularly, your total charging cost may be lower than home charging even though the per-kWh rate is higher, because you charge less often. Calculate your own costs by tracking how many kWh you use per month and multiplying by the average rate you pay at the stations you use most.

How to reduce your charging costs

Charge at free or low-cost stations whenever possible. Plan trips to charge at workplaces, shopping centers, or public chargers that do not charge fees. Use the PlugShare app to filter for free chargers before you leave home. If you charge frequently on one network, compare the cost of a monthly membership to your current per-session spending — membership often pays for itself after five to ten charges.

Charge during off-peak hours when rates are lower. Many networks charge less between 9 p.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays. If you can charge overnight or during the day, you will pay less than if you charge during evening rush hours. Avoid DC fast charging when possible — use it only for road trips or when you need a quick charge. For daily driving, Level 2 charging at home or at a free public charger is far cheaper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a membership to use public chargers?

Most networks let you pay per session without a membership, though you may pay a higher rate or a small activation fee. Some chargers require a free account to unlock them through an app. Membership plans are optional and usually only worth the cost if you charge frequently — more than five times per month — on the same network.

Why does DC fast charging cost so much more than Level 2?

DC fast chargers deliver power at 50 to 350 kilowatts, compared to 7 kilowatts for Level 2. The equipment is much more expensive to install and maintain, and the electrical infrastructure to support it costs more. Networks charge higher rates to cover these costs and because drivers using fast chargers are usually in a hurry and willing to pay more.

Can I charge for free at any public station in South Carolina?

Many free chargers exist at workplaces, shopping centers, hotels, and some municipal parking lots, but they are not everywhere. Use PlugShare to search for free chargers near you. Availability changes as new chargers are installed and as businesses add or remove charging as a benefit.

What is the cheapest way to charge an electric vehicle?

Charging at home on your household electricity rate is almost always cheapest. If you do not have home charging, free Level 2 chargers at your workplace or shopping destinations are next best. DC fast charging should be reserved for road trips when you need a quick charge, because it costs the most.

Do prices change depending on the time of day?

Yes, many networks charge more during peak hours (typically 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays) and less during off-peak hours. Charging overnight or early morning is usually cheaper. Check the app for the specific station to see whether time-of-use pricing applies there.