Electric Car Owners and Free Charging: Joy, Convenience, and Calculations
Do owners of electric cars get excited when there is free charging available? Often, the answer is not outright 'excited,' but the opportunity certainly doesn't go unnoticed. Many electric car owners indeed take advantage of free charging opportunities when they present themselves, enhancing their travel experience and aligning with their green lifestyle. Join us as we explore the joy and practicality of free charging for electric car owners.
Free Charging and Best Practices
As an electric car owner, one of the perks that can add to the pleasure of a road trip is the availability of free charging. For instance, between Dallas and Houston, or between Dallas and Austin, there are restaurants like Collin Street Bakery that offer free supercharging. While others may not go out of their way for free charging, these amenities provide an extra incentive to stop, grab food and coffee, and recharge, making long journeys more pleasant. Similarly, free level-2 charging at a nearby parking structure during a concert can add about 20 miles to your battery while you wait, making the most of your time.
Free Charging vs. Supercharging
It’s important to note that free chargers, such as level-2 chargers, offer a different charging experience compared to superchargers. While free chargers are convenient and save money, they are slower and may require more time to fully charge the battery. For example, at a free level-2 charger, an owner like myself would get about 8.5 miles of charge per hour. This rate is much slower compared to a supercharger, which can charge up a Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD to 80% in just 20 minutes. Free charging is not typically supercharging, and if you need to charge your battery quickly, you may have to pay for it.
The Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of electricity to that of gasoline, the savings can be significant. In the USA, electricity may cost a quarter per mile, whereas in the UK, it might be as low as half a penny per mile. This makes electricity a much cheaper option than gasoline. For instance, using a level-2 charger, the cost of charging is 0.42 per KWh. With today's gasoline prices of around $3.85 per gallon, and an average sedan's gas mileage of 31.7 miles per gallon, electricity is roughly 20% cheaper than gasoline. These savings make free charging very appealing, especially for owners who frequently charge their vehicles.
Personal Experiences and Practical Use
Personal experiences with free charging can vary. For example, as a platelet donor at City of Hope, I used to get free charging at level-2 chargers, adding up to 25-30 miles to my battery during a 2.5 to 3-hour process. Now that free charging opportunities are more common, I take advantage of them wherever they are convenient, though not actively seeking them out as I used to. Often, I charge at home when I’m not in use, but when traveling, the presence of free charging options adds to the convenience and satisfaction of my journey.
Conclusion
While electric car owners might not get 'excited' about free charging, the availability of such amenities does enhance the driving experience and contribute to the overarching goal of supporting a sustainable lifestyle. Whether it’s a stop for a treat at a Collin Street Bakery, a convenient level-2 charger during a concert, or a free charging opportunity at a hospital, the impact of free charging on electric car owners is undeniable.