By 1808Delaware
Electric vehicle (EV) drivers in Powell will see a pricing update at the City Hall charging station on Hall Street. The City has revised fees to balance affordability and accessibility. Level 2 chargers will cost $0.03 per minute for the first 180 minutes and $0.10 per minute thereafter. City of Powell Assistant City Manager Jeffrey Tyler stated this adjustment aligns Powell’s rates with regional averages while covering operational costs and ensuring station availability.
New Fee Structure Overview
Powell’s Level 2 charging rate is slightly above the Central Ohio median of $0.025 per minute. Charging for three hours costs around $5.40, encouraging turnover by raising the rate to $0.10 per minute after 180 minutes. “We wanted to keep pricing affordable while covering operational costs and maintaining availability,” Tyler said.
Murphy Park hosts Level 3 fast chargers capable of charging 80% of an EV battery in about 30 minutes. These stations will keep their current rate due to higher electricity use and convenience for short stops.
Factors Impacting EV Charging Fees
Geographic and Network Pricing
EV charging rates vary by location, regulations, and providers. Urban areas generally have higher rates. Networks like Electrify America, Tesla, and ChargePoint set fees based on their own models. Tesla Superchargers charge between $0.25 and $0.50 per kWh, while Electrify America charges $0.31 to $0.43 per kWh for members. ChargePoint fees vary, with some locations offering free charging.
Membership Programs
Memberships often provide discounted rates. Programs like Electrify America’s Pass+ or EVgo offer lower fees for a monthly cost. Electrify America’s $4 monthly Pass+ plan reduces the per kWh cost, providing savings for frequent users.
Time-Based Rates
Some stations charge by time to encourage turnover. Fast chargers may charge $0.35 per minute, prompting users to unplug when charged. Powell’s fees also promote turnover after three hours.
Home vs. Public Charging Costs
Home charging is generally cheaper. At an average residential rate of $0.15 per kWh, a 60 kWh EV battery costs about $9 to fully charge. Public fast chargers at $0.40 per kWh would cost about $24 for the same charge, making off-peak home charging more economical.
Saving on EV Charging Costs
- Charge at Home During Off-Peak Times: Lower rates are available during off-peak hours.
- Use Free Charging Stations: Many businesses offer free Level 2 charging to attract customers.
- Join Membership Programs: Memberships can reduce per-minute or per-kWh costs.
- Use Apps to Find Affordable Chargers: Apps like PlugShare help locate nearby free or affordable options.
Powell’s Commitment to Sustainability
Powell’s City Hall and Murphy Park charging sites support sustainability and lower emissions. By keeping stations accessible and affordable, Powell helps meet the needs of its EV community, offering essential services for residents and visitors alike.
