If operators of public charging stations extract a huge premium it can eliminate the financial benefits of plugging in hurting the overall market.
Of course it's important to consider the cost installing a charging station and the overhead for companies like Coulomb technologies that operate the networks. If the cost of charging also includes parking charges that also needs to be taken in to account although in many locales, EVs get to park for free.
All charging stations that charge for electricity should be clearly labeled with the cost just like a gas pump and operators need to reign in cost if they want to encourage the market.
One thing that would help drivers would be if smartphone apps like MyFord Mobile, OnStar RemoteLink and Nissan Carwings could look up prices and display them on the maps they provide of charging stations. That would allow drivers to shop around just like they do for gas already.
Reshared post from +Green Car Reports
Will the market force price cuts on electric-car charging stations?
Electric-Car Charging Stations: Will Market Forces Cut Prices?
As some public charging stations have started charging fees for charging sessions, many electric-car drivers are debating what a fair price would be. Virtually all drivers accept that it’s reasonable …
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Another thing to consider is that many people will just choose to charge at home. Everybody has electric service, but I don't many have a gas station on their property. 😛
Another thing to consider is that many people will just choose to charge at home. Everybody has electric service, but I don't many have a gas station on their property. 😛
+Melina M Charging at home is probably always the first choice, but given the still limited range of EVs, especially in more extreme weather conditions (very hot or very cold), it's not always an option to wait. Sometimes you need to replenish during the course of the day wherever you are.
+Melina M Charging at home is probably always the first choice, but given the still limited range of EVs, especially in more extreme weather conditions (very hot or very cold), it's not always an option to wait. Sometimes you need to replenish during the course of the day wherever you are.