Sorry if this is a dumb question. I currently drive a hybrid and am looking to upgrade in the next 1- 2 years to either PHEV or full EV. In either scenario, I envision most of my charging will be done at home. However, if I go full EV, I will eventually need to charge in public.

I’ve read it varies from charging network to charging network, so I figure I’d ask EV owners what their experiences are like. I really don’t like the idea of relying on an app or monthly subscription or anything like that.

So, is a debit card more or less guaranteed to be accepted, and if so, are the rates significantly higher than some kind of membership option?

Edit: In the US if it matters.

  • Admiral PatrickOPEnglish
    3•11 months ago

    Okay, that’s different and less awful than what I’ve heard about the app billing. If I can set up the account/payment method on thier website with my laptop and not have to have my phone involved or functional at all to charge, I could be on board with that. Thanks for that bit of info. Some of the stuff I’ve read may be a bit dated.

    Definitely don’t think I’d benefit from a subscription like that unless my life situation changes, but interesting to know it’s out there if it does.

    Thanks!

    • @eltrain123
      2•11 months ago

      Yeah. I just found out about the subscription. It would have saved me money on my big cross country trips, but it costs about 10-20$ for a good 2/3s charge when I do need to hit a supercharge. On a thousand mile trip, I probably hit 6 of them, or so, so it makes sense… but I wouldn’t subscribe normally.

      If you have a way to install a level 2 charger at your home, it’s a no-brainer. If you rent and have to find a place to charge, it’s a bit more hassle. All I know is I have had mine for 4 years and I’ll never go back.

      I have a motorcycle that isn’t ev and feel like it’s such an inconvenience to have to go somewhere to fill it up, rather than having it ready to go when I am.