Trap of New EV Owners: Free Charging Offered by Dealership

Congratulations on your new electric vehicle (EV)! As a new EV owner, you've likely been introduced to a world of efficiency, eco-friendliness, and innovation. Along with the excitement of driving emissions-free, you might have encountered a rather tempting offer from your dealership: free charging for a specified period, perhaps even a couple of years. Sounds fantastic, right? Well, let's dive into why this offer might not be as electrifying as it seems.

The Hidden Costs

At first glance, the idea of free charging is a compelling proposition. Who wouldn't want to save on energy costs while contributing to a greener planet? However, before you eagerly plug in, it's essential to consider the hidden costs lurking beneath the surface.

Imagine the typical process of utilizing the free charging stations such as Electrify America. You drive to the station, wait for your turn (which can sometimes feel like an eternity, especially at popular public chargers), charge your vehicle, and then drive back home. That process can easily consume an hour or more of your precious time.

Quantifying the Value of Your Time

Now, let's put a price tag on your time. If you're driving 15 minutes to the charging station, waiting for 15 minutes, charging for 30 minutes, and driving 15 minutes back, you've just spent an hour on this endeavor. That's 60 minutes of your life invested.

Let's break it down further. If you charge your EV at home, it might cost you around $0.11 per kilowatt-hour. Assuming your Tesla takes 60 kWh for a full charge, it would cost you $6.6 to charge at home. So, does your time spent charging away from home truly equate to $6.6?

The answer depends on your perspective. If you earn a minimum wage of, let's say, $15 per hour, that hour spent at the charging station costs you $15. Suddenly, the $6.6 charging fee at home seems like a bargain.

Additionally, think about the countless activities you could enjoy at home during that hour—quality time with family, watching an episode of your favorite TV show, indulging in your hobbies, or simply relaxing. These experiences often carry more value than the few dollars saved at the charging station.

Is It Worth It?

So, is the dealership's free charging offer genuinely worth it? The answer isn't a simple yes or no. It hinges on several factors, including your wage, lifestyle, and how you prefer to spend your time.

Other Considerations

While cost is a significant factor, there are other considerations too. Convenience, for one, is vital. Charging at home is incredibly convenient, especially when you wake up to a fully charged vehicle every morning. Plus, it saves you the hassle of waiting in line or making detours to charging stations.

Availability is another factor to ponder. Some public chargers may be crowded or even out of service, leading to frustration and more wasted time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the allure of free charging offered by dealerships can be enticing, but it's essential to evaluate the true cost. Time is an invaluable resource, and the hours spent at public charging stations should factor into your decision.

Ultimately, the worth of dealership-offered free charging depends on your individual circumstances. Take the time to calculate the value of your time and consider the convenience and availability of charging stations. And remember, investing in a home charging setup can provide a hassle-free, cost-effective, and time-saving alternative.

As a new EV owner, make an informed choice that aligns with your priorities and lifestyle. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below, and let's continue the conversation on whether the dealership's free charging offer truly lives up to the hype.