Tips & Tricks to Save on Public Charging

Not all public charging sessions are priced the same. Some networks charge by the minute, others by the kilowatt-hour and the gap can be significant for the same amount of energy. Before you plug in, take a few seconds to check rates in your EV charging app or directly on the charger.

Also keep in mind that fast chargers generally cost more than Level 2 charging stations. If you have time, charging slowly overnight is often the more cost-effective option.

The two most common fees to watch for are activation fees and idle fees. Once you know how they work, avoiding them becomes much easier.

What is an activation fee?

An activation fee is a flat charge that some charging networks apply every time you start a session, regardless of how much energy you use. Whether you charge for 10 minutes or an hour, whether you add 5 kWh or 40 kWh, this fee kicks in the moment you plug in.

Think of it like a transaction fee: you pay just to access the station, before a single electron enters your battery.

Many networks charge between $1 and $2 per activation. If you charge three times a week, that adds up to $12–$24 per month or nearly $300 per year.

💡The good news is that these fees aren't unavoidable. A membership like ChargeHub Plus removes the activation fee when charging on its partner networks.

What is an idle fee?

Idle fees are charged per minute when your vehicle stays plugged in after charging is complete. Their purpose is to encourage drivers to free up the station promptly so it's available for other users.

In practice, once your battery reaches its target level, often 80% on fast chargers, the idle fee timer can kick in. Depending on the network, rates typically range from $0.40 to $1.00 per minute, which can add up to several dozen dollars if you forget to unplug for an hour.

To avoid them, enable end-of-charge notifications in your ChargeHub app or set an alarm to unplug quickly and free up the station. Your wallet wins, and so does every EV driver waiting to charge.

Like home charging, the time of day can affect your bill. Some public networks offer lower rates during off-peak hours, typically in the evening or overnight, when demand on the electrical grid is lower. If your schedule allows, plan your sessions during these quieter periods. You'll save money and help reduce pressure on the grid.

💡Good to know: on many fast chargers, power is shared among vehicles plugged in at the same time, meaning each one charges at a slower rate. Charging during off-peak hours often means a faster session, too.

You don't always need to charge to 100%. As a general rule, keeping your battery between 20% and 80% helps extend its lifespan and can save you money. The last few percentage points take longer and cost more if you're paying by the minute.

Charge only what you need for your next trip, especially on fast chargers. You'll save time and money while looking after your battery.

Saving on public charging isn't a matter of luck or compromise. It's about building the right habits: comparing rates before you plug in, knowing the fees that make up your bill, choosing the right time to charge, and topping up only what you need.

Together, these simple steps can amount to hundreds of dollars in savings each year without any compromise on your driving experience. And for drivers who charge frequently in public, a membership like ChargeHub Plus multiplies those savings by eliminating activation fees across partner networks entirely.