Cost of charging an electric car in public.

How much can it cost to charge an electric car in public?

Users who buy an electric car usually have a charging point at home, but what happens when we need to charge an electric car on the street? What if we go on a trip with our electric car or when we use it intensively? How much can it cost us to move sustainably?

In these cases, we have different options; in fact, sometimes the option to charge an electric car on the street can be free. For example, some shopping centers and hotels have reserved spaces for free charging of electric cars, or some public administrations provide this service to citizens, such as the Metrolinera Madrid or the fast charging network in Barcelona.

Let’s look at an example of the options available to electric car users in Valencia. Where can we find charging points?

According to Electromaps, we can find 92 charging points in Valencia, 12 of these points are in parking lots, there are 14 charging points in hotels, 11 in shopping centers, there are 22 points on the surface of the city, and there are also some in private areas, stores, etc.  It is noteworthy that airports have the fewest charging points; in Valencia, there are none, in Madrid, there is only one charging point at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport – Preferred Parking T2, and in Barcelona, there are also no points.

The other option available to drivers is to choose the services offered by private companies through the sale of electricity for charging electric vehicles. These companies offer different rates that depend on the company’s decision, whether the charging is fast or slow.

Undoubtedly, charging the car at home will always be cheaper or more convenient. However, it is very important for cities to invest in incorporating more charging points on their streets. Let’s remember that many users may be deterred from purchasing electric vehicles due to a lack of autonomy, meaning how and when to charge in public.