We’re going over all of the new electric cars to discover which ones you can use to get free electric vehicle charging.
Automakers are bombarding us with news releases advertising free charging for their present and future electric vehicles. It gets impossible to keep track of them all.
So, in an effort to make sense of it all, we’ve put together this how-to guide (which will be updated as new programs become available) outlining which OEMs and EVs provide free charging.
This list includes all of the automakers that are currently selling vehicles (or are in the process of selling electric vehicles in the United States). Hopefully, this will make it easier to navigate the vast network of free charging schemes, and it may even influence which electric vehicle you buy.
Audi
Owners of the new Audi E-Tron GT will benefit from a significant amount of free charging, as they will receive three years of free charging on the Electrify America charging network.
This is a significant benefit for buyers of the new Taycan-based Audi. The regular E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback variants do not benefit from this feature.
The soon-to-be-released Q4 E-Tron gets a tiny amount of free charging, with Audi offering new Q4 E-Tron owners 250 kWh of charge at Electrify America within the first two years of ownership.
BMW
The value proposition for BMW electric vehicles in this market isn’t great, but it’s better than nothing. New BMW electric vehicle customers will receive a $100 credit to use at EVGo charging stations. The i3, i4, and iX are among the models eligible for the $100 offer.
Ford
Owners of the Ford Mustang MachE enjoy free charging, but nothing too lucrative. At Electrify America stations, you’ll get 250 kWh of free charging, which Ford claims corresponds to around 35 complete recharges per MachE.
If your MachE has been delayed, Ford is providing an extra 250 kWh of charge, increasing the total to 500 kWh.
Jeep
Jeep did not provide specifics on its 4xe charging plans, but it did say that it is working with Electrify America to establish track chargers for Wrangler 4xe customers. You can charge your Wrangler for free at these places using the Jeep app for all-electric off-road driving.
Jaguar
Jaguar does not provide free public charging to electric I-Pace owners.
Kia
Kia does not provide free public charging to Niro EV owners. Although there is no declared plan to provide free charging to EV6 owners, reservation holders have been given the option of receiving a free Level 2 charging station at their residence.
Mazda
MX30 comes with $ 500 per year of free charging on ChargePoint stations, which are only available in California at this time. You can even put that money into setting up a home charging station if you prefer.
Mercedes-Benz
Only the EQS has been introduced so far (the EQE and others are on the way), but buyers of Mercedes-Benz’s new flagship electric vehicle will get two years of free charging at Electrify America’s charging stations.
During those two years, you’ll be limited to 30-minute charging sessions, but given EQS’s charging speed, you’ll get plenty of miles.
Lucid
Three years of free charging at Electrify America stations will be included with the new Lucid Air.
You can remain as long as you like because it’s a free unlimited top-up. However, the maximum air charge speed adds 300 miles in just 20 minutes, so if you can find a charger that can do that, you won’t be there for long.
Mini
Mini’s all-electric SE variant, as well as its PHEV model, do not come with free charging.
Porsche
For the time being, Porsche only has the Taycan and Taycan Cross Turismo, but it’s a contribution to provide consumers a great charging bargain for the expensive EV.
Electrify America charging stations will provide three years of free, unlimited charging to owners. You’ll be limited to 30-minute meetings, just like the others on this list.
However, chances are slim that you’ll require more than 30 minutes if you use one of the extra-fast 350 kW chargers.
Polestar
Polestar 2 owners will receive two years of free charging through Electrify America charging stations starting in October. You’ll be limited to 30-minute sessions with the Polestar, just like the Ioniq 5 owners.
Both new buyers and those who have already purchased a Polestar 2 are eligible for the two-year free charging period.
Nissan
For the time being, the Leaf is Nissan’s only available EV (the Ariya is on the way), and new Leaf buyers will receive $250 worth of free charging at EVGo stations. Nissan estimates that it can be used for up to 30 quick charging sessions.
Tesla
At one point, Tesla provided free Supercharging as a bonus for purchasing one of their vehicles. Regardless, that is no longer the case in 2021.
Regardless of whether there are still many older Tesla models out there that are grandfathered into the free charging system, all new Tesla buyers should pay to charge their vehicles.
Rivian
Rivian does not provide free charging to R1T or R1S drivers as a matter of course, but it has announced plans to provide an expensive “enrollment” of sorts that would include free, unlimited charging at Rivian chargers heated in. However, the nuances are not yet fully understood.
Volkswagen
Three years of free, unlimited charging at Electrify America stations comes with the ID.4. Given that Volkswagen is the entity behind everything Electrify America, this one isn’t surprising.
There are no time constraints on this one, so stay connected until you find your optimal charging rate.
Volvo
Each Volvo Recharge model in 2022 receives the same charging benefits. You’ll get 250 kWh of free charging for your purchase, which will last a long time. It also provides customers with an Electrify America Pass+, which allows them to charge their cars at Electrify America stations for a limited time.
Some of the deals are for free electric vehicle charging, while others only provide a few charges to get you started. For various EVs, there are even various projects inside vehicle organizations.
