Anyone have data/link showing what % of public EVSE's are free vs. cost? Having trouble finding it. Thanks.
I couldn't easily find a figure for this, and it's one that's pretty dynamic. Perhaps you could get some rough estimate from the Plugshare website by using different filters and noting the differences.
Good idea: Filters set for free Non-Tesla EV (Level 2) charging locations (not # plugs), restricted locations excluded... Indianapolis: 50 free / 137 total with "payment req. location" selected = 36% Chicago: 82 / 186 = 44% Detroit: 129 / 170 = 76% Boston: 93 / 172 = 54% Atlanta: 84 / 228 = 37% Portland: 76 / 249 = 31% San Diego: 45 / 169 = 27% Houston: 77 / 157 = 49% TOTAL: 636 / 1468 = 43% (Plugshare in browser has trouble counting >250 locations as I used it, so I had to zoom in on some cities).
So, just looking at the cities you've selected, it appears as though places with more EVs tend to have a lower percentage of free charging points. Interesting. I wonder what else we can take away from this?
The cost to maintain chargers makes free a bad ideal. In California, we have very little free public chargers. Free charging should only take place at work where you can place restrictions and limit access.
I don't know that much inference can be made from the data. I installed a station (two L2 plugs) for a combination of public/employee/fleet usage. In rural Midwest so I'm expecting a minute public demand. The cost of adding metering options probably would have exceeded the fees received, not to mentioned hindering use. I view a large part of its utility the education. I found a used PHEV for the explicit purpose of plugging in visibly at work. That's where we're at ... for now.
There's a slight issue (potential I should say) with free work charging. In theory that is a benefit. The IRS has had limits on the value of this parking before it tips from a convenience and into income. I don't know where it stands currently but free parking + free charging could become a taxati event.
IRS has not made any decision on whether workplace charging falls under the fringe benefits. It's a non issue, for now.