Electrify America's New EV Charging Prices and Idle Fees | 2023

Electrify America recently sent out a crucial email update to its customers, revealing significant billing changes set to take effect on August 17th this year.

Regardless of whether you are an occasional user or a regular customer, it's vital to comprehend the impact of these imminent changes if you're using the Electrify America network.

Here are the three main pricing adjustments:

1. The monthly fee for Pass+ subscribers will rise from $4.00 to $7.00, resulting in an additional $36 per year (making it $84 per year compared to the previous $48/year). Despite the increase, Pass+ members will still enjoy a 25% discount on the per-kWh or per-minute pricing, depending on the state they are charging in.
2. Electrify America will transition from uniform pricing across the country to a station-specific pricing model, which is subject to change. To avoid confusion, the Electrify America app will display the station-specific prices. However, users are urged to check the station directly upon arrival, as the app's listed price might be inaccurate.
3. Idle fees will be introduced at most Electrify America locations nationwide. After a ten-minute grace period, customers will be billed $0.40 per minute until they unplug their vehicles from the charger.

The increase in Pass+ subscription fees might not deter regular users from continuing with the subscription. However, occasional users who previously paid a $48 annual fee to enjoy the 25% discount may reconsider. Generally, if you use the network at least once a month, the savings from the 25% discount should cover the new monthly fee.

The shift to dynamic, station-specific pricing is perhaps the most significant change. Electrify America will now customize pricing for each station based on the network's expenses in that area, including a margin for profit. This approach aligns with the varying cost of electricity across the country, making it more logical and fair to users.

One positive change is the implementation of idle fees. To prevent abuse of charging spots, once an EV finishes charging, owners must promptly unplug their vehicles to free up the charger for others. Electrify America will now charge customers $0.40 per minute for idle vehicle time after the ten-minute grace period expires. This move is aimed at curbing misuse and ensuring fair access for all users.



Tesla has also adopted site-specific charging and idle fees, reflecting the growing trend in the industry. For instance, Tesla charges $0.50 per minute for idling, which doubles to $1.00 per minute during peak usage times.

In conclusion, Electrify America's billing changes are essential to adapt to the diverse energy costs across regions, improve fairness, and encourage responsible charging behavior. As an EV user, staying informed about these changes will help you make cost-effective decisions and support the sustainable growth of the EV charging infrastructure.