Costco has EV charging stations at some warehouse locations, but availability and access rules vary by region

Costco operates electric vehicle charging stations at select warehouse locations across the United States, but not every Costco has them. The stations are typically available to members and non-members alike, though some locations restrict use to members only. Charging is usually free or low-cost, but the specifics depend on which Costco you visit and which charging network operates the equipment there.

Costco does not operate its own charging network. Instead, the company partners with third-party charging providers — most commonly Electrify America and ChargePoint — to install and manage the stations. This means the experience and pricing can differ from one warehouse to another, even within the same region.

Key Takeaways

  • Costco EV charging stations are located at select warehouses, not all locations, so you should check your local Costco's website or call ahead before planning to charge there.
  • Most Costco charging stations are operated by Electrify America or ChargePoint, and you may need to use their mobile app or payment method to start charging.
  • Charging is often free for Costco members, but some locations charge a per-minute or per-kilowatt-hour fee depending on the network operator.
  • Charging speed varies by station type — Level 2 chargers are slower but more common, while DC fast chargers can add significant range in 20 to 40 minutes.

Finding a Costco with EV charging near you

The easiest way to locate a Costco EV charging station is to use the Electrify America or ChargePoint mobile apps, which show real-time availability and location details. Both apps allow you to search by zip code or address and display which Costco warehouses in your area have charging equipment.

You can also call your local Costco warehouse directly and ask whether they have EV charging and what network operates it. The warehouse staff can tell you whether the chargers are currently working, how many are available, and whether there are any membership restrictions. Some Costcos have only one or two chargers, so calling ahead prevents a wasted trip during busy hours.

Costco's main website does not maintain a comprehensive list of charging locations, so the third-party apps are your most reliable source. If you do not have a smartphone, you can visit Electrify America's or ChargePoint's websites on a computer to search by location.

What to bring and how to pay

To use a Costco EV charging station, you will need a way to authenticate and pay. If the charger is operated by Electrify America, you can use their mobile app, a credit card at the station, or an Electrify America membership card. ChargePoint stations typically require the ChargePoint app or a ChargePoint account linked to a payment method.

Some Costco locations offer free charging to members as a warehouse benefit, but this varies. When you arrive at the charger, the station itself will display pricing information and payment options. If you are a Costco member, confirm with the warehouse whether your membership includes free charging before you start — this information is sometimes posted on the charger or available from the warehouse customer service desk.

Bring your vehicle's charging cable or adapter if your car requires a specific connector type. Most modern electric vehicles come with adapters for common charging standards, but it is worth checking your owner's manual before your first visit.

Understanding charging speed and station types

Level 2 chargers are the most common type at Costco locations. These add roughly 25 to 30 miles of range per hour of charging, depending on your vehicle. A Level 2 session typically takes two to eight hours for a full charge, so these are best used while you shop or run errands inside the warehouse.

DC fast chargers are less common at Costco but much faster. These can add 100 to 200 miles of range in 20 to 40 minutes. If your Costco has a DC fast charger, it will be clearly labeled, and the pricing may be higher than Level 2 charging.

The actual charging speed depends on your vehicle's onboard charger capacity, the weather, and the current demand on the station. Cold temperatures slow charging, and if multiple vehicles are charging simultaneously on the same circuit, each vehicle charges more slowly. The charging app will show you an estimated time to full charge when you start.

What happens if the charger is broken or busy

Costco EV charging stations occasionally go offline for maintenance or malfunction. If you arrive and find a charger out of service, the station display will usually show an error message or "unavailable" status. The Electrify America and ChargePoint apps also mark broken chargers as offline, so you can check before you leave home.

If a charger is busy and you need to charge, you have two options: wait for a spot to open (the app shows how many chargers are in use), or locate another charging station nearby using the same app. Most urban and suburban areas have multiple charging networks, so you are not limited to Costco alone.

If you start charging and the station malfunctions mid-session, contact the network operator through their app or call the number displayed on the charger. They can refund any charges and help troubleshoot the problem.

Membership requirements and guest access

Costco membership is not always required to use the EV charging stations. At many locations, non-members can charge for a fee, while members receive free or discounted charging. However, some Costcos restrict charger access to members only, so this varies by warehouse.

If you are not a Costco member and want to charge at a warehouse location, call ahead to confirm that non-member charging is permitted. If the charger is restricted to members, you can still use the Electrify America or ChargePoint apps to find alternative charging stations in the area.

Planning your charging trip

Since most Costco chargers are Level 2 and charge slowly, plan to spend at least two to four hours at the warehouse if you want a meaningful charge. This works well if you need to shop, grab food from the food court, or run other errands. If you need a quick charge and your Costco has a DC fast charger, you can charge while you shop and leave in 30 to 45 minutes.

Check the charger's real-time availability in the app before you drive over. If all chargers are in use, the app will show wait times or let you reserve a spot at some locations. During peak shopping hours — weekends and evenings — chargers may be busier, so early morning or weekday visits often mean shorter waits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Costco membership to charge my EV at Costco?

It depends on the location. Some Costcos allow non-members to charge for a fee, while others restrict access to members only. Call your local warehouse or check the Electrify America or ChargePoint app to see what applies at your nearest location.

How much does it cost to charge at Costco?

Pricing varies by location and network operator. Many Costco locations offer free charging to members, while non-members may pay per minute or per kilowatt-hour. The Electrify America and ChargePoint apps show pricing before you start charging.

Can I charge my non-Tesla electric vehicle at Costco?

Yes. Costco chargers work with all electric vehicles that have standard charging connectors. Your vehicle may need an adapter depending on the connector type, but most EVs come with the necessary adapters in the trunk or as a purchase option.

How long does it take to fully charge at Costco?

Level 2 chargers typically take two to eight hours for a full charge, depending on your vehicle's battery size and charger power. DC fast chargers can add 100 to 200 miles in 20 to 40 minutes. You do not need to wait for a full charge — you can charge for as long as you shop and leave whenever you are ready.

What do I do if the charger is broken when I arrive?

Check the Electrify America or ChargePoint app to see if the charger is marked offline before you drive over. If you arrive and find it broken, contact the network operator through their app for a refund if you were charged. You can also use the app to find alternative charging stations nearby.