Electrify America's per-kilowatt-hour pricing structure
Electrify America charges between $0.43 and $0.50 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) at most of its charging stations, though the exact price depends on your location, the time of day, and whether you are a member or a non-member. Non-members typically pay a higher per-kWh rate than members who subscribe to Electrify America's membership plans. The company also charges session fees — a flat fee just for plugging in — which can range from $0.50 to $1.00 per session depending on membership status.
Prices vary by state and region because electricity costs differ across the country. A station in California may charge more than one in Texas. Electrify America also uses time-of-use pricing at some locations, meaning you pay more during peak hours (usually midday and early evening) and less during off-peak times (late night and early morning). Before you charge, you can check the exact price at any specific station through the Electrify America app or website.
Key Takeaways
- Electrify America's per-kWh rate ranges from roughly $0.43 to $0.50, plus a session fee of $0.50 to $1.00 depending on membership.
- Prices vary by location and time of day, so the same station may cost more during peak hours than during late-night charging.
- Members of Electrify America's subscription plans pay lower per-kWh rates and session fees than non-members.
- You can see the exact price at any station before you plug in by checking the Electrify America app or website.
- The total cost of a full charge depends on your vehicle's battery size and how much you need to charge, not just the per-kWh rate.
How membership affects what you pay per kilowatt-hour
Electrify America offers two main membership tiers: Electrify+ and Electrify+ Plus. Electrify+ members pay a lower per-kWh rate than non-members and a lower session fee. Electrify+ Plus members pay an even lower per-kWh rate but also pay a monthly subscription fee. The monthly fee is worth it only if you charge frequently — the company's own calculator on their website can show you whether membership makes sense for your charging habits.
Non-members can still charge at any Electrify America station, but they pay the highest per-kWh rate and the highest session fee. If you own an electric vehicle and plan to use public charging more than once or twice a month, membership usually saves money. If you charge at home most of the time and only use public chargers occasionally, non-member pricing may be cheaper overall.
Time-of-use pricing and when you pay more
Some Electrify America stations charge different rates depending on when you charge. Peak hours — typically 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. — have higher per-kWh rates. Off-peak hours — typically 9 p.m. to 2 p.m. the next day — have lower rates. Not every station uses time-of-use pricing, so check the app before you arrive to see whether the station you plan to use has variable rates.
If you have flexibility in when you charge, shifting your charging to off-peak hours can reduce your cost per kWh by 10 to 20 percent. This is especially useful if you are taking a long road trip and can choose to charge during the night rather than during the afternoon.
What the per-kWh rate means for your total charging cost
The per-kWh rate is only part of your total bill. Your total cost depends on three things: the per-kWh rate, the session fee, and how many kWh your vehicle actually uses. A Tesla Model 3 with a 75 kWh battery costs more to fully charge than a Nissan Leaf with a 40 kWh battery, even at the same station and the same time of day.
To estimate your cost, multiply the per-kWh rate by the size of your vehicle's battery, then add the session fee. For example, if you charge a 75 kWh battery at $0.45 per kWh with a $0.75 session fee, the total would be (75 × $0.45) + $0.75 = $34.50. In practice, you rarely charge from completely empty to completely full, so your actual cost will usually be lower.
How Electrify America's pricing compares to other networks
Electrify America is one of the largest DC fast-charging networks in the United States, but it is not the only one. Competitors include Electrify Expres, EVgo, and Tesla's Supercharger network (which now opens some stations to non-Tesla vehicles). Pricing varies across all networks. Some charge per-kWh rates similar to Electrify America; others charge by the minute instead of by the kilowatt-hour, which can be cheaper or more expensive depending on how fast the charger is and how long you stay plugged in.
The best way to compare is to check the app or website for each network at the stations you plan to use most often. Prices change over time and vary by location, so a network that is cheapest in one city may not be cheapest in another.
Finding the price at a specific Electrify America station
The Electrify America mobile app shows the per-kWh rate and session fee for every station in the network. Open the app, search for a station by address or on the map, and tap it to see the current pricing. You can also visit the Electrify America website and use the station locator tool. The price you see in the app is the price you will pay when you arrive, though rates can change without notice.
If you are planning a road trip, check pricing at stations along your route ahead of time. This helps you decide whether to charge at a cheaper station even if it is slightly out of your way, or to pay more at a station closer to the highway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Electrify America charge by the minute instead of per kilowatt-hour?
No, Electrify America charges per kilowatt-hour, not by the minute. Some other charging networks use per-minute pricing, but Electrify America's model is based on how much energy your vehicle actually uses. This is generally fairer for vehicles with larger batteries.
Can I see the price before I start charging?
Yes. The Electrify America app shows the per-kWh rate and session fee before you plug in. You can also see pricing information on the station's display screen once you arrive. You are not charged until you start the charging session.
Do prices change throughout the day at the same station?
Yes, at stations with time-of-use pricing. Peak hours typically cost more than off-peak hours. Check the app to see whether the specific station you plan to use has variable pricing, since not all stations use this model.
Is it cheaper to be a member or to pay per charge as a non-member?
It depends on how often you charge. If you charge more than once or twice a month, membership usually saves money because the lower per-kWh rate and session fee add up. Electrify America's website has a calculator to compare membership costs against your expected charging frequency.
What happens if I charge slowly instead of using fast charging?
Electrify America's network consists of DC fast chargers, which are designed for road trips and quick top-ups. They do not offer Level 2 chargers (the slower type found at home and workplaces). If you want slower, cheaper charging, you would need to use a different network or install a home charger.