Electric BuddyFirst, choose the right charging level
| Level | What it means | When it can fit |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | AC charging from a standard 120-volt outlet. | Long stays with modest energy needs. |
| Level 2 | Higher-power AC charging, commonly using 208 or 240 volts. | Home, work, or stops lasting several hours. |
| DC fast | Direct-current charging at a compatible fast charger. | Shorter stops when the vehicle supports it. |
Charging level and connector are different things. Check both, including whether your vehicle supports the site’s connector or an approved adapter. Maximum charger power is only a ceiling: your vehicle and battery condition can reduce the actual rate.
Technical reference: US Department of Energy charging infrastructure guide.
kW describes speed; kWh describes energy
Kilowatts (kW) measure power. Kilowatt-hours (kWh) measure energy. A rate of $0.40 per kWh means 40 kWh costs $16 before other charges. It does not mean you will finish in a particular amount of time.
Watch for the billing unit
Energy-based billing charges for kWh delivered. Time-based billing charges for minutes or hours. A flat session fee can be added to either. Comparing a per-minute price directly with a per-kWh price does not tell you which is cheaper.
For example, $0.20 per minute for 60 minutes is $12. If you receive 20 kWh, that works out to $0.60 per kWh before extra fees. At a faster average charging rate you could receive more energy for the same time charge. This is an illustration, not a guarantee of charging speed.
Check the complete price
- Is the displayed rate available to anyone, or only members?
- Are there session, parking, idle, or access fees?
- Does the rate change by time of day or connector?
- Are taxes included?
- When was the price last checked?
A free charging rate can still come with parking fees or access restrictions. A low rate on an old listing may no longer apply. Confirm the terms on the charger or in the operator’s app before starting.
How Electric Buddy treats prices
Published operator rates are labeled with their source. Shared driver reports are marked unverified and expire from comparisons after seven days. Historical listing notes stay separate from current calculated prices. Missing prices remain unknown.
Only comparable, current prices can support a useful deal comparison. Ads and contributions never change station rankings. Electric Buddy does not operate chargers or guarantee their availability.