Electrify America, a North American electric vehicle charging network, announced that it would change its pricing structure from a nationwide model to a station-to-station basis later this month.
The company is currently responsible for operating one of the largest DC fast-charger networks in the United States. Electrify America now operates in 46 states nationwide, continuously expanding in North America. Meanwhile, it has introduced discounts for new EV customers of some auto brands and expanded discounts to the gig economy, such as Lyft drivers.
Electrify America To Shift EV Charging Pricing Structure
While Electrify America offers deals on charging several times a year, EV charging fees have also changed. In February, the firm announced that it would start raising prices in March.
In an email announcing the decision, the company states that Pass+ subscribers can save up to 25% per charge under the new pricing structure. The new membership will cost customers $4 monthly, as per Electrek.
On top of the increased rates, the company would also start charging idle fees again to customers who sit at charging stations even after the electric vehicles have already been charged 100%. Both changes are set to take effect on Aug. 17, but the company still needs to detail the range of prices that customers could see in the station-specific model.
But after Electrify America implements the changes, customers with the EA app can simply go to it and check the prices. Despite customers having the option to save money by purchasing the Pass+ membership, its price could also rise to $7 per month.
The company also answered questions regarding the supposed idle fees, which it said would be around $0.40 per minute of extra time spent after an EV has reached 100% charge. However, there is a 10-minute grace period for customers to take advantage of in case of certain circumstances, according to AutoBlog.
Raising Prices, Reintroducing Idle Fees
EA is implementing idle fees once again in an attempt to address the issue of charger hogs and make sure that there is a fair and equitable charging experience for all owners of EVs. The fees are meant to be a gentle reminder to be considerate of other drivers and learn to use the charging infrastructure efficiently.
The company's latest decision indicates the evolving landscape of EV charging in the United States. Additionally, despite the price of the Pass+ membership being set to rise, those who choose to avail it could still benefit from its various inclusions, said the Global Village Space.
The decision comes after Electrify America became the latest company last month to align itself with Tesla's EV charging standard. It added Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector to Electrify America and Electrify Canada's fast charging networks by 2025.
Additionally, the company said it would continue providing the Combined Charging System (CCS-1) connector throughout its network. The company's CEO and president, Robert Barrosa, said that since its founding, the firm has focused on "building an inclusive and open huper-fast charging network to facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles," as per TechCrunch.
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