Costco partnered with a company founded by former SpaceX engineers to provide fast electric vehicle charging services to customers at one Florida location.
I’m glad to see this, but there’s a missing piece of information: How much per kWh will they charge?
Costco offers a discount on gasoline over other gas stations. I really hope they extend this philosophy to this Level 3 charging product. I’ve been trying very hard to only use non-Tesla Level 3 chargers when I have to fast charge on road trips. I know for a fact I’m paying quite a bit more per kWh than using Tesla chargers. Even with the higher cost of alternatives, I still try to avoid Tesla chargers because that money goes to funding Musk.
It wouldn’t surprise me if, in that case, EA is just renting the spaces from Costco. So EA would be paying for the electricity usage, setting the rate, etc.
If Costco rolls this out across their warehouses I’m sure they’d contract with the EV company in such a way to maximize their advantage. If Costco “owns” the source of the electricity used by the chargers then they could set the rate, and they may very well decide it’s in their interest to just break even or even lose a little money on charging if it brings in more shoppers.
I’ve certainly seen free Level 2 chargers, but only a few ever free Level 3 and those were usually 50kw and single chargers only attached to a business that makes their money some other way (like a car dealership).
I think the cheapest Level 3 DC Fast charging I’ve ever seen was maybe 25 cent a kWh and that was one time. The cheapest Tesla superchargers I’ve seen in my travels have been 30 cents or so (which is a very good price). Usual Tesla supercharger price is 43 cents to 51 cents in my region. However, the non-Tesla Fast charger can get very expensive with 67 cent + a $1 per session charging fee! I’m looking at you EVgo!
I’m glad to see this, but there’s a missing piece of information: How much per kWh will they charge?
Costco offers a discount on gasoline over other gas stations. I really hope they extend this philosophy to this Level 3 charging product. I’ve been trying very hard to only use non-Tesla Level 3 chargers when I have to fast charge on road trips. I know for a fact I’m paying quite a bit more per kWh than using Tesla chargers. Even with the higher cost of alternatives, I still try to avoid Tesla chargers because that money goes to funding Musk.
Costco at San Luis Obispo had a 10-stall EA station. Same rate as everywhere else.
It wouldn’t surprise me if, in that case, EA is just renting the spaces from Costco. So EA would be paying for the electricity usage, setting the rate, etc.
If Costco rolls this out across their warehouses I’m sure they’d contract with the EV company in such a way to maximize their advantage. If Costco “owns” the source of the electricity used by the chargers then they could set the rate, and they may very well decide it’s in their interest to just break even or even lose a little money on charging if it brings in more shoppers.
These apparently have Ad leaderboards. If they follow other similar platforms, the charging will be free.
I haven’t heard of these other platforms before. There are free Level 3 DC fast charging networks?
Hmm, not sure the charger ratings, but ive seen various chargers at grocery stores that are free chargers. I assume at least level 2s.
EDIT: nope, looked up the chargers I recall seeing and they are level 1. So I expect you’re right, these will likely be pay chargers.
I’ve certainly seen free Level 2 chargers, but only a few ever free Level 3 and those were usually 50kw and single chargers only attached to a business that makes their money some other way (like a car dealership).
I think the cheapest Level 3 DC Fast charging I’ve ever seen was maybe 25 cent a kWh and that was one time. The cheapest Tesla superchargers I’ve seen in my travels have been 30 cents or so (which is a very good price). Usual Tesla supercharger price is 43 cents to 51 cents in my region. However, the non-Tesla Fast charger can get very expensive with 67 cent + a $1 per session charging fee! I’m looking at you EVgo!