If you own an electric car, looking for a charging station for your vehicle might be a hassle. Not anymore though as we are going to discuss public charging stations and whether they are worth the cost. 

What are public charging stations?

Public charging stations are conveniently located sites that welcome electric vehicle drivers to charge their cars. These stations are open to the public, and anyone can plug in their EV here. They come in various shapes and types, such as level 2 charging, DC fast charging, and Tesla Superchargers. You can find public charging stations in various locations, including shopping malls, gas stations, parking garages, restaurants, and hotels. 

How much does it cost to use public charging stations?

The cost of charging depends on various factors, including the state, location, and the charging company's pricing policy. Usually, rates vary between $0.15 to $0.50 per kWh or $5 to $20 an hour. Public charging is not always free, but some of them are. Some states allow charging station owners to set their prices or use a pay-per-use model.

Advantages of using public charging stations

• Convenient and accessible- Public charging stations are strategically located, making it easy to find them, no matter where you are.
• Inexpensive- Generally public charging stations cost less than gas cars in terms of fuel consumption.
• Fast charging- Level 2 chargers can charge your car within four to six hours, while DC fast chargers can do the same in half an hour.
• Environmental-friendliness- What makes EVs environmentally friendly is the fact that they don't emit harmful gases that negatively impact the environment.
• Availability- More public charging stations are popping up across states, so you are almost guaranteed to find one close by. In turn, this reduces "range anxiety" among drivers.

Disadvantages of using public charging stations

• Waiting time- Public charging stations are available for all EV drivers, which means waiting in line is inevitable. This translates to time consumption.
• Location- Public charging stations are not evenly distributed across all states, and their number varies per state.
• Dependence- It would help if you had a charging station near where you live, work or frequent, which means that not all drivers have access to public charging stations.
• Unreliable - Not all the charging stations are well-maintained, and when you get to plug in your car, you might realize it is not functioning correctly.

Key takeaways

• Electric vehicles are here to stay, and it's only a matter of time that the charging station infrastructure improves.
• Driving an EV is cheaper than using gasoline-powered cars in the long run.
• Public charging infrastructure plays a massive role in the current and future adoption of EVs.
• If you are traveling an extended distance, make sure to plan your route to ensure there are adequate charging stations on the way.

Public charging stations provide a great solution for EV drivers who might not have a charging station in their homes. The advantages of using public charging stations overwhelmingly outweigh the disadvantages. With the cheaper cost of fuel and convenience that EVs offer, you can't go wrong. As the EV industry continues to grow, the charging station infrastructure will also continue to improve. In conclusion, public charging stations are worth the cost. 

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