How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car at Planet Fitness?
As the electrification of the automotive market continues to grow, more and more businesses are offering charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs). This is especially convenient for customers or employees who need to charge their EVs while running errands or at work.
Fitness centers and gyms such as Planet Fitness are no exception. In fact, many Planet Fitness locations now have EV charging stations available for their patrons to use. The process becomes complicated due to various charging levels, associated fees, and compatibility with nearby charging stations. So, just how much does it cost to charge an electric car at Planet Fitness?
Different EV charging levels explained
There are three main levels of EV charging. NeoCharge breaks down each with its own characteristics in terms of speed and availability:
Level 1 charging refers to the slowest type of charging, which uses a standard 120-volt outlet to recharge an EV, as stated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This type of charging is often used for overnight charging at homes and apartments.
Level 2 charging is a step up from Level 1 and uses a 240-volt outlet to provide faster charging speeds. This type of charging is often used at home or in public charging stations and can typically charge an EV in 4–12 hours.
Level 3 charging, also known as DC fast charging, is the fastest type of charging currently available. According to EVTown, it uses a 480-volt outlet to charge an EV in as little as 30 minutes to 1 hour. Level 3 charging stations are not as common as Level 1 or 2 chargers and are usually found at dedicated EV charging stations or along major highways.
In addition to the standard EV charging levels, Tesla has a network of high-speed charging stations called Tesla Superchargers. These Level 3 charging stations are designed explicitly for Tesla EVs and can charge a Tesla vehicle in as little as 45 minutes. Tesla Superchargers are conveniently located along major highways and high-traffic areas, making it easy for Tesla owners to recharge their cars while on long road trips.
The cost of charging your EV at Planet Fitness
Businesses and organizations with EV charging stations, like Planet Fitness, often determine their own charges. However, ChargePoint generally charges a usage fee based on the amount of electricity used as well as a per-minute fee while the vehicle is connected to the charger.
It’s worth noting that ChargePoint also offers membership plans that can potentially save you money on EV charging costs. For example, the ChargePoint Drive plan includes a discounted per-minute rate and waives the usage fee at participating locations.
A monthly fee of $4 and just $0.31 per kWh are paid by those with an Electrify America Pass+ account. So, if you frequently use your EV, signing up for these applications might net you significant savings.
Planet Fitness is adding more EV charging stations
According to ClickOnDetroit, Kroger, DTE, and Volta Charging are working to introduce more charging stations to places where there aren’t many, including Planet Fitness. This can help to make electric vehicles a more practical and convenient option for more people, and it can also help to support the transition to cleaner forms of transportation.
Numerous smartphone applications, such as PlugShare, have made it easier to find out whether your nearby Planet Fitness location offers a charging station. These apps include live maps showing you where to locate charging stations to plug in your electric vehicle.
Car owners are relieved to know they can easily switch to electric vehicles (EVs) without worrying about running out of power, thanks to the ongoing growth of EV charging stations.