Depending on where you live, you might be able to enjoy some added benefits of owning an electric vehicle. Some cities around the country and around the globe have created incentive programs for owners of electric vehicles, and in some locations, you are able to park your electric vehicle for free.
Electric cars can park for free in cities such as Cincinnati, Aspen, and Hermosa Beach, which are all leading examples of free parking programs for fully-electric vehicles. More cities are likely to join this model as they look for diverse strategies to fight climate change.
In the rest of this article, we will take a look at some of the biggest incentive parking programs for electric cars. We will see what cities are motivated to increase the benefits for electric car owners and what these perks entail. These programs often include perks such as discounted parking rates, access to prime parking spots, and exemptions from certain fees. As cities recognize the importance of sustainability and reducing emissions, they are increasingly focused on enhancing the benefits of electric car ownership. By incentivizing electric vehicle use, urban areas aim to create a greener future while fostering a shift towards more environmentally friendly transportation options.
Free Parking Programs for Electric Cars
Towns and cities across the United States are developing their own incentive programs for electric cars while building up more infrastructure to support this style of driving. By offering benefits like free parking, cities hope to encourage more environmentally friendly transport. Many municipalities are also implementing charging stations in public spaces to facilitate easy access for EV owners. As the popularity of electric vehicles grows, a common question arises among potential buyers: are electric cars banned anywhere? This inquiry highlights the ongoing debates around regulations and the need for policies that support sustainable transportation initiatives.
As local governments try to take on issues of climate change in varied ways, encouraging the use of electric vehicles has become one popular strategy. Let’s take a look at some of the most established programs in the US to date that encourage this type of transportation.
Photo @5byseven via Twenty20
Cincinnati, Ohio
In Ohio, the city of Cincinnati has become a shining example of a free parking program to incentivize people to drive electric cars. Known as the All-Electric Vehicle Incentive Program, this government initiative allows fully electric cars to park completely for free in city-provided parking, which includes street parking, a parking garage as well as any metered parking.
To participate in this program, you need to apply with your fully electric vehicle. This excludes hybrids or any other car that uses gasoline in addition to its electric capacities. The application can be made online, and once you receive your approval, you are able to take advantage of this program.
However, just because you qualify for this program doesn’t mean that regular parking rules don’t apply to you. Owners of electric vehicles are expected to move their cars when parking meters expire, just as you would usually.
This program also does not include any special overnight parking privileges. Electric car owners must adhere to the parking time regulations the same as other car owners.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado, is putting into motion a plan to make driving electric cars a priority in the upcoming years. Not only do they offer free residential parking for all fully-electric vehicles, but they are also working to increase the availability of public charging stations.
Additionally, Aspen is guiding electric vehicle owners on how to maximize their rebates and incentives. After purchasing a level II or level III charger, for example, you are qualified to receive a rebate.
Do Electric Cars Lose Charge When Parked? Find out in this helpful article that I wrote.
Hermosa Beach, California
The city of Hermosa Beach in California is another place that is rolling out a range of incentives for electric vehicle owners. While not quite as extensive as the parking program in Cincinnati, Hermosa Beach offers free metered street parking to fully-electric vehicles.
It is completely free to obtain your approved parking permit and take advantage of this program.
If you drive a fully-electric car, you are able to park for 2-3 hours for free on the street in Hermosa Beach. You are expected to follow the time limits as a paying driver would. However, city-owned off-street parking and parking garages are excluded from this incentive package.
If you are an electric vehicle owner, you can also look forward to rebates and incentives when it comes time to purchase your own charging station. Hermosa Beach has set up these programs in order to help offset some of the initial costs of electric vehicle ownership.
Additionally, several public charging stations are available in Hermosa Beach. While these are not free of charge, they allow you to recharge your battery at many locations throughout the city.
Can Electric Cars Charge for Free?
Many cities are building up their public charging infrastructure to encourage the widespread driving of electric cars. Since we have seen different cities that are paving the way for incentivized parking programs, you may be wondering if there are places to both park and charge for free.
Electric cars cannot normally charge for free. To offset the cost of charging, check to see if your vehicle’s manufacturer offers charging incentives or if your state will help you purchase your own level II or level III residential charger.
Let’s first take a quick look at the different types of charging for electric vehicles. These levels are known as level I, level II, and level III.
If you would like to know more about Tesla Superchargers and all the basics, check out this article that I wrote!
Level I is the slowest kind of charge but the most accessible. Level I chargers plug into a normal outlet but will usually only give you about 3 miles (4.82 km) of charge per hour.
Level II charges your car faster. For each hour you are plugging into a Level II charging station, you can get between 10 and 25 miles (16.09 and 40.23 km) of charge. Finally, Level III uses DC quick charging to get you back on the road fast. For one hour of Level III charge, you can expect to gain about 90 miles (144.84 km).
| Type of Charger | How Many Miles Per Hour of Charge |
| Level I | 3 |
| Level II | 10-25 |
| Level III | 90 |
Some manufacturers offer incentives for you to charge your electric vehicle for free. Nissan, for example, offers a No Charge to Charge program. This gives you two years of free charging on your new electric vehicle from Nissan.
Check with your manufacturer to see if you qualify. To learn more about charging your electric vehicle in public and the associated costs, you can check out this video on Youtube:
