Due to the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EV) in recent years, there is an enormous demand for reliable and convenient charging stations. Columbus, Ohio has committed to establishing a complete EV charging infrastructure as part of its efforts to support vehicle owners who want cleaner methods of transportation. This guide includes everything you need to know about EV charging stations in Ohio, including where they are located, the advantages of an EV, and how Columbus plans to prepare for the future when electric transportation becomes more common.
While Columbus has a well-deserved reputation as a dynamic city, it also leads in efforts to promote electric vehicles (EVs). Many owners of EVs are making this shift because of concern for the environment, increased volatility around gasoline prices, and advances in sustainable technologies. Columbus, and to some extent Ohio, is investing money and resources into building an extensive network of public charging stations to enable EV users to transition from gasoline to electric vehicle charging stations. EV users will now generally have many more convenient and reliable locations for charging their vehicles throughout the city.
Finding electric vehicle (EV) charging locations in Columbus, OH has become easier than ever before. Many public locations such as large retail stores or other types of businesses have introduced EV charging stations as well to help ensure that all EV drivers have access to charging locations. Here are some great locations to charge an EV in Columbus.
Various places and times in Columbus provide access to different types of electric vehicle chargers. Multiple types of chargers will vary according to your battery charging needs and how long it will take to completely recharge your vehicle’s battery.
Level 1 Charging: A level 1 electrical outlet gives you between 3 and 5 hours of time to recharge the battery in an electric vehicle (EV). Level 1 charging for EVs will typically be done at home while the EV’s owner is asleep, but many public charging stations also offer level 1 charging.
Level 2 Charging: Chargers at Level 2 (240 Volts) have become more popular in public and private facilities due to the fact that they can charge an electric vehicle more quickly (10-60 miles of driving every hour). Most of the available charging stations throughout the city of Columbus are at Level 2 (240 volts), making them the right choice for short work hours or shopping trips.
DC Fast Charging: DC fast charging allows you to rapidly charge your electric vehicle’s battery to about 80% in about 20 minutes. DC fast charging stations are strategically placed at highway/major transport areas to help facilitate long-haul and travel by road distances.
Driving an electric vehicle has both environmental and driver-related benefits. Below are some examples of these.
Ohio has become much more accessible to both local and long-distance travel by electric vehicle, due in large part to the availability of various mobile applications and extensive planning tools for travel. Real-time location and charging rate information are readily available for all levels of distance and frequency of trips throughout the state through mobile applications like PlugShare, Chargepoint and Electrify America. The ability for users to locate nearby and accessible charging stations with the proper plug and charging rate prior to their departure is also provided.
You can find multiple online resources and mobile applications to help you search for charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) in Ohio. Companies like ChargePoint, PlugShare, and EVgo provide you with maps and up-to-date details on where the nearest charging stations to your current location are located. All public parking areas, major shopping centers, and most restaurants in Columbus, Ohio, offer some form of charging station for electric vehicle (EV) use.
Most public places now offer free to charge your electric vehicle to include selected libraries, selected government offices and malls. Find out the individual site, or use a mobile application (such as PlugShare) which lists the charging stations located at other public facilities.
In Columbus, the most commonly used type of EV charger is the Level 2 charger because it’s much faster than a level 1 Charger and is typically found at public locations such as grocery stores, garages, and work sites. DC fast chargers are still relatively new to the Columbus area, but will begin to be installed more frequently as well for that purpose.
Charging your EV from home is super convenient.
A Level 1 charger can be plugged into any standard outlet in your home; however, most homeowners will have a Level 2 installed because it charges the EV faster than Level 1.
Check with your utility company to see if they have any incentive programs or rebates for installing a home charging station.
In Ohio, there are tax credits and incentives that can be claimed for installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations by both the state and federal government. Utility companies may also offer rebates for installing residential or commercial EV chargers. Explore current available rebates and incentives by checking with local government agencies for the most accurate and current information.
In Columbus, Ohio, the majority of public EV charging stations can be accessed at any time of the day or night. The number of hours each site will operate depends on the type of facility that is providing the charging service, including shopping malls, commercial buildings, and other facilities. Before starting your journey, verify whether you need to have time-sensitive charge capability by utilizing the EV charging apps.
When selecting an EV charger, it is essential to consider three key factors: will the charger work with your EV, are there fast charge options available for use, and is the location convenient for you? While most public chargers will have the connection types to support standard electric vehicles, always confirm that the type of connector matches your vehicle before starting your charging session.
Electric vehicles are quickly gaining popularity and in Columbus and throughout Ohio, EV charging stations are plentiful so that EV drivers can feel confident as they commute. With the implementation of government grants, progressive technologies, and public-private partnerships, the city is poised to lead the way toward a sustainable future. If you are an EV owner living locally, or if you are travelling through Columbus with plans to charge your EV, there is now an expanding network of charging stations available to keep you on your way.
Xinya Dongfang Electricity Technology Co., Ltd.
