As electric vehicles (or “EVs”) become more popular, EV infrastructure is fast becoming a top priority. If you live in or are visiting Atlanta, GA, having a convenient and accessible way to charge your electric vehicle (EV) is imperative. If you already own an EV or are considering switching to one, it’s critical that you understand how and where you can charge your EV in Atlanta, GA. This guide will provide insight on public charging stations, home and business EV chargers, and tips for using EV technologies to create a more sustainable future.
This transformation into an eco-friendly and innovative city is what defines Atlanta’s commitment to a sustainable future. Residents are rapidly adopting electric vehicles (EVs) in Atlanta and have experienced huge growth in both demand and availability of efficient, easily accessible EV charging stations during the past 12 months. There are numerous locations throughout Atlanta at which you will find new EV Charging stations either currently being built or recently completed (ex.- supermarkets, shopping centers, office buildings, and parking garages). These improvements help ensure there are additional charging options across Atlanta to improve access to chargers in the Atlanta area for all types of EV drivers.
You can find many different types of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the city including Level 1 (Slow), Level 2 (Medium), and DC Fast Charging Stations (Fast). Level 1 charging is generally for overnight (8-12 hours) home use since it is the slowest charger. Level 2 charging stations are usually the most common public chargers and can charge your electric vehicle at a much quicker rate than a Level 1 charger. A DC Fast Charger is the quickest way to recharge your electric vehicle with approximately 80% of your battery recharged within an hour. Depending on your daily needs and methods of charging will determine which type of charger you will use.
The public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Atlanta continues to expand at an exponential rate. Below are some of the top sources of public EV charging stations throughout Atlanta.
There are several different apps out there to help you locate chargers at your destination (plugshare and chargepoint) which provide live updates on what types of chargers exist (EVSE), their cost, how long each one has been utilized, etc.
If you live in or work near Atlanta, there are plenty of options for charging your electric vehicle at home, work, or when traveling to other areas of Georgia. The following are some things to keep in mind about charging your electric vehicle at home versus a public location:
If you’re a homeowner who has installed an outdoor electric vehicle (EV) charger at home, this will allow your car to have a full charge at all times. Typically, using a Level 2 charger can fully charge most EV batteries (from empty) overnight and will eliminate many visits to the public charging stations. Additionally, most utility companies will provide you with EV specific time of use pricing for charging your car, enabling you to save money when you manage when to charge your vehicle during off-peak hours.
Establishing an electric vehicle (EV) charger in your workplace is a great way to attract new visitors and retain employees. By providing this benefit among your environmentally-conscious practices, the positive impacts of your actions on the community will benefit your business as well, and if desired, provide additional streams of revenue by allowing customers to pay for electrical usage through their vehicle’s charger.
To make the most of Atlanta’s EV charging station network, keep the following tips in mind:
Prepare in advance: Using GPS and/or internet maps to find your route to your campsite and find the location of charging stations around the camp, especially for very long distance trips, will help ensure you find your way safely, comfortably and quickly.
Subscribing to charging networks like ChargePoint and EVgo can provide members with additional benefits, including discounts on charging costs and priority access to charging stations.
Invest In A Home Charging Device: You will have more independence from public electric charging facilities when you use your own charging station, giving you easy access to your vehicle’s power supply.
Research the incentives offered by Georgia for EV charges (like Rebates) that can reduce the cost of installing an EV charger and figure out what level of government (e.g., local, federal, state) you qualify for.
Atlanta has several places where you can charge your electric vehicle (EV) and find a charging station typically through garages, shopping malls, hotels, or workplaces. You might be able to use an online tool such as PlugShare to find out which charging stations are the closest to where you are now.
Depending on the kind of charging solution and charging network employed, you’ll pay a different public EV charge fee to benefit from public electric vehicle charging at various rates in Atlanta. For instance, Level 1 and Level 2 chargers (with slower charging capabilities) are generally less expensive than DC fast chargers (which can deliver quick service) and can often provide free public charging as well. Also, there are free public charging networks available at several alternative public EV charging facilities across the city.
You can indeed install your own EV charger at home, which will help most EV drivers charge their cars while also charging their cars faster than if they were using public charging stations. For best results, hire a licensed and insured installation company that knows how to install the equipment properly and according to all local electrical codes and regulations.
As a result, the cities have three different types of chargers: level 1, level 2, and DC fast chargers. All come in consumers’ charging capabilities. Therefore, you must consider your charging requirements when selecting an EV charger.
Atlanta has developed an extensive network of public and private electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout the city in order to support its EV friendly environment. With the availability of more public and private charging options, owning an electric vehicle (EV) has never been easier than it is today. As either a current or prospective EV owner, you will benefit from Atlanta’s extensive and planned charging infrastructure – enabling you to enjoy the benefits of driving an EV while being mindful of the environment; as well as reducing your overall driving costs through reduced fuel consumption (compared to gasoline) and low-maintenance vehicles.
Xinya Dongfang Electricity Technology Co., Ltd.
