Overnight EV Charging While on Vacation

[cdawson360]

We’re getting our family vacation plans sorted and are bracing for the possibility of staying at hotels with no EV chargers. I’m curious - what’s the deal with overnight charging at public stations? I’ve heard some places hit you with a fee if you leave your car plugged in after its done charging. Got any tips for dodging those charges or finding spots where overnight charging is cool?

 

[MLansky6]

I always think about what I'd want someone else to do in this situation. It's annoying to arrive late at night needing a charge only to find all the spots taken by fully-charged cars.

I've parked overnight at public L2 chargers twice while traveling. The first time, I calculated the charging time, set an alarm, and moved my car when it was done (around 3 AM). The second time, I wasn't as strict and just moved it before bed. I restarted charging in the morning after getting up.

 

[MachE25]

The station should have idle fees during the day to prevent people from hogging the chargers. But overnight, they should be free. L2 chargers are meant for long charging sessions, so let people use them when demand is low.

 

[BlakeMach]

Some hotels might offer free or discounted charging for guests, even if it’s not advertised. It’s always worth asking when you check in! They may also be able to recommend nearby charging stations for your convenience.
In the end, it’s all about planning ahead and checking the details to avoid any surprises. Happy travels!