Which automakers offer free public EV charging?

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Making the jump to an electric vehicle is easier than ever thanks to the improving electric infrastructure, not to mention the growth in EVs available. However, some still feel the need for an extra push, so a few automakers are throwing in free public charging to help entice shoppers to make the switch.

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While these offers are far more widespread in the U.S., Canadian buyers are being encouraged to keep an eye out for more news. For example, Cadillac recently announced Lyriq buyers will receive free EV home charger installation — more on that below.

Here’s a list of some automakers that currently offer free or complementary charging, and a few statements from those that don’t.

Automakers that offer free public EV charging

Audi

Buyers of the Audi Q4 e-tron, Q4 e-tron Sportback, e-tron, e-tron Sportback, e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT get four years or 1,400 kWh of DC Fast Charging sessions at Electrify Canada stations. Users have to observe a one hour interval between charges.

Cadillac

Cadillac Lyriq buyers will receive free EV home charger installation. The catch: buyers have to purchase their own charger, specifically 11.5-kW Ultium PowerUp unit — a GM-branded Level 2 charger — and take delivery of the car by the end of 2022 to qualify for the offer. If they already have a charger, then they’re offered $750 worth of FLO public charging credits.

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Chevrolet

Chevy will cover the standard installation of a Level 2 Charging outlet for buyers of the 2022 or 2023 Chevrolet Bolt and Bolt EUV, but those who don’t want or need this offer will be given a $750 credit to use on the FLO public charging network.

Lucid

Electrify Canada and Lucid have an agreement for Canadian Drivers who reserved a Lucid Air. These owners will receive two years of complementary charging across the Electrify Canada network.

Mazda

Despite having just one EV in its portfolio, the 2022 Mazda MX-30, Mazda has partnered with ChargePoint to give MX-30 owners a $500 charging credit. That can be used for public charging or toward the purchase of an in-home ChargePoint Level 2 charger.

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Porsche

Canadian Porsche Taycan owners receive three years of complementary 30-minute charging sessions on the Electrify Canada high-powered charging network. Considering the Taycan can charge up to 290 kW, a 30 minute stint will get you pretty far.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Canada offers three years of unlimited DC Fast Charging sessions at Electrify Canada chargers across the country for owners of the ID.4, while owners of the e-Golf received two years of complementary 30-minute charging sessions.

Automakers that do not offer free public EV charging

BMW

While BMW USA offers two years of free charging at Electrify America locations, BMW Canada doesn’t currently offer anything similar.

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Ford

Instead of offering any type of complementary charging for its customers, Ford just increased the price of the F-150 Lightning.

Genesis

While American Genesis GV60 and Electrified G80 owners get three years of free charging at Electrify America Locations, that offer isn’t found North of the border. “Genesis Motors Canada does not currently have a comparable program, although we are constantly reviewing ways in which we can improve the experience of our guests,” said Dustin Woods, Genesis Motors Canada Public Relations Manager.

Hyundai

“We do not yet have a partnership in place to offer free charging to customers, but it’s something we’re studying,” explained Jennifer McCarthy, Hyundai’s National PR Manager. This is in contrast to Hyundai USA automaker offering two years of free charging at Electrify America locations.

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Kia

While Kia offers a few EVs to Canadians, it doesn’t have any incentives for buyers, while owners in the U.S. get 1,000 kWh of free charging at Electrify America locations from Kia USA.

Nissan

While Nissan Leaf and Ariya buyers in the U.S. get a credit with EVgo, the same can’t be said for Canadians. “We are accessing what our Canadian customers’ needs are,” explained Douâa Jazouli, Manager, Product & Technology Communications at Nissan, adding that they cannot currently share any other information regarding complementary charging.

Mercedes-Benz

While Mercedes is rapidly adding new electric vehicles to its lineup, Mercedes-Benz Canada doesn’t have a complementary charging program. “However, we recognize the value of this offering and we continue to work closely with our Canadian charging partners to develop a similarly valuable incentive for our Mercedes-EQ customers,” explained Zak Paget, Manager of Product and Corporate Communications at Mercedes-Benz Canada.