When public charging stations aren’t so public, and why it matters
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- Steve Birkett reported that a Hyundai dealer in Union, NJ charged $15 per kWh to top off his IONIQ 5.
- Dealers across the U.S. often limit public access to charging ports, close gates after business hours, and provide slower charging speeds, according to Birkett.
- State regulations do not require EV charge point operators to display pricing before a driver plugs in, unlike gas stations.
- C1rcuitBoard posted that an MES‑branded charger in Sycamore, IL billed $671.60 because the app displayed outdated pricing, and the company refused a refund.
Why it matters: EV owners lose money and confidence when dealers hide fees and restrict access; incentive programs could lose funding if operators violate pricing rules, pushing regulators to tighten oversight.
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