A California electric vehicle owner's recent experience with public fast charging has ignited an online debate about the affordability and practicality of EVs, with some users questioning whether charging costs can exceed those of filling a gasoline tank. The incident, documented by a food influencer named Linda, involved charging her Rivian R1S at a Costco.
Linda shared a video detailing her charging session, which lasted just over an hour and cost $64.59. During this time, her vehicle increased its charge from 27% to 94%, adding an estimated 235 miles of range. This charging cost drew immediate comparisons from commenters to the price of gasoline.
"I just spent $50.00 for gas to get 512 miles…took less than 5 minutes to fill up," one user commented. Another expressed strong dissatisfaction with EV ownership, stating, "Range anxiety is real, public charging costs as much as gas, range plummets during winter... I fantasize frequently of a tree falling on my car so I can get a gas car again."
Linda herself acknowledged that public charging can be expensive, particularly at locations like Costco. She indicated that "home charging is key" and shared that charging her vehicle at home overnight costs approximately $14 for 330 miles. Other EV owners echoed this sentiment, advising that public charging costs can be significantly higher than home charging.
The discussion also touched on the practicalities of EV ownership, including the physical design of charging equipment. Linda described the charger at the station as "bulky ass," adding another layer of frustration to her experience.
This incident comes amid broader discussions about the EV market. Rivian, the manufacturer of Linda's vehicle, has faced financial challenges in 2024, including a declining stock price and reduced deliveries. However, the company secured a significant partnership with Volkswagen in a $5 billion deal, which may impact its future trajectory. The high cost of luxury EVs like Rivian and Lucid vehicles has previously been noted, with their target market limited to wealthier consumers.