Do you own an electric vehicle (EV) or are you considering buying one? A major factor you’ll be thinking about is where you can charge your EV in Dublin. Our local experts here at Dublin Toyota have put together a list based on our knowledge of the area to give you some suggestions.
How Does Electric Car Charging in California Work?
Electric charging is important for owners of battery-powered electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid cars. While a plug-in hybrid combines a gas-powered engine with an electric motor, an all-electric vehicle is powered by a battery and electric motors. Plug-in hybrids typically have a shorter all-electric driving range of roughly 30 to 50 miles, while all-electric vehicles can have a driving range of over 300 miles when fully charged.
There are three electric charging options for your vehicle, which are often referred to as level 1, level 2, and level 3 charging. Level 1 charging is when you connect your EV to a household power outlet. This type of charging is available to anyone with a 120-volt power outlet in their home.
The big drawback to this method is that it’s extremely slow. A typical EV will take in the region of 40 to 60 hours to fully charge on a level 1 charger, which is several days. As a result, level 1 charging is not a practical option for many drivers.
Level 2 charging is available at public charging stations throughout Dublin. You can also install a level 2 charger at home, but installation costs are quite expensive. A level 2 charger can fully charge an EV’s battery in approximately 10 hours.
Level 3 charging is only available at fast-charging public sites that are sometimes called DC fast chargers. It’s the fastest way to get power into your vehicle’s battery. Some EVs can charge their battery on a level 3 charger in an hour or less. The main thing to keep in mind with level 3 chargers is that they’re typically a more expensive option than level 2 charging.
Where to Charge an Electric Car in Dublin
There are several options for EV drivers looking to charge their car around Dublin. You’ll find 74 charging stations at restaurants, transit stations, and other public buildings. Here’s a selection for you to try.
Whole Foods Market
What better time to charge your EV than when you’re picking up your groceries? At Whole Foods Market, you can get everything your household needs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While you collect your fruit, vegetables, meat products, and everything else, your Highlander Hybrid or Bz4X can recharge its battery in the parking lot.
This location has three fast-charging sites, including one Tesla supercharger. There is also one level 2 charger available. The store is open 24/7, so you can charge your EV at any time. To use the plugs, you’ll need to register for an account via evgo.com.
Location: Whole Foods Market, 5200 Dublin Blvd, Dublin
Dublin Library
Dublin Library is operated by Alameda County Library with additional funding from the city. It’s the place to go if you want to browse the extensive book collection, get access to WiFi, or utilize self-service printing and scanning options. You can also book one-hour sessions to use a computer or take advantage of the library’s laptop loan service.
While you’re enjoying what the library has to offer, your EV can replenish its battery. There are three level 2 chargers available at Dublin Library. The charge is 29 cents per kilowatt hour, and local parking is free.
Location: 200 Civic Plaza, Dublin
Fallon Gateway – Chaat Cafe
The Chaat Cafe is the place to go in Dublin if you’re searching for authentic Indian food. They serve dishes prepared with fresh organic vegetables, spices, and meat, and promise a quick turnaround. In addition to in-restaurant dining, you can also book their services to cater your upcoming event. Chaat Cafe’s menu is available online for you to browse and place an order so they can get everything ready for you.
In front of the cafe, you’ll find two level two chargers on Dublin Blvd. The charge for the EV charging stations is $1 per hour. Parking is offered free of charge. The cafe is open seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to 9:15 p.m., providing you with plenty of opportunities to charge your car while you enjoy a tasty bite to eat.
Location: 2820 Dublin Blvd, Dublin
Fallon Gateway – Starbucks
If you feel like grabbing a coffee and a light bite to eat while your EV charges, try stopping by the Fallon Gateway Starbucks location. On Dublin Blvd, you can choose from a wide range of food and drink options.
As for the charging, you’ll find four plugs across two stations. However, note that one recent reviewer on PlugShare points out that two of the plugs were out of service. The charge for using these level 2 chargers is $1 per hour, while parking is free.
Location: 2710 Dublin Blvd, Dublin
Dublin Supercharger
If you drive a Tesla, you won’t find a more rapid charging service than the Dublin Supercharger. These plugs are located at the local Tesla service center and are DC fast chargers. The service center is open seven days a week, allowing you to take care of any issue you may be having with your Tesla. This location also offers WiFi access and restrooms.
There are 16 charging points on offer. Between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., premium charging rates are charged. You’ll pay 42 cents per kilowatt hour during these hours. Outside of these times, charging your vehicle costs 21 cents per kilowatt hour.
Location: 6701 Amadore Plaza, Dublin
Now that you have a few new ideas for charging your EV around town, we hope you can find a charging station that’s convenient for you to use. If you have any questions about EV charging or how to get your electric car serviced, don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts. Here at Dublin Toyota, we’d be delighted to talk you through what it’s like to own an EV or give you tips on the fastest EV charging sites in Dublin. Reach out to us today to learn more.
Image credit: Not Quite Sea-Foam by Listener42 licensed with CC BY 2.0
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