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Beginning in July 2024, Albemarle County will implement usage fees at the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations located at the Albemarle County office buildings. This measure is part of our ongoing efforts to practice responsible fiscal management while also promoting sustainable transportation, which is aligned with our Climate Action Plan. These fees are designed to cover the operating costs of our EV charging stations and encourage efficient use, ensuring broader access for all users.
Current Usage and Costs
In the past three years, the EV chargers have hosted over 8,000 unique drivers and dispensed over 771 megawatt hours of electricity. This has saved an estimated 528 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to approximately 59,430 gallons of gasoline or 1,350,791 miles driven by an average internal combustion engine vehicle.
As the demand for EV charging grows, our stations now experience an average usage of over 40 megawatt hours per month, costing approximately $5,000 per month (or $60,000 per year). Initially, when the chargers were installed, the Virginia code did not allow state agencies and localities to assess fees for the distribution of electricity, resulting in free service to the public. However, recent amendments to Virginia code § 2.2-614.5 now allow localities to operate fee-based EV charging infrastructure. With the growing use, it is time to recover the costs of operating the chargers.
Approved Charging Fees
Effective July 1, 2024, Albemarle County will implement the following fee structure:
- Charging Rate: $0.147 per kilowatt hour.
- Dwell-Time Fee: $2.00 per hour, capped at $25.00 per session. This fee will apply once the EV’s battery is fully charged and a 30-minute grace period has expired.
By implementing these fees, Albemarle County will be able to recover operating costs and invest in additional charging infrastructure on publicly owned properties, further enhancing accessibility and supporting our goal of a sustainable future.
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