EV Charging Stations in OKC

The automobile industry continues expanding its electric vehicle (EV) lineup, with nearly every brand making an EV. Drivers have long considered slow recharging and lack of driving range the main reasons not to switch to an EV. However, improvements in battery technology resulting in faster recharging and increased driving range have mitigated those concerns to the point that EV sales accounted for over 6% of total automobile sales in 2022.

As a result, the ability to charge EVs away from home has also grown. Public EV charging stations have sprouted up in major metropolitan areas by the hundreds in recent years, relieving many drivers of the final EV concern about how to recharge away from home. In addition, with the growth of public charging stations and related in-vehicle and online tools, locating and paying for charging is easier than ever.

We asked our EV experts to help new and potential EV owners by putting together the following list of Oklahoma City charging stations, charging networks, and helpful how-to advice for setting up and paying. This list will help you better prepare for your daily commute and longer trips while you enjoy the benefits of EV driving.

Charging Networks in the U.S.

There are currently over 20 public charging networks operating in the U.S. This plethora of networks has made charging more convenient and offers consumers competitive pricing. We’ve listed the top 10 networks here:

Below these top 10, the networks get significantly smaller. However, there are nearly 6,000 non-networked charging stations with over 12,000 ports in the U.S. We find it difficult to say with certainty how accessible these stations are to the public, as this category sometimes includes home charging stations depending on how they were set up.

Other differences exist with non-networked charging stations that impact public usage. For example, non-networked stations don’t have a connection with the electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) portal. Networked stations use the EVSE portal as a purchase platform and to list their location. So you might not quickly locate non-networked stations while driving; however, if you find a non-networked public station, good for you. In addition, non-networked stations can’t sell electricity as part of the installation agreement. Instead, these stations allow anyone to plug in and recharge at no cost.

Many EV drivers find non-networked stations merely by accident. For instance, many shopping malls, retail outlets, restaurants, and grocery stores have installed charging stations. These businesses offer free charging as an added benefit for existing customers and to attract new ones. In addition, many companies have started installing charging stations as a perk for their employees. These businesses advertise this perk on their company websites’ benefits pages and through various other platforms.

If you’re a new EV driver, we suggest you look around for non-networked charging stations at your regular stops, whether at the grocery store, outlet mall, fitness center, or restaurant. Many EV owners can now recharge for free while they shop, work out, and eat. And hotels have now started offering charging ports to their guests, which allows EV drivers to take longer trips without worry.

Oklahoma City Charging Networks

You have several ways to locate charging stations and networks. Popular online EV location sites include ChargeFinder, ChargeHub, and PlugShare. These websites let you search by location and provide details on charging ports, connection types, payment options, and pricing. Almost all these websites allow you to log in and review the station. In addition, you’ll find comments on ease of use, damaged ports, and other vital information to help you choose the best charging station.

We’ve found PlugShare has the most comprehensive list and intuitive search capability. For example, Plugshare.com lists 24 networks operating 298 charging stations within Oklahoma City limits. And new stations are constantly opening. So we compiled the following list of the highest-rated charging stations in Oklahoma City.

Our list only scratches the surface of available charging stations. Savvy drivers who do their research will find the most convenient and cost-effective locations. In any case, Lexus EV owners won’t have any problems recharging on the go.

Charging Station Guidelines

Rules vary by station, so check before you charge. Prices, in particular, vary by network and the day/time you charge. For instance, weekdays cost less than weekends, nights, and holidays. In addition, most charging stations limit the time you can hook up. Exceeding the limit can result in a charge for every minute you remain plugged in.

Shop Lexus EVs in Oklahoma City Today

We hope this blog answered any lingering questions regarding charging networks and local stations. If you’re ready to switch to an EV, Eskridge Lexus has the most expansive inventory of EVs in Oklahoma City. You can begin the process by shopping our virtual inventory. Or you can stop by our dealership at 700 W. Memorial Road, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, if you prefer a personal demonstration.

EV charging by John Lord is licensed with CC BY 2.0