Can I rely on public charging for a townhouse EV daily commute?

[AmeliaJL]

I'm considering buying my first electric vehicle, but I'm concerned about the practicality of electric vehicle charging at my townhouse, which only has street parking. I can't install a permanent home charger, and I'm trying to understand if relying on public infrastructure is feasible for a daily commute. For other EV owners without dedicated home charging, how do you manage your routine? I'm particularly interested in your experience with local public charging networks, the real-world cost compared to home electricity, and how you plan your week around charging stops. Are workplace charging options or memberships with specific networks worth prioritizing, and what's the learning curve like for using different apps and payment systems?

[Nathan.W]

Reply 1: Quick planning math to start. If your commute is roughly 25–30 miles each way (50–60 miles daily), most EVs use about 3–4 miles per kWh. That puts you in the ~13–20 kWh/day range. At about $0.15–0.25/kWh, you’re looking at roughly $2–5/day, or $60–$150/month. Plan 2–3 reliable Level 2 charging spots along your routine (work, a grocery lot, a library). Keep a back-up DC fast charger option for longer trips, but favor L2 for daily use to save money and reduce wear. Use tools like ABRP or PlugShare to map stops and compare prices.