Arlington EV charging costs hit 30 cents per kWh

Electric vehicle drivers in Arlington County will pay 30 cents per kilowatt-hour at public slow chargers beginning November 1. The Arlington County Board approved the rate change, which represents a 72 percent increase from the current base fee of 17.46 cents per kilowatt-hour.

The board expects the adjustment to add approximately $5 to the cost of a full charging session. Arlington officials cited rising installation expenses and higher electricity prices as the primary drivers for the hike. They pointed to increased grid demand and necessary infrastructure upgrades, partly fueled by the expansion of data centers, as factors pushing up utility costs.

Elijah Colson, an EV owner, acknowledged the steep price jump but noted that electricity remains cheaper than gasoline. He stated that a typical fill-up now costs him about $9 or $10, compared to $40 for gas. Colson said the new rate still makes electric charging more affordable for his weekly routine.

Another driver, Shihyag, questioned why electricity costs rose so sharply for all consumers. She attributed the increase to the news cycle focusing on data centers as a major demand driver for the power grid.

The county currently operates 51 public EV charging locations. Arlington leaders stated that demand for these stations is growing, necessitating the financial adjustment to maintain the network.

The new rates apply to public slow chargers across the county starting next month.