Public vs. Home EV Charging in Spokane
Electric vehicles have officially gone mainstream in Washington—and Spokane is no exception. As more residents embrace EV ownership, a critical question keeps surfacing: Where should you charge your vehicle—at a public station or at home? This decision impacts cost, convenience, and control. That’s why comparing public vs. home EV charging in Spokane is essential for making a smart, long-term choice.
While public charging plays a role in expanding EV adoption, home charging offers distinct advantages that Spokane homeowners should not overlook. If you’re deciding how to keep your EV powered daily, this guide outlines the differences between the two options—and explains how expert Spokane electricians can help you build a safer, more reliable home charging solution.
Spokane’s Public EV Charging Network: What You’re Working With
Spokane has made solid progress on public EV infrastructure, but it still lags behind the needs of a rapidly growing EV market. Most public charging stations in Spokane are concentrated in downtown areas, near shopping centers, hotels, and city parking garages.
Common issues Spokane drivers face with public chargers:
- Limited station availability during peak hours
- Long wait times during events or weekends
- Inconsistent charging speeds or faulty equipment
- Public chargers blocked by non-EVs or ICE vehicles
- Lack of chargers in residential or rural areas
The city continues to develop its EV roadmap, but existing stations can’t meet the real-time needs of everyday drivers. That makes public charging more of a backup plan—not a reliable foundation for day-to-day commuting or travel.
Home Charging: The Game-Changer for Spokane EV Owners
In contrast, home EV charging puts you in control. You decide when to charge, how long to charge, and never worry about sharing the station with strangers. Once installed, your system becomes a predictable and secure part of your routine.
Home EV Charging Benefits:
- Convenience: Plug in overnight and start each morning with a full battery
- Cost Savings: Avoid public charging markups and peak-use fees
- Control: No lines, apps, or guesswork—just simple, consistent power
- Property Value: Homes equipped with EV chargers appeal to modern buyers
- Custom Setup: Choose a charger and location that fits your layout and lifestyle
Your system works in every season, every day, without interruption—provided it’s installed properly by a licensed electrician who understands Spokane’s unique electrical requirements.
For details on installation types and equipment, visit our EV Charging Stations service page.
Comparing Cost: Public vs. Home EV Charging in Spokane
Let’s look at the cost breakdown. Public EV charging providers typically charge by the kilowatt-hour or by session duration. These stations also add fees for idle time or access to high-speed charging.
Public Charging Costs:
- Higher per-kWh rates (2–3x home electricity rates)
- Session-based pricing or tiered access plans
- Potential idle fees or wait-time surcharges
In contrast, charging at home allows you to take advantage of Spokane’s residential electricity rates, which are far more stable and affordable. You also avoid third-party platform fees and app usage restrictions.
Home Charging Costs:
- Lower per-kWh utility rates
- No recurring user fees
- Upfront equipment and installation cost that pays off in long-term savings
Over the course of a year, the average EV driver in Spokane could save hundreds by charging at home versus using public stations—especially when factoring in daily commutes.
Reliability and Availability
You can’t predict when someone else will occupy a public charger—or when a station might be offline for maintenance. These unknowns lead to frustration, especially when you’re short on time or planning around events downtown.
Home charging removes uncertainty. Your charger is always available. You know it works. You can monitor usage, set timers, and never fight for access.
Performance and Speed
Many public stations in Spokane offer Level 2 charging, with a few DC fast chargers scattered across the city. However, not all fast chargers operate at full capacity, and many drivers experience throttled speeds due to power limitations or user load.
Installing a Level 2 charger at home provides:
- 20–30 miles of range per hour
- Full overnight charging for most vehicles
- Smart control for off-peak charging and safety monitoring
With the right panel capacity and wiring, your home charger can deliver consistent speed without relying on shared networks.
Expert Electricians in Spokane, WA Make It Easy
You need a licensed professional to handle your home EV charger installation. Spokane electricians understand the city’s permitting process, local utility standards, and code-compliant installation methods for every type of property.
Professional electricians provide:
- Panel load evaluations
- Breaker and circuit sizing
- Safe outdoor-rated wiring and enclosures
- Conduit routing for garages, driveways, and carports
- Ground fault protection and surge safeguards
You get peace of mind, full power, and an install built to last—no guessing and no risk of fire hazards.
Spokane’s Seasonal Demands on Public Chargers
Fall and winter bring their own set of problems for public EV stations. Weather-related outages, frozen cords, and reduced charging speed can make public access unreliable. Snowbanks and ice further complicate access.
Home chargers, on the other hand, keep working regardless of weather. Your electrician installs cold-weather-rated hardware designed to operate in freezing temperatures and wet environments. You charge safely even when conditions outdoors are unpredictable.
Navigation
FAQs
1. Is public EV charging cheaper than home charging in Spokane?
No. Public chargers often cost two to three times more per kilowatt-hour than residential electricity rates. Homeowners save more in the long run by charging overnight at home using a Level 2 system.
2. What if I drive long distances and still need public chargers sometimes?
Public chargers serve an important role for long-distance or emergency travel. However, most daily trips in Spokane can be powered entirely through overnight home charging. Your home charger serves as your primary power source, while public chargers act as backup.
3. Do Spokane electricians handle the permit process for home EV chargers?
Yes. Licensed electricians in Spokane handle permitting, code compliance, inspections, and utility coordination. This ensures your charger installation is safe, legal, and long-lasting.
Final Thoughts
Public vs. home EV charging in Spokane is no longer just a convenience debate—it’s a long-term strategy decision. Public stations help expand access, but they remain inconsistent and expensive when compared to the ease and control of home charging.
Spokane homeowners looking for reliability, lower energy costs, and future-ready systems turn to expert electricians for custom EV charging solutions. Whether you charge inside a garage, on an exterior wall, or at a pedestal in your driveway, your home becomes the most efficient and accessible place to power up.
Avoid the lines. Skip the fees. Take control of your charging routine with a solution built just for your property.
Ready to bring charging home? Let our experts help.
Explore EV Charging Installations
Schedule Your Installation
Return VPC Electric to Homepage