Cary’s public EV chargers are no longer free. What drivers pay now

Cary’s town-owned public electric-vehicle chargers began charging drivers Saturday, August 1, ending free use at the affected town facilities.

The new policy applies only to Cary-owned public charging stations, not every charger available in Cary. Drivers using the town network now pay for the electricity they use and can face an additional fee if they leave a vehicle connected beyond the allowed charging period.

What Cary EV drivers pay

The charging rate is $0.20 per kilowatt-hour. An idle fee of $10 per hour applies after three hours of charging, followed by a 15-minute grace period.

The town’s announcement lists a $100 maximum daily charge. The idle fee is added to the regular electricity charge.

Drivers continue to access and pay for the chargers through their smartphones, according to Cary. The town directs users to its electric-vehicle charging page for current instructions, locations and frequently asked questions.

Where the policy applies

Cary maintains 65 public charging ports at parks, parking decks and other community destinations. The network is intended as a supplemental option for drivers who need a top-off while visiting a town property or nearby destination.

The change does not affect home charging, workplace charging or privately operated commercial stations. Drivers should check the town’s current charger map before traveling to a Cary-owned station because operational details and availability can change.

Why Cary added the fees

Cary says the fees are intended to offset the costs of electricity, charging software, routine maintenance, repairs and future equipment replacement. The town has described the policy as a cost-recovery measure rather than a source of general revenue.

Cary reported that the number of registered electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles increased 29% from 2024 to 2025, reaching more than 6,200 vehicles. The town cited that growth and rising demand as part of the reason for changing how its public charging network is financed.

The town also says the idle fee is intended to improve turnover and charger availability by discouraging drivers from leaving vehicles in charging spaces after charging is complete. The News & Observer reported that Cary expected charger use could decline by about 25% after fees began, but that is an expectation, not a measured post-launch result.

What drivers should do

Anyone planning to use a Cary-owned charger should account for the per-kilowatt-hour rate, monitor the charging time and move the vehicle before the idle-fee period begins. Smartphone access and payment remain part of the process.

For current locations, rates, access instructions and transition FAQs, drivers should use the Town of Cary‘s official electric-vehicle charging page.

Sources

• Town of Cary: Cary Introduces Fee-Based Public EV Charging Beginning August 1
• The News & Observer: Plugging in to the town’s EV chargers will no longer be free in Cary