EV drivers across Illinois can now access flat-rate fast charging for $15 per session, thanks to Universal EV Chargers’ new no-hidden-fee pricing.
That means drivers can plug in, power up, and get back on the road without worrying about time-based pricing or surprise surcharges. Most EVs will reach 80% charge in about 30 minutes, and every session costs $15, no matter how long it takes.
To use the chargers, drivers just pull up to a Universal EV Chargers site, plug in with a CCS or NACS connector, scan the QR code on the charger, and juice up. No membership is required, though the Universal EV app provides extras like maps, receipts, and a view of all locations statewide. You can check out the interactive map of Illinois Universal DC fast chargers here.
CEO Hemal Doshi says the goal of flat-rate fast charging is to make charging simple and predictable: “Our $15-per-charge model removes uncertainty, giving drivers confidence that they can access fast, reliable charging at a fair price.”
Universal EV Chargers says it’s adding new DC fast chargers weekly across Illinois near major highways, shopping centers, and key destinations.
Electrek’s Take
A $15 flat fee for a DC fast charge is a really good price, provided you charge your car from nearly empty. You wouldn’t want to stop at a flat-fee Universal DC fast charger if you needed a quick 10-minute top-up; then this wouldn’t be a good deal at all. So you’d need to be strategic with Universal’s flat-fee fast chargers and ensure you get a full charge.
Top comment by Gussy23
DCFC EVSE operators, please stop trying to reinvent the wheel. Gas station: Big signs saying "gas" and the price per gallon on them by the road. Next station, same thing. Just put up a sign that says "EV Charging", X cents/kWh. Done.
How hard is that?
Put everything on a network to adjust for real time rate changes and done. We really need lots more BEVs on the road. Lots and lots of ICEVs is what spurred what is now the massive gas station industry. I feel public charging won't get its sh.. together until there is enough demand to create competition between EVSE operators forcing them to differentiate between one another and compete on price and user experience.
Would you want to see more flat-fee pricing on EV chargers? Let me know in the comments below.
Read more: Illinois awards $18.4M in restored NEVI funds to build EV charging stations
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