Blink Charging Cost Per kWh (2026)
Blink operates 15,000+ charging stations in the US, mostly Level 2. Level 2 pay-as-you-go runs $0.20–$0.40/kWh. The Blink+ plan ($4/month) cuts that by about 20–25%. DC fast is available but limited compared to other networks.
Blink Pricing Plans
- Level 2: $0.20–$0.40/kWh
- DC fast: $0.35–$0.49/kWh
- Per-minute L2 option: $0.06–$0.12/min
- Good for: infrequent users
- Level 2: $0.15–$0.30/kWh
- DC fast: $0.26–$0.37/kWh
- Per-minute L2 option: $0.04–$0.09/min
- Good for: regular Blink users (3+ sessions/mo)
Blink's Pricing Model: Partly Owner-Set, Partly Blink-Set
Blink is in between ChargePoint and Electrify America on pricing control. For stations Blink owns and operates directly (IQ 200 home chargers, commercial DC fast units), Blink sets the price. For stations hosted at third-party locations where Blink provides equipment under a revenue-share agreement, the host property can adjust pricing within a range Blink sets.
The practical result: Blink prices are more predictable than ChargePoint (where owners set everything) but still vary somewhat by location. The Blink app shows exact pricing for each station before you initiate a session. Blink is one of the few networks that shows both per-kWh and per-minute rates when both options are available at a station.
Where Blink Has Good Coverage
Blink has strong presence in three specific location types that other networks underserve:
Blink has more multi-family residential installations than any other network. If you live in an apartment building with EV charging, there's a good chance it's Blink hardware. These stations often charge $0.15–$0.25/kWh — among the lowest public L2 rates because the property can subsidize them as an amenity.
Blink is a common hotel charger. Rates vary: some hotels offer free charging for guests, others charge $0.25–$0.40/kWh. If you're staying overnight, hotel L2 charging is one of the few situations where the slow Level 2 speed (4–8 hours for a full charge) is actually fine — you'll be sleeping anyway.
Blink equipment appears frequently at hospitals, clinics, and medical office parks. These stations tend to be reasonably priced ($0.20–$0.30/kWh) because the facility installs them as a patient and employee benefit, not primarily for revenue.
Blink DC Fast Charging
Blink's DC fast charging network is much smaller than their Level 2 footprint. About 1,500–2,000 DC fast stalls versus 15,000+ Level 2 ports. Speeds range from 50 kW at older stations to 150 kW at newer installations.
For road trips, Blink DC fast is a backup option, not a primary plan. Their highway corridor coverage is sparse. If a Blink DC fast station is convenient and available, the rates ($0.35–$0.49 pay-as-you-go, $0.26–$0.37 with Blink+) are competitive. Just don't plan a cross-country route around Blink fast chargers — you'll encounter gaps.
Blink vs. Home Charging
Home charging at $0.16/kWh versus Blink L2 at $0.28/kWh (Blink+ average): 1.75x more expensive per kWh. For 12,000 miles/year, that's $505/year at home versus $885/year at typical Blink+ Level 2 rates — a $380/year difference.
Blink's advantage is apartment-building pricing. If your building's Blink stations run $0.18/kWh (common for residential properties), that narrows the gap significantly versus home: $570/year versus $505/year. Residents without dedicated home charging often find building Blink stations to be the most practical daily option.
Blink IQ 200 home charger: Blink also sells and installs Level 2 home chargers. The hardware costs $400–$600 installed, and home sessions are billed through the Blink app at your utility's retail rate — no markup. If you buy Blink hardware for home, your home charging sessions go through the same account as public Blink sessions.
Blink vs. Other Charging Networks
| Network | Best L2 Rate | Best DC Fast | Subscription |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blink | $0.15/kWh (Blink+) | $0.26/kWh (Blink+) | $4/mo |
| ChargePoint | Free (employer) | $0.30/kWh (varies) | No fee |
| Electrify America | DC only | $0.25/kWh (Pass+) | $4/mo |
| EVgo | $0.19/kWh (Plus) | $0.28/kWh (Plus) | $7.99/mo |
| Tesla Supercharger | DC only | $0.28/kWh (owner) | No fee |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start a Blink charging session?
Three options: Blink app (most common), Blink RFID card (for regular users), or credit card tap at the unit (increasingly available due to NEVI program requirements). The Blink app shows you pricing before you start and sends notifications when your session ends. RFID cards are convenient if you use the same stations regularly — no unlocking your phone to start a charge. Some Blink stations require the app; older units may not accept credit cards directly.
Are Blink chargers reliable?
Mixed. Blink has faced criticism for equipment reliability, particularly at older stations. The newer IQ 200 Series Level 2 hardware (2023+) is more reliable than earlier units. DC fast chargers have had more issues — avoid relying on a single Blink fast charger for a critical charging stop. Check PlugShare before using a Blink DC fast station you haven't been to before; user check-ins show whether the charger was working recently. For Blink Level 2 at apartments and hotels, reliability is generally better than their standalone DC fast stations.
Does Blink have idle fees?
Blink charges idle fees at DC fast stations once charging completes: $0.10/minute after a 10-minute grace period. Level 2 idle fees are less common and depend on the station host. At apartment and hotel locations, Blink often doesn't enforce strict idle fees because overnight sessions are expected. At retail and commercial locations, move your car when charging is done to avoid fees and free up the station for other drivers.
Data Sources
Blink pricing: Blink app and pricing pages, Q1 2026. Station counts: Blink quarterly reports and DOE Alternative Fuels Station Locator. DC fast coverage data from PlugShare. Last updated: March 2026.
Data: EIA State-Level Residential Electricity Prices, EPA Fuel Economy Ratings Database, DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center, IRS Clean Vehicle Tax Credit Schedules
Last updated: January 2025
How we calculate this · Tax credit eligibility varies by income and vehicle. Verify with your tax professional before purchase.