Chevy Bolt Driver Billed $418 for Charging at Michigan Hyundai Dealer
Elder Hyundai intentionally set predatory rates to discourage non-customers, highlighting a critical lack of pricing transparency in EV infrastructure.
A driver of a rented Chevrolet Bolt was billed $418 for a single charging session at a Hyundai dealership in Michigan. The incident has ignited a broader debate over the lack of transparent pricing for electric vehicle (EV) charging at non-dedicated stations.
The charger was located at Elder Hyundai in Macomb Township. According to reports from InsideEVs and other outlets, the exorbitant cost was not the result of a technical glitch but was instead due to intentional pricing set by the dealership. Elder Hyundai implemented a rate of $5 per kWh and $5 per minute specifically to discourage individuals who were not dealership customers from utilizing the equipment.
The Infrastructure Gap
EV drivers frequently rely on a patchwork of charging options, including dedicated networks, third-party stations, and "courtesy" chargers installed at businesses like car dealerships. While many of these stations are free or follow standard per-kWh pricing, some businesses have begun implementing flat fees or predatory rates that are not clearly disclosed to the user before a session begins.
In this specific case, the driver discovered the charger via the EVgo app, a widely used network for finding available power. This created a direct contradiction to the dealership's claim that the charger was intended for private use only, as the station remained visible and accessible to the public through a third-party discovery tool.
Implications for EV Adoption
This incident highlights a critical gap in the transparency of EV infrastructure. As more non-specialized businesses install chargers to attract foot traffic or provide amenities, the absence of standardized pricing disclosures can lead to significant "bill shock" for consumers. Such experiences can undermine confidence in the reliability of the charging network and potentially discourage the adoption of electric vehicles among those who lack home charging capabilities.
What to Watch
Industry observers are now looking for whether charging networks like EVgo will implement stricter verification of pricing data provided by host sites. Furthermore, the incident raises questions about whether state or local regulations will eventually require clear, upfront pricing signage for all public-facing EV chargers to prevent similar predatory billing practices in the future.