The Arlington County Board in Virginia adopted a new ordinance on October 20, 2026 that raises the base fee at county-owned EV charging stations from $0.1746 to $0.30 per kilowatt-hour, an increase of 72%. The new rate takes effect on November 1, 2026 and applies to the county’s 51 public charging ports. The county said the change reflects charger capital costs and higher electricity prices.
Key Takeaways
- Arlington County’s public charging fee rises from $0.1746 to $0.30 per kWh on November 1, 2026.
- The increase covers charger capital costs and a 23% jump in power costs for charger accounts.
- Dwell fees will apply only from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Home charging stays far cheaper for drivers with off-street parking.
Key Figures
| Item | Before | From Nov 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Base fee | $0.1746/kWh | $0.30/kWh |
| 40 kWh session (calculated) | About $6.98 | $12.00 |
| Dwell time fee | Existing fee | Amended; applies 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. only |
- Electricity under the Virginia Energy Purchasing Governmental Association contract rose 25% system-wide at the start of FY 2027.
- Costs for the accounts serving the public EV chargers rose 23%.
What Changes
The ordinance repeals an interim rate, sets the new base fee and limits the dwell time fee to daytime and evening hours. It also lets the county manager adjust the base fee as electricity costs change. In a separate motion, the Board directed the county manager to review contracts with charging providers so drivers are not charged extra contractor fees beyond the ordinance. The manager will also check whether the dwell fee cap can be applied per calendar day once contracts and technology allow.
What It Means
Public Level 2 pricing is moving closer to the real cost of power plus equipment. At 30 cents per kWh, a public session in Arlington now costs well above the U.S. average residential electricity price of 18.31 cents per kWh reported by the EIA for July 2026. That gap strengthens the case for home charging where drivers have a driveway or garage. Site owners elsewhere may also review their own tariffs and idle fees. A properly installed home unit such as the EV-ACT5006T 48A Level 2 charger lets drivers schedule off-peak sessions. Our residential charging solutions page has more options.
Related Reading
- Why Is EV Charging So Expensive at Public Stations?
- How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car at Home?
- Will EV Charging Prices Come Down?
