The Short Answer
Choose ChargePoint if you prioritize clear fee transparency with distinct account and guest rates for both AC and DC charging. If you prefer a unified, straightforward access fee of $0.49 per session regardless of the rate, Blink Charging is the best option. Select Francis Energy if your region supports its specific per-minute or per-hour billing models, as it offers competitive session fees of $1.00 combined with usage-based rates.
Choosing the right electric vehicle charging network is a critical decision for EV owners. Whether you need public access or specific membership features, understanding the distinct offerings of major providers helps ensure your vehicle is always ready to go.
This comparison examines Blink Charging, ChargePoint, and Francis Energy. By reviewing their available fees, memberships, and service features, you can determine which infrastructure aligns best with your daily driving habits and long-term ownership costs.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Price | Free Plan | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blink Charging | Rate set per station (shown on charger/app), plus a flat $0.49 per-session access fee | Membership is free (no fee); lowers per-kWh/idle rates vs. non-member | 2026-09-17 |
| ChargePoint | Energy rate set per station (not network-wide); ChargePoint service fee: $0.25 AC / $0.49 DC per session (account), $0.49 AC / $0.99 DC (guest) | Free account lowers the per-session service fee vs. guest rate | 2026-09-16 |
| Francis Energy | DC Fast: $0.39/min + $1.00 session fee; Level 2: $1.25/hr + $1.00 session fee (some regions use per-kWh instead) | No membership fee mentioned | 2026-09-17 |
How We Compare
The prices and plan details in the table above are what we recorded for each option, last checked between 2026-09-16 and 2026-09-17. Each section below links to the official site. Prices change often, so confirm the current price there before you decide.
Blink Charging
Verified 2026-09-17Overview
Blink Charging is an electric vehicle charging network that sets rates per station and applies a flat fee per session. It offers a free membership option that reduces specific usage rates compared to non-member pricing.
- Rates are set per station and displayed on the charger or app.
- A flat $0.49 per-session access fee is applied.
- Free membership lowers per-kWh and idle rates for members.
This network suits electric vehicle owners who want to save on per-kWh and idle rates through a no-cost membership while accepting a small per-session access fee.
- Membership has no fee.
- Members pay lower per-kWh and idle rates than non-members.
- A flat $0.49 per-session access fee is required for every charge.
ChargePoint
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
ChargePoint is an electric vehicle charging network where the energy rate is set per station rather than being uniform across the network. It offers different service fees depending on whether the user has an account or is charging as a guest.
- Offers distinct service fee structures for AC and DC charging sessions
- Provides lower per-session service fees for users with a free account compared to guests
- Sets energy rates individually for each station rather than applying a single network-wide rate
This item suits electric vehicle owners who prefer the flexibility of using a wide network with station-specific pricing and are willing to create a free account to save on service fees.
- A free account lowers the per-session service fee versus the guest rate
- Guests can access charging without an account, though at a higher service fee
- Guest service fees are higher than account holder fees for both AC and DC sessions
Francis Energy
Verified 2026-09-17Overview
Francis Energy is a charging network that provides both DC Fast and Level 2 charging services. The pricing structure includes specific per-minute or per-hour rates along with a fixed session fee for each charging session.
- DC Fast charging available at $0.39/min plus a $1.00 session fee
- Level 2 charging available at $1.25/hr plus a $1.00 session fee
- Regional pricing options that may use per-kWh billing instead of time-based rates
Drivers who prefer pay-per-use charging sessions without a required monthly membership contract.
- No membership fee is mentioned in the official pricing facts
- Offers distinct pricing tiers for both fast and standard charging speeds
- A $1.00 session fee is added to every DC Fast and Level 2 charging session
How to Choose the Right Option
Pricing structure variation
Charging networks may apply fees based on time, energy used, or per-session access, so the cost structure significantly impacts total ownership expenses. You should verify whether the network charges by the minute, hour, kilowatt-hour, or includes a flat access fee to predict your monthly bills accurately.
Session access fees
Some networks charge an additional flat fee each time you connect, regardless of how much energy you draw. It is important to check if this per-session cost applies to both member and guest users, as frequent short stops can accumulate these fixed charges.
Charger speed tiers
Networks often have different rates for AC and DC fast charging, which can alter the total cost depending on your vehicle’s charging capabilities. Before deciding, ensure you understand how the pricing applies to each type of charger available in your area.
Membership and guest rates
The cost to use a charger may differ significantly based on whether you have an active account or are using the network as a guest. You should check the specific service fees associated with your membership status to avoid unexpected charges during your visits.
Regional pricing differences
Pricing models, such as whether rates are set per station or vary by region, can affect consistency in costs across different locations. It is advisable to confirm how the network sets rates in your specific area to understand if costs are fixed or variable.
Run the numbers for your own driving
Enter your mileage and electricity rate in the EV vs Gas Cost Calculator to see a yearly estimate.
Which Option Is Best
Blink Charging is best for users who prefer a simple, flat fee structure with rates set per station and a $0.49 per-session access fee. ChargePoint is suitable for those who want differentiated fees based on AC or DC sessions, with specific service fees of $0.25 AC or $0.49 DC per session for accounts and $0.49 AC or $0.99 DC for guests. Francis Energy is ideal for drivers in regions using per-minute or per-hour billing, offering $0.39/min plus a $1.00 session fee for DC Fast and $1.25/hr plus a $1.00 session fee for Level 2.
FAQ
How is the session fee calculated on Blink Charging?
Blink Charging charges a flat $0.49 per-session access fee in addition to a rate set per station, which is displayed on the charger or in the app.
What are the service fees for ChargePoint based on account type and charger speed?
ChargePoint service fees are $0.25 per session for AC and $0.49 per session for DC for account holders, while guest fees are $0.49 per session for AC and $0.99 per session for DC.
How does Francis Energy charge for DC Fast and Level 2 charging?
For DC Fast charging, the cost is $0.39/min plus a $1.00 session fee. For Level 2 charging, the cost is $1.25/hr plus a $1.00 session fee, although some regions use per-kWh pricing instead.
What is the main difference in how these networks set their energy rates?
Blink Charging sets its rate per station, displayed on the charger or app. ChargePoint sets its energy rate per station rather than network-wide. Francis Energy charges by time ($0.39/min for DC, $1.25/hr for L2) or per kWh in some regions.
This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Pricing shown was accurate at the time of publishing and may change — verify on the official site.