Bottom Line
ChargePoint offers the most cost-effective structure for regular users who create an account, charging only $0.25 AC or $0.49 DC per session. This makes it a safer long-term bet for owners seeking predictable lower service costs than guest rates or time-based models. For those preferring fixed per-session fees regardless of location, Blink Charging’s flat $0.49 access fee provides a consistent option.
Choosing the right public charging partner is a critical decision for any electric vehicle owner. The reliability of the network you rely on can significantly impact your daily driving experience and peace of mind.
This comparison explores Blink Charging, ChargePoint, and Francis Energy as potential long-term bets. We focus on how these services function for drivers seeking consistent access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
At a Glance
| 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 Checked the Numbers
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 where rates are set per station and displayed on the charger or app. In addition to the energy costs, there is a flat $0.49 per-session access fee.
- Per-station rates are clearly shown on the charger or app
- A flat $0.49 per-session access fee applies
- Membership is free and lowers per-kWh and idle rates compared to non-member rates
This item suits electric vehicle owners who want a free membership that reduces their per-kWh and idle charging costs.
- Free membership option for users
- Lower per-kWh and idle rates for members
- Requires a flat $0.49 per-session access fee
ChargePoint
Verified 2026-09-16Overview
ChargePoint is a charging network for electric vehicles with energy rates set per station rather than network-wide. It offers different service fees depending on whether you use a guest or account-based connection.
- Energy rate set per station (not network-wide)
- Service fees of $0.25 AC / $0.49 DC per session (account)
- Service fees of $0.49 AC / $0.99 DC (guest)
This network suits electric vehicle owners who want to reduce per-session service fees by using a free account instead of paying guest rates.
- A free account lowers the per-session service fee compared to the guest rate
- Offers specific fee structures for both AC and DC charging
- Energy rates are set per station rather than being network-wide
Francis Energy
Verified 2026-09-17Overview
Francis Energy is a charging network that offers both DC fast charging and Level 2 charging options. It provides flexible pricing structures with different rates applied per minute or per hour depending on the charger type.
- DC fast charging available at $0.39 per minute plus a $1.00 session fee
- Level 2 charging available at $1.25 per hour plus a $1.00 session fee
- Some regions offer pricing based on per-kWh usage instead of time-based rates
Drivers who prefer to pay for charging sessions without committing to a recurring monthly membership fee.
- No membership fee is mentioned for using the network
- Provides both high-speed DC fast charging and slower Level 2 charging options
- A $1.00 session fee is required in addition to the per-minute or per-hour charging costs
Picking the One That Fits You
Session Fee Structure
Charging networks often add a flat access fee for every session, which can increase total costs for frequent short stops. Buyers should verify whether their preferred network charges per session, per minute, or per hour to predict their expenses accurately.
Differentiated Energy Rates
Energy costs are typically set per station rather than uniformly across the entire network, meaning the price varies by location. It is important to check if the network offers consistent pricing tiers for AC and DC fast charging to understand potential cost differences.
Guest vs Account Pricing
Some providers charge higher rates for guests compared to registered account holders, creating a financial incentive to sign up for a membership. Drivers should investigate if a network has distinct fee structures for authenticated users versus walk-up customers to avoid unexpected premium charges.
Regional Pricing Variability
Pricing models may differ by region, with some areas using time-based rates while others use energy-based metrics like per-kWh billing. Users need to confirm which specific rate structure applies in their home area and frequent travel destinations to ensure accurate budgeting.
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.
The Final Call
Blink Charging is well-suited for drivers who prefer a simple pricing structure with a flat $0.49 per-session access fee added to the station rate. ChargePoint is a strong choice for account holders who want lower service fees of $0.25 AC or $0.49 DC per session compared to guest rates. Francis Energy is appropriate for users in specific regions who are comfortable with time-based fees such as $0.39/min for DC Fast charging or $1.25/hr for Level 2.
Questions Readers Ask
What are the base session fees for each network?
Blink Charging charges a flat $0.49 per-session access fee. ChargePoint charges a service fee of $0.25 AC or $0.49 DC per session for account holders, and $0.49 AC or $0.99 DC for guests. Francis Energy charges a $1.00 session fee for both DC Fast and Level 2 charging.
How is the energy cost calculated on each platform?
Blink Charging sets the energy rate per station, shown on the charger or app. ChargePoint sets the energy rate per station rather than network-wide. Francis Energy charges $0.39/min for DC Fast or $1.25/hr for Level 2, though some regions use per-kWh pricing instead.
Which network uses a per-minute billing model for DC fast charging?
Francis Energy uses a per-minute billing model for DC Fast charging at $0.39/min, plus a $1.00 session fee. Blink Charging and ChargePoint set their energy rates per station without specifying a per-minute rate in the available facts.
Are there differences in guest versus member pricing?
ChargePoint specifies different service fees for account holders versus guests. Blink Charging lists a flat $0.49 per-session access fee without distinguishing between guest and member rates. Francis Energy lists a uniform $1.00 session fee for its specified charging types without distinguishing between guest and member rates.
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Pricing shown was accurate at the time of publishing and may change — verify on the official site.