Columbus skyline with the Scioto River in the foreground — Derek Jensen (Tysto)/Wikimedia Commons, public domain

City guide

EV charging in Columbus, Ohio

Columbus supports EV adoption with zoning updates, utility options, and state corridor funding. The EV-Ready Parking Ordinance requires new parking to include EV charging readiness starting January 1, 2024. DriveOhio's NEVI program funds highway-adjacent DC fast chargers statewide, complementing the city's garage and workplace Level 2 network.

Coverage is concentrated Downtown and Short North, with additional clusters in University District, Easton, Polaris, and the Arena District. Networks include ChargePoint, Tesla, Electrify America, and EVgo. AEP Ohio offers a Plug-in Electric Vehicle rate option with distinct on-peak and off-peak hours, improving home charging economics for eligible customers.

PlugMapper compiles verified connectors, port counts, and access windows, emphasizing 24/7 sites and corridor hubs to help drivers plan dependable sessions.

Columbus, Ohio EV charging snapshot

Columbus pairs an EV-ready code with AEP Ohio's PEV rate and statewide NEVI funding to expand both daily and highway fast charging options. https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Columbus-Water-Power/About-Columbus-Water-Power/Sustainability-at-Columbus-Water-Power/Equitable-Electric-Vehicle-Parking

EV-Ready Parking Ordinance

Effective Jan 1, 2024

Columbus requires EV-ready parking in new construction per Council-approved ordinance, expanding baseline access citywide. https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Columbus-Water-Power/About-Columbus-Water-Power/Sustainability-at-Columbus-Water-Power/Equitable-Electric-Vehicle-Parking

AEP Ohio EV rate

PEV pilot options

AEP Ohio offers Plug-in EV rate options with defined on-peak (6 a.m.-8 p.m. weekdays) and off-peak (8 p.m.-6 a.m.) hours plus a monthly service charge. https://www.aepohio.com/clean-energy/electric-cars/plug-in-electric-vehicle-rate

NEVI Round 1 awards

23 locations (2023-2024)

DriveOhio's Round 1 resulted in contracts for 23 fast-charging sites in late 2023 and early 2024; subsequent rounds expand coverage. https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/drive.ohio.gov/programs/electric/NEVI-Plan-FY-25.pdf

NEVI program status (Ohio)

Plan updated 2024

DriveOhio maintains the state's NEVI plan and project status dashboard, updated annually. https://drive.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/driveohio/programs/electric/infrastructure/nevi/nevi-plan

Plan charging routes with the PlugMapper map

Use PlugMapper to combine Downtown Level 2 with NEVI-adjacent fast charging along I-70, I-71, and I-270 for regional trips.

Filter for Level 2 near Downtown garages and OSU facilities; confirm access hours and posted fees during event nights and weekends.
Prioritize NEVI-supported DC fast near I-70 and I-71 interchanges when crossing the metro; check connector types to match CCS or NACS.
Use live-status filters to avoid queues at busy retail hubs like Easton and Polaris, then rotate to corridor sites if needed.

Open the interactive map

Map coverage refreshes every six hours from AFDC and local utility feeds. Availability and pricing may change; confirm with the station operator before your trip.

Top EV charging stations in Columbus, Ohio

Ordered by total public charging ports available, these five locations provide the greatest capacity for EV drivers across the city.

Need overnight charging? Toggle the map to Level 2 sites and look for garage locations with 24/7 access. Driving for hire? The fast-charge filter highlights plugs that meet local TLC or taxi requirements.

PlugMapper combines operator feeds, OpenStreetMap context, and user feedback. Spot an update? Open the station detail page to share changes so we can alert the network owner.

Incentives and rebates for installing EV chargers

City initiatives

EV-Ready Parking (City of Columbus)
The ordinance requires EV-ready parking for new construction beginning in 2024 to enable easier installation of chargers over time. https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Columbus-Water-Power/About-Columbus-Water-Power/Sustainability-at-Columbus-Water-Power/Equitable-Electric-Vehicle-Parking
View program details

Utility programs

AEP Ohio - Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) Rate
Pilot rate options with on-peak and off-peak periods plus a monthly service charge for eligible customers. https://www.aepohio.com/clean-energy/electric-cars/plug-in-electric-vehicle-rate
View program details

State & federal support

DriveOhio - NEVI Program
State site for Ohio's NEVI plan, awards, and corridor project status across rounds since 2023. https://drive.ohio.gov/nevi
View program details
Ohio NEVI Plan (FY2025)
Plan notes Round 1 contracts for 23 sites in late 2023 and early 2024 and outlines subsequent rounds. https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/drive.ohio.gov/programs/electric/NEVI-Plan-FY-25.pdf
View program details

Neighborhood coverage

Downtown & Arena District

Garage Level 2 near offices and venues; use DC fast along I-70 and I-71 loops for quick top-ups during events and peak periods.

Short North & Italian Village

Street-grid retail and dining areas offer Level 2; check time limits and rotate to corridor DC fast sites as needed.

University District (OSU)

Campus and medical facilities host Level 2; highway access to fast chargers supports tight class or appointment windows.

Easton Area

Retail destinations provide networked Level 2; plan DC fast along I-270 for intercity travel or fast turnarounds.

Polaris & Far North

Office and shopping centers add Level 2 options; DC fast access via I-71 aids regional trips.

Trusted resources

Frequently asked questions

What does the EV-ready ordinance require?

Starting January 1, 2024, new parking must include wiring and capacity for EV charging, making future installation easier. https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Columbus-Water-Power/About-Columbus-Water-Power/Sustainability-at-Columbus-Water-Power/Equitable-Electric-Vehicle-Parking

Is there a special residential EV rate?

AEP Ohio's PEV rate offers defined on-peak and off-peak periods plus a monthly service charge for eligible customers. https://www.aepohio.com/clean-energy/electric-cars/plug-in-electric-vehicle-rate

How is corridor fast charging expanding?

DriveOhio's NEVI program awarded Round 1 contracts for 23 sites and continues additional rounds to fill highway gaps. https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/drive.ohio.gov/programs/electric/NEVI-Plan-FY-25.pdf

Where are the busiest public chargers?

Downtown, Short North, Easton, and Polaris see peak use; use PlugMapper filters to check live status and plan alternates.

Are there city-run public stations?

Some municipal garages include Level 2; confirm hours and fees on facility pages and in PlugMapper listings.

Market insights shaping local charging

Code change reduces retrofit costs

EV-ready requirements lower future installation barriers in new buildings, improving access for renters and visitors as adoption rises. https://www.columbus.gov/Services/Columbus-Water-Power/About-Columbus-Water-Power/Sustainability-at-Columbus-Water-Power/Equitable-Electric-Vehicle-Parking

Time-of-use rates shift charging to off-peak

AEP Ohio's PEV rate incentivizes overnight charging, easing grid peaks and lowering costs for eligible customers. https://www.aepohio.com/clean-energy/electric-cars/plug-in-electric-vehicle-rate

NEVI builds a statewide backbone

Round 1 fast-charging sites along interstates enable reliable intercity travel and support tourism and freight corridors. https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/drive.ohio.gov/programs/electric/NEVI-Plan-FY-25.pdf

Downtown events drive demand spikes

Plan alternatives near the I-70 and I-71 loop and verify availability to avoid queues during concerts and games.

Plan EV charging across Columbus

Mix Downtown Level 2 with NEVI-adjacent fast chargers to fit your route and dwell time.

Open the Columbus map About PlugMapper