Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Electric Vehicle Charging at Stanford

Who can park in electric vehicle spaces?

All electric vehicle spaces are available to the public [Stanford Campus Charging Stations Map] [Stanford Redwood City Charging Stations Map].

A vehicle parked in an EV charging space must be plugged in and actively charging to avoid citation.

A vehicle is NOT considered actively charging if any of the following conditions apply:

• The EV charger display shows “Charging Complete” or “Return Plug.”
• The vehicle is plugged in, but no active charging session has been initiated.
• The vehicle is not plugged into the charger.
• The vehicle is parked at a space with an out-of-service or inoperable EV charger.

If you encounter an inoperable EV charging station, please report it by emailing us at evcharging@stanford.edu.

Important Note: Drivers will still incur the hourly charging rate and may receive citations even when the charging station display indicates "Charging Complete" or "Return Plug," as the parking space remains unavailable for other EV drivers.

How can I find the electric vehicle spaces on campus?

Please refer to our Stanford Campus Charging Stations Map or Stanford Redwood City Charging Stations Map]. 
You can also reference the EV Charging Station Location and Fees Table for information on fees and the number of spaces per parking location.

How much does it cost to park in an electric vehicle space?

The charging session fees include payment for parking as well as charging. Fees, which range from $0.50 per hour to $2.00 per hour, vary based on the location on campus. [EV Charging Station Location and Fees Table]

How are the fees for electric vehicle charging set?

Stanford EV charging fees are consistent and, in some instances, lower than those charged at other universities and institutions in the Bay Area. The pricing is designed to manage demand for the EV spaces and encourage multiple short-duration charging sessions per day (i.e., campus visitors or commuters who occasionally need to "top off" their battery instead of an all-day charge for a single vehicle).

We monitor usage rates at all locations to maximize use, particularly during enforcement hours.

Why aren't there discounts for electric vehicle drivers?

We must balance our support of electric vehicles with our commitment to reducing the drive-alone rate during peak hours. First and foremost, we seek to encourage Stanford commuters to use alternative transportation to get to campus.

How long can I leave my car at a charging station?

To avoid citation, a vehicle parked in an EV charging space must be plugged in and actively charging. When changing is complete, move your vehicle to a visitor, commuter, or residential parking space. 

Important Note: Drivers will still incur the hourly charging rate and may receive citations even when the charging station display indicates "Charging Complete" or "Return Plug," as the parking space remains unavailable for other EV drivers.

How can I pay for my charging session?

Payments are made via the ChargePoint network, which accepts payments via ChargePass Cards and contactless credit cards (payment cards that can be read when in physical proximity to a reader without having to be inserted or swiped), Apple Pay, or by phone using a standard credit card.

Are there any Level 3 (fast) chargers on campus?

There are no Level 3 (fast) chargers on the Stanford Campus. It is recommended that you charge at a Level 3 (fast) charger in the vicinity prior to arriving at Stanford Campus.

Where can I find more information about nearby charging stations?

Additional EV charging stations in the area can be found through ChargePoint’s “Find Stations” page.

There are fast charge stations at nearby Stanford Shopping Center. For details, use the “Search” feature at the top of ChargePoint’s “Find Stations” page and search for “Stanford Shopping Center.” Please note that these charging stations are managed by Stanford Shopping Center, not by Stanford University.

What if I have more questions?

Please call 650.723.9362 or send an email to evcharging@stanford.edu.