How Much Did We Really Save with 1,000 kWh of Free Kia EV9 Charging?

Over 16 months of ownership, our long-term 2024 Kia EV9 used its complimentary 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of Electrify America charging, resulting in direct savings of over $500. This perk, a common purchase incentive for new EVs, took nearly 20 charging sessions to exhaust. Based on our real-world experience, we'll break down the exact savings, how long it took to use the credit, and what it reveals about the value of such offers for electric vehicle owners.

How Much Money Can You Save with Free EV Charging?

The direct financial saving from our 1,000 kWh complimentary charging perk was $516.09, according to data provided by Electrify America. Without this incentive, our total charging costs for the Kia EV9 would have exceeded $2,500, with DC fast-charging—a high-speed public charging method that can replenish an EV's battery to 80% in roughly 20-30 minutes—accounting for nearly $2,300 of that total. This significant figure highlights that while home charging is typically cheaper, public fast-charging constitutes a major portion of the expense for drivers without consistent home charging access or those who frequently take road trips.

How Long Does It Take to Use 1,000 kWh of Free Charging?

It took us over a year—from May 2024 to August 2025—to use the entire 1,000 kWh allotment across approximately 20 discrete charging sessions. This extended timeframe is primarily because our editors predominantly charged the EV9 at home using Level 2 charging (a 240-volt charging system, common for home installations, that typically adds 20-30 miles of range per hour). The free charging was reserved for longer journeys, demonstrating that for drivers with reliable home charging, these promotional kilowatt-hours are used slowly and strategically rather than as a primary fuel source.

Did We Actually Get More Than the Advertised 1,000 kWh?

Based on the data, it appears we received slightly more than the promised 1,000 kWh of energy. Our final complimentary charging session hit the 1,000 kWh limit mid-session, but the system did not immediately cut off the power. The data indicates we received almost nine extra kWh at no cost. While a small amount, it underscores that the application of these caps may not be perfectly precise, potentially offering a minor bonus to the owner.

Are There Other Ways to Find Free EV Charging?

Yes, free public charging stations exist across the country, but they are predominantly Level 2 chargers, not DC fast chargers. These free options are often found at shopping centers, restaurants, or public garages and are best utilized when your vehicle will be parked for several hours. To locate them, use third-party apps like PlugShare, which can filter out paid stations. While not a replacement for the value of a fast-charging promotion, they are a useful way to top up your battery during extended errands.

In summary, the 1,000 kWh free charging offer provided substantial value, saving us over $500, but its utility is highly dependent on driving habits. For buyers considering an EV with a similar perk, the key takeaways are:

• The savings are real but are most impactful for those who plan to use public fast chargers regularly.
• If you have home charging, the free kWh will be depleted slowly over many months or years.
• Always cross-reference your charging data, as we noted minor discrepancies in session logging.

Ultimately, such incentives are a valuable bonus that can significantly offset the operational costs of an electric vehicle.