A Michigan driver was shocked to receive a $418 (~AUD 583) bill after charging a rented Chevy Bolt at a Hyundai dealership. The incident highlights how dealership charging stations can carry unexpected—and extreme—fees for non-customers.
Unexpectedly High Charging Fees
Stanley Kpenkann, driving a rented Chevy Bolt, found himself running low on battery and stopped at a Hyundai dealership to use its EVGo fast charger. Expecting a routine session, he was surprised when the final bill came to $418 (~AUD 583).
The charger at the dealership was set to charge $5 (~AUD 7) per kWh and $5 (~AUD 7) per minute. Kpenkann, who has an EVGo subscription, anticipated a much lower cost and contacted EVGo, believing there had been a mistake.
How Dealership Charging Pricing Works
EVGo has a roaming agreement with ChargePoint, allowing customers to use their app at ChargePoint stations. However, the agreement permits ChargePoint and individual dealers to set their own pricing, which is supposed to be displayed on the charger’s screen.
In this case, the Hyundai dealership’s general manager set high prices to discourage non-customers from using the charger. Kpenkann stated, “I was flabbergasted; never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be saddled with a bill of 418 dollars for a charging session.”
Resolution and Refund
After contacting EVGo and disputing the charge, Kpenkann was refunded $405 (~AUD 565), bringing his total cost down to $13 (~AUD 19), which aligns with what he would have paid using his subscription. However, he was out the full amount until the issue was resolved.
Competitor Comparison
The Chevy Bolt competes directly with models like the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Kia Niro EV. These vehicles are often chosen for their efficiency and affordability, but charging experiences can vary widely depending on location and provider. While public charging networks typically offer transparent pricing, dealership chargers—especially those not intended for public use—may have significantly higher rates.
Historical Context
Electric vehicle adoption continues to rise, with 2.9 million vehicles sold in 2025, marking a 6% increase year-over-year. As more drivers transition to EVs, understanding the nuances of public and private charging infrastructure becomes increasingly important.
Why this matters
This incident underscores the importance of checking charging rates before plugging in, especially at dealership locations. With some chargers reserved for specific customers and pricing set at the discretion of the operator, EV drivers risk unexpected costs if they are not vigilant.
As EV adoption grows, clear and consistent pricing at all charging stations will be crucial to avoid similar situations and maintain consumer confidence.
What this means for buyers
EV owners and renters should always verify charging rates—either on the charger’s screen or in the app—before starting a session, particularly at dealership locations. If possible, stick to well-known public charging networks with transparent pricing. For those considering a Chevy Bolt or its competitors, understanding local charging infrastructure and policies can help avoid costly surprises.
Key Specs
- Charging Session Cost: $418 (~AUD 583) (initial), $13 (~AUD 19) (after refund)
- Charger Pricing: $5 (~AUD 7) per kWh, $5 (~AUD 7) per minute
- Charging Provider: EVGo (roaming via ChargePoint)
- Incident Location: Hyundai dealership, Michigan
- Year-over-Year EV Sales Growth: 6% increase in 2025
Source
Images sourced from: insideevs.com, autoblog.com, electrek.co
