If you drive an electric car in Hampton Roads, you’ve probably already Googled “EV charging stations Virginia Beach” on the way to the Oceanfront or your kid’s soccer game. The good news: charging is getting easier and faster across Virginia, and Virginia Beach is right in the middle of that build‑out. This guide walks you through where to plug in, how long it takes, what it costs, and how local programs and used EV options can make ownership simpler.
Virginia is quietly turning into an EV state
Why EV charging in Virginia Beach matters now
EV momentum in Virginia (and what it means locally
For you, that all boils down to two simple questions: **Can I find a plug when I need one?** And **will it get me charged fast enough to keep life moving?** The answer is increasingly yes, if you know where to look and what kind of charger you’re pulling up to.
Where to find EV charging stations in Virginia Beach
Best ways to locate EV charging stations in Virginia Beach
Use more than one tool so you’re never hunting for a plug on empty.
1. EV charging apps
Start with apps built for EV charging. PlugShare, ChargePoint, Electrify America, and EVgo all show real‑time station status, connector types, user reviews, and pricing.
- Filter for CCS, NACS, or CHAdeMO based on your car.
- Check recent check‑ins so you don’t arrive at a broken charger.
- Save your favorite Virginia Beach locations for quick access.
2. Built‑in navigation
Your EV’s native navigation system can be a lifesaver around town.
- Most newer EVs show battery‑aware routes and suggest stops on I‑64 and I‑264.
- Some cars prefer specific networks, good to know if you use one card or app for payment.
- Use this when you’re already driving and don’t want to fiddle with your phone.
3. Local go‑to locations
In Virginia Beach, you’ll most often find chargers at:
- Shopping areas and grocery stores (Town Center, Lynnhaven area).
- Hotel and resort parking near the Oceanfront.
- Municipal garages and park‑and‑ride lots.
- Highway exits serving I‑64 and I‑264 into the city.
Apps will list exact addresses and access hours.
Pro tip: zoom out to Hampton Roads
Types of EV chargers you’ll see around Virginia Beach
Level 2 public charging
These are the workhorses of Virginia Beach EV charging stations. You’ll see wall‑mounted or pedestal units in parking garages, hotel lots, and workplaces.
- Connector: J1772 (for most EVs) and NACS on some newer stations.
- Power: Typically 6–11 kW.
- Best for: 2–4 hour top‑ups while you shop, eat, or work.
If you’re staying at the Oceanfront overnight, a Level 2 plug is usually all you need.
DC fast charging (Level 3)
For road trips or quick turnarounds, you’ll want DC fast charging along interstates and major arteries.
- Connectors: CCS and NACS are now the main options; CHAdeMO is fading.
- Power: Commonly 50–150 kW, with some higher‑power units being added under NEVI-funded projects.
- Best for: Getting from low state of charge to ~80% in 20–45 minutes, depending on your car.
A fast stop on I‑64 or near Town Center can rescue a long day of errands or a late‑night drive back from the beach.
Watch your connector type
How fast will my EV charge at these stations?
Charging speed in Virginia Beach isn’t just about the station; it’s also about your car’s limits and your state of charge. But some ballpark numbers make planning a lot easier.
Typical charging speeds around Virginia Beach
Actual speeds depend on your specific EV and battery temperature, but these ranges are a good planning baseline.
| Charger type | Typical power | Miles of range per hour* | Best use cases in Virginia Beach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 (public) | 6–11 kW | 20–40 mi/hr | Oceanfront hotels, Town Center garages, workplaces, long dinners |
| Older DC fast (urban) | 50 kW | ~150–200 mi/hr | Quick top‑ups around town, older highway sites |
| Modern DC fast | 100–150 kW | ~250–600 mi/hr (tapering) | Road trips on I‑64/I‑264, long‑distance travel days |
Use this table as a planning tool, not a promise. Your car may be a little faster or slower.
Why the last 20% feels slow
How much do EV charging stations cost to use?
Pricing in Virginia Beach varies by network and site host, but once you know the patterns, it’s much easier to predict your costs.
- Level 2 public charging: Often priced per kWh, per hour, or sometimes free for customers. Around Virginia, many garage and retail locations either discount parking for EV drivers or offer modest per‑kWh rates similar to your home electricity price plus a small markup.
- DC fast charging: Typically the most expensive option but still competitive with gasoline for most EVs. You may pay per kWh, per minute, or a mix of both, with idle fees if you stay plugged in after charging stops.
- Hotel and workplace charging: Many hotels in Virginia Beach roll Level 2 charging into your room or parking fee. Workplaces may offer free or subsidized charging as an employee perk. Always ask the front desk or HR team ahead of time.
Use membership discounts
Dominion Energy programs and local incentives
Because electricity is regulated at the state level, what you pay and how you can save on EV charging in Virginia Beach is heavily influenced by Dominion Energy’s programs. They’ve leaned into EVs over the last few years, adding residential and commercial offerings that make living with an EV easier, especially if you also charge at home.
Key Dominion Energy offerings for Virginia Beach EV owners
These are worth a look if you live in Dominion’s Virginia service territory.
Residential Charger Program
Dominion’s Residential Charger Program is a turnkey path to a Level 2 home charger. Instead of paying thousands up front, qualified homeowners spread the cost over monthly bills for about five years.
- Includes a utility‑approved charger, installation, and a 5‑year warranty.
- Dominion coordinates licensed electricians and permits.
- Income‑qualifying customers may get equipment and installation at little or no cost.
If you split time between home charging in Virginia Beach and public stations on weekends, this can dramatically cut your overall fuel spend.
EV Charger Rewards
With EV Charger Rewards, Dominion pays you to let them slightly adjust your home charging during peak demand.
- Requires a qualified Wi‑Fi–enabled Level 2 smart charger.
- You get a one‑time enrollment rebate (often around the cost of a few months of home charging) and an annual bill credit for staying enrolled.
- You can usually opt out of specific demand‑response events if you need a full battery that day.
Think of it as getting paid a small bonus every year for charging mostly at off‑peak times.
Business & fleet support
For Virginia Beach business owners, Dominion has fleet and workplace charging programs that can include:
- No‑cost fleet advisory services to map out charger needs.
- Incentives for make‑ready infrastructure.
- On‑bill financing for hardware and installation.
If you manage a hotel, retail center, or office, this is how you bring more EV drivers into your parking lot, literally.
Layer incentives for maximum savings
Planning a Virginia Beach EV road trip
Whether you’re heading up to D.C., down to the Outer Banks, or west toward the Blue Ridge, Virginia Beach is the jumping‑off point for a lot of EV road trips. A little prep makes the whole thing feel boring, in the best possible way.
Quick route‑planning checklist for Virginia Beach EV drivers
1. Map fast chargers before you leave
Use PlugShare or your car’s navigation to identify DC fast chargers on I‑64, I‑95, and US‑13/17 corridors. Aim for at least two options within your car’s comfortable range window so you’re never locked into a single site.
2. Start with a warm, reasonably full battery
Leaving Virginia Beach? Try to depart with 70–90% state of charge, especially in winter. Batteries charge faster when they’re already warm, and you’ll have more flexibility picking your first stop.
3. Charge in the middle of your range
Plan to arrive at fast chargers with 10–30% state of charge and unplug around 70–80%. That’s where your car will accept the most power for the least time and money.
4. Stack stops with food or activities
Pick charging locations near restaurants, coffee shops, or playgrounds so the 20–40 minutes you’re plugged in doesn’t feel like waiting. In Virginia Beach, that might mean stopping at a shopping area before you hit the interstate.
5. Bring your apps and backup payment
Install apps for at least one major fast‑charging network and keep an RFID card or two in your glovebox. Cellular coverage can be spotty at some highway exits, so having multiple payment options helps.
Cold weather cuts range at the coast too
Charging tips for apartment and condo drivers
Plenty of Virginia Beach residents live in apartments, condos, or townhomes without private driveways. That doesn’t rule out EV ownership, it just changes your charging strategy.
Make the most of public Level 2
- Find "home base" chargers near your building, maybe a nearby municipal garage or shopping center.
- Top up regularly instead of waiting until you’re near empty. Adding 40–60 miles a few times a week is often enough.
- Ask about overnight rules in garages; some allow longer sessions at lower hourly rates overnight.
Once you treat public charging like a routine instead of an emergency, range anxiety drops quickly.
Advocate for on‑site charging
- Share Dominion’s multifamily charging resources with your property manager or HOA.
- Point out that EV charging can increase property appeal and retention.
- Propose a pilot: start with a small number of spaces and expand with demand.
You’re not the only EV‑curious resident. A couple of motivated tenants can kick‑start a property‑wide upgrade.
Put it in writing
How Recharged helps Virginia Beach drivers
Public charging is only half the story. The other half is choosing an EV that fits the way you move around Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads. That’s where Recharged comes in.
A better way to buy a used EV in Virginia
Charging confidence starts with picking the right car, and knowing its battery is healthy.
Verified battery health
Every vehicle on Recharged comes with a Recharged Score Report that includes independent battery health diagnostics. You’ll know how a car’s usable range today compares with when it was new, crucial for judging how it will handle your regular Virginia Beach routes.
Transparent pricing & nationwide delivery
Recharged benchmarks pricing against fair market data, so you’re not guessing whether that used EV is a deal or a headache. You can complete the entire process online and arrange nationwide delivery, whether you’re in Virginia Beach or moving here soon.
Financing, trade‑in & EV specialists
From financing to trade‑ins and even consignment, Recharged’s EV specialists help you compare total cost of ownership, available tax incentives, and charging options. If you’re unsure whether an EV will work with your home or public charging situation, they’ll talk through the details with you instead of rushing you into a sale.
Try before you commit
EV charging stations Virginia Beach: FAQ
Common questions about EV charging in Virginia Beach
Key takeaways for Virginia Beach EV drivers
Virginia Beach is moving quickly from “a few scattered plugs” to a genuine EV ecosystem, with public chargers in garages and shopping areas, fast chargers on the main corridors, and Dominion Energy programs backing you up at home. If you layer those tools with smart route planning and a used EV that fits your range and charging needs, living electric here doesn’t feel like a science project, it just feels like driving, without the gas stops. When you’re ready to find the right EV for your Virginia Beach life, Recharged is here with verified battery health, fair pricing, and specialists who actually speak charging fluently.
