Louisiana’s Road to Electrification: Your Ultimate Guide to EV Charging Stations Near You

Electric vehicle drivers in Louisiana are experiencing dramatic improvements in charging convenience, thanks to rapid infrastructure growth spurred by both federal and state investment. Whether you’re commuting in Baton Rouge, taking a road trip through New Orleans, or exploring smaller towns, finding an EV charging station nearby is getting easier every year. This guide details the current landscape of EV charging stations across Louisiana, the costs, incentives, and practical advice for making the most of electric driving statewide.

Expanding Charging Infrastructure: Fast Growth and Strategic Placement

Louisiana is receiving $73.4 million in federal funds through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program to accelerate the buildout of DC fast chargers and public charging stations. The initial strategy targets ten new DC fast charging stations along Interstate corridors including I-10, I-20, and I-49, part of a phased state plan to create charging stops at least every 50 miles along key routes. The goal is to cover gaps and ensure convenient, equitable access whether you live in central cities or visit rural towns.

Beyond interstates, local initiatives are boosting the number of stations in parishes and smaller communities. For instance, Slidell added six new Level 2 chargers at public parks, bringing the parish total to seventeen chargers in high-traffic areas accessible to everyone free of charge for the first three years. Such projects, often run through partnerships like Adopt a Charger, help diversify locations from highways to recreation centres, museums, and municipalities.

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Where to Charge: Station Availability and Top Locations

Louisiana now has more than 270 public charging stations hosting nearly 750 ports, with over 190 offering Level 2 charging and more than 80 featuring DC fast charge options. Tesla owners have access to 19 Supercharger locations, and the Ford BlueOval network provides dozens more, especially in New Orleans. At heritage parks in Slidell, you get about 25 miles of range for every hour of charging at the installed 240V stations.

For those needing a high-speed top-up on a road trip, stations like Electrify America in Breaux Bridge provide 24/7 fast charging and accept both credit and debit cards for easy payment . Additionally, free chargers operated by Entergy can be found at spots like Bayon Oaks and City Park in New Orleans, offering additional savings for local drivers.

EV Charging Costs: Public and Home Charging

Louisiana boasts one of the lowest average electricity rates in the country—about $0.11 per kWh. Public Level 2 charging usually runs between $1–$3 per hour, depending on the provider and location.

• The Lafayette charger at Johnston Street, for example, costs $3/hr.
• Baton Rouge has options as low as $1/hr.

For DC fast chargers, pricing depends on network and speed, but many stations clearly display fees upon arrival. New Orleans residents using Entergy chargers enjoy select locations free of charge, while other public and commercial stations may set rates closer to $0.42 per kWh.

Home charging is particularly affordable, especially with time-of-use utility plans. Most utility providers—Entergy, Cleco Power, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO)—offer rebates like $250 toward a Level 2 charger for residential customers, sometimes more for businesses and multifamily units. Charging overnight during off-peak hours can drop rates as low as $0.03 per kWh with SWEPCO’s plan.

Rebates, Incentives, and Utility Support Programs

State incentives, utility rebates, and time-of-use rates combine to make Louisiana EV ownership more economical:

• Cleco Power: Homeowners receive $250 for a Level 2 charger, while businesses and multi-unit dwellings can access $1,000 rebates or $3,500 for DC Fast Charger projects.
• Entergy: Residential rebates go up to $350 for New Orleans customers, up to $2,500 for commercial Level 2 projects, and as much as $12,500 for public DC fast chargers depending on capacity.
• SWEPCO: $250 rebates for residential and commercial Level 2 chargers, with off-peak charging rates as low as $0.03 per kWh.

For low-income and rural communities, these incentives encourage equitable infrastructure placement and help make electrification accessible statewide.

Free Public Charging Stations: Accessibility and Community Perks

Louisiana stands out among southern states for its commitment to free public charging at select civic and recreational locations. Partnerships in St. Tammany Parish have brought free EV charging to city parks like John Slidell Park, Fritchie Park, and Heritage Park for up to three years post-installation. In New Orleans, Energy supports several free charging locations in city parks. These programs enable everyone from weekend tourists to daily commuters to power up without added cost, reinforcing sustainability goals at the local level.

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Future-Proofing Louisiana’s EV Charging

As construction ramps up in 2025, more NEVI-funded stations, utility-driven projects, and community partnerships will close remaining coverage gaps and support EV growth in every region. The industry’s shift to higher-capacity DC fast chargers (250+ kW) means future stations will deliver faster, more reliable service, minimizing wait times and making road trips easy for all types of EVs. National forecasts anticipate charging ports multiplying over the next few years, aligning with Louisiana’s goal to support both local drivers and interstate travel.

Smart Charging: Practical Tips for Louisiana EV Owners

• Use real-time charger locator apps (ChargeHub, DOE’s AFDC) to find nearby stations, check port availability, and compare costs.
• Enroll in utility rebate and time-of-use programs for the lowest rates on home charging and installation.
• Charge overnight or during off-peak periods to unlock savings as low as $0.03 per kWh.
• Explore free public stations—especially parks in Slidell and New Orleans.
• Check station reviews and amenities to ensure reliability, payment convenience, and safe access.

With expanding networks, low charging costs, generous installation support, and a movement toward community accessibility, Louisiana is primed for an electrified future. Whether you’re an early adopter or a first-time EV buyer, drivers in the state can look forward to increasingly convenient, affordable, and accessible charging wherever the road leads.

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