Where to charge your electric vehicle in Birmingham, including UAB, Uptown + Highway 280

As electric vehicle (EV) adoption rises, so does demand for public charging, leaving many drivers asking: Where can you reliably plug in? We found several spots in Birmingham and beyond that make exploring all our city has to offer easier and more…electric.

Here’s where you can plug in your ride around the Magic City. 👇

The University of Alabama (UAB) public Electric Vehicle charging

 

UAB first installed EV charging stations in 2016 and has been adding and upgrading stations ever since. The university currently offers seven charging stations, with three lots open to the public and the remaining four designated for employees with a valid active permit.

Find EV charging stations, open 24/7 to the general public, at these UAB locations:

• Express Lot No. 4, at 410 10th St. South
• Zone A-4, at 1600 9th Ave South
• Lot 77, at 921 19th St. South

TIP: Download the free ChargePoint mobile app to use UAB’s EV chargers. Fees are set by each station and paid through the mobile app. Certain chargers may increase rates after four hours; check the app for details. 

Downtown: Uptown Entertainment District + others nearby

Located only minutes away from four interstates, Uptown’s Tesla charging stations sit in the parking lot behind the Westin hotel on 23rd Street North. While your vehicle charges, you can grab a drink and a bite at nearby hotspots or head to Topgolf to take in city views. 

Own a non-Tesla EV? You may be able to use these stations. Be sure to check your car’s compatibility with these types of charger, as technology and equipment is constantly evolving.

CityWalk is another conveniently-location option with plenty to do and explore in the area.

Check out 700 18th St N nearby for an additional public access charging station.

EV Charging at McWane Science Center

For an educational outing, head to the McWane Science Center for interactive exhibits while your vehicle charges. Located at 200 19th St. North, there are currently two NEMA520/J1772 charging stations on the second floor of the parking garage.

TIP: Check the ChargePoint app to verify updated availability. 

Mountain Brook: Charge your EV at Lane Parke

Nestled in the heart of Mountain Brook, right behind the Publix in Lane Parke at 1000 Jemison Lane, there are eight Tesla charging stations open 24/7 to the public, and just down the street at the Grand Bohemian Hotel, guests can plug in while they stay or visit.

Tip: NACS adapters are needed for non-Tesla vehicles. 

280: 16 Tesla SuperChargers at the Inverness Target

Located at 4616 US 280 in the Target parking lot, there are 16 Tesla Superchargers compatible with all electric vehicles (Tip: NACS adapters are needed for non-Tesla vehicles). The stations are available to the public for a fee.

Where else can you charge your EV in Birmingham?

When an employer offers EV charging stations, it makes driving electric cars more practical for employees. Select campuses of Alabama Power and Regions Bank currently offer stations for employees.

It may be a surprise that some local Birmingham car dealerships have on-site EV charging stations, available during regular business hours:

• BMW of Birmingham: 1000 Tom Williams Way, Irondale, AL 35210 (type: CCS)
• Mercedes-Benz of Birmingham: 750 Mercedes Way, Irondale, AL 35210 (type: CCS1)
• Benton Nissan of Hoover: 1640 Montgomery Hwy, Hoover (types: CCS (Nissan ARIYA), (CHADEMO)
• Hallmark Nissan: 1424 5th Avenue North, Birmingham (type: CCS, CHAdMO, J1772)
• Serra Nissan, 1500 Center Point Pkwy, Birmingham (type: J1772)

TIP: If you’re out and about in Birmingham or elsewhere, check smart phone apps such as PlugShare and ChargePoint for updated information on available chargers.

Did we miss a new station or want to update us on your EV experience in Birmingham? Write to us at hello@bhamnow.com!