They Got Me... 200 kWh for $49.99 a Month for My Mustang Mach-E Right in Front of LA Fitness

There I was, scrolling through the Mustang Mach-E Owners open group on Facebook, just looking for interesting tidbits, when I saw something that made me do a double take. A post that perfectly captured the spirit of modern EV ownership: charging, convenience, and a little bit of humor all rolled into one. It was the kind of post that makes you stop, re-read, and think, "Wait... what?"

"They got me.. 200KWH for 49.99 a month... Right in front of LA Fitness. No excuse to not work out and charge my Ford Mustang Mach-E, lol. Great idea!" wrote Tien Tran.

It was simple, yet so unexpectedly brilliant. A gym membership that came with 200 kWh of charging per month. For $49.99, not only do you get access to LA Fitness, but you also get enough juice to power your Mach-E for several hundred miles. And for some, that’s where the confusion began.

Is This a Good Deal or Just Clever Marketing?

On the surface, the deal sounds pretty good, especially if you’re already paying for a gym membership. But as the discussion around Tien’s post unfolded, opinions started flying.

Some people thought the $49.99 was for fast charging at an ultra-high rate, leading to concerns about battery longevity. Others quickly corrected them. This wasn’t about charging speed but rather an allotment of energy, 200 kWh per month, bundled with a gym membership.

Fast Charging and Battery Degradation: Should You Worry?

One common concern with EV fast charging is the potential for battery degradation. Studies have shown that frequent use of DC fast charging can lead to a slightly higher rate of battery wear compared to Level 2 AC charging, particularly in hot climates. However, modern EVs, including the Mustang Mach-E, have sophisticated battery thermal management systems to mitigate this effect.

But here’s the kicker: this LA Fitness deal isn’t necessarily a fast-charging plan. It’s an energy allotment, meaning you can charge at whatever speed the station provides. If it’s a Level 2 charger, then you’re in the clear for minimal battery impact. And if it’s a fast charger, well, maybe don’t use it every single time.

For those worried about long-term battery health, check out this study on EV battery degradation—you might be surprised by what the data suggests.

Is It Cheaper to Charge at Home?

As the Facebook discussion continued, the conversation shifted to cost-effectiveness. Most agreed that charging at home is almost always cheaper.

“Everyone, this whole thing is region dependent and what charging options you have where you live (i.e. apartment, townhouse, home, etc.). 25¢/kWh is expensive to some; cheap for others,” wrote Luke Wilson.

And that’s a key point. If you have a home charger and pay around $0.12 per kWh, that 200 kWh would cost you about $24—roughly half the price of this LA Fitness deal. But if you rely on public charging, then $49.99 for 200 kWh could be a decent value, considering that public Level 3 chargers can cost upwards of $0.40 per kWh.

LA Fitness and EV Charging - A Brilliant Business Move?

Regardless of the charging debate, most people agreed that this was a smart move by LA Fitness.

“Great way to gain business. Free charge if you join our gym,” wrote Angelo Mcallister.

It’s a win-win scenario—EV owners get a convenient way to charge while they work out, and LA Fitness attracts more customers by offering a perk that aligns with a growing EV trend.

But it also raises a bigger question: Could this be the start of a broader trend? Will more businesses start offering EV charging perks to attract customers? And if so, will they price it competitively enough to make it worthwhile for EV owners?

For Mustang Mach-E owners, it’s worth keeping an eye on. If you’re wondering about Mustang Mach-E charging infrastructure and concerns, you’re not alone.

The Bigger Picture: EV Charging and the Future of Public Perks

Tien’s post sparked more than just a conversation about price. It’s a reminder that EV charging is becoming a part of everyday life in ways we didn’t expect.

We’ve seen free charging incentives at shopping malls, workplaces, and hotels, but bundling it with a gym membership? That’s new. And it’s a sign that businesses are waking up to the reality that EV owners make up a large and growing market segment.

But there’s still the matter of practicality. Charging at a gym is convenient, but is it worth locking yourself into a membership just for the charging benefits? For some, absolutely. For others, it’s just another marketing gimmick.

For those dealing with Mustang Mach-E maintenance concerns, charging costs might be just one of many financial factors to consider.

Final Thoughts: Should You Sign Up for This?

So, should you jump on this LA Fitness EV charging deal? Well, it depends. If you’re already paying for a gym membership and often charge your Mach-E at public stations, it might be a solid value. If you charge mostly at home, you’re probably better off sticking with your current setup.

Either way, it’s a fascinating development in the world of EV ownership, and it raises some bigger questions about how businesses will adapt to the shift toward electrification.

What Do You Think?

Would you sign up for an LA Fitness membership if it included EV charging? Do you think this is a good deal, or just another marketing gimmick? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.

Image sources LA Fitness Media and a screenshot from Tien Tran's Facebook group message, used under Fair Copright Use for media.