My Ioniq 6's Free EA Charging Ends After 249 Sessions and $11,964 Saved, I Almost Made It To 250 Sessions

Here we are, in the EV era, with Hyundai not just in the conversation but in the lead. It’s not just about range or price anymore, it’s about ownership experience, and Hyundai nailed it. 

Case in point, a Reddit post that reads like a love letter and eulogy all in one. 

“2 years free EA charging finally over 😢 Almost made it to #250. Can’t believe it’s been two years already.

Being one of the only Ioniq 6s on the road back then was so fun, too. Lots of head turns and positive vibes.” 

That’s from user SallyCanWait87, who wrapped up their Electrify America free-charging run after 249 sessions and saved nearly $12,000. 

Hyundai Ioniq 6's Electrifying Journey

The Ioniq 6, Hyundai’s sleek sedan that shares bones with the Ioniq 5, in many things, aerodynamic, unconventional, and undeniably bold.

The 5 is all squared-off hatchback charisma, channeling Group B-era vibes with a retro-futurist twist. The 6, by contrast, looks like something a wind tunnel would dream up, low-slung, teardrop-shaped, and aggressively slipperier than it has any right to be. Walk around to the back and, well...

But love it or squint hard enough to tolerate it, every inch of it serves aerodynamic efficiency. Hyundai's goal wasn't beauty. It was range, speed, and character, and they delivered two out of three without blinking.

Hyundai Charging Incentives

• Owners of the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 receive 30 minutes of free DC fast charging and 60 minutes of Level 2 charging per session at Electrify America stations for two years from the purchase date. This offer is valid for vehicles purchased or leased on or before February 28, 2025. ​
• Buyers can choose between a complimentary ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger or a $400 public charging credit. This offer is available for purchases or leases made through the end of 2025, with the charger provided via the Hyundai Home Marketplace. ​
• Hyundai will provide free CCS to NACS adapters in early 2025, allowing IONIQ 6 owners to access over 20,000 Tesla Supercharger stations. This offer applies to vehicles purchased or leased on or before January 31, 2025.

That’s not to say Hyundai banked everything on design. They knew that if you wanted to move Americans into electric cars, you had to offer more than just style, you had to sweeten the deal. 

“Select Hyundai vehicles qualify for free charging at Electrify America charging stations nationwide.” 

That two-year incentive was less a perk and more a shift. No gas bills, no charging fees. Just plug in and go.

In a market still grappling with charger availability and inconsistent rates, Hyundai took that burden off the table, and in the process, bought a lot of customer loyalty.

The receipts are in the data, 11,506 kWh, 249 sessions, and $11,964.72 saved. They're pulled straight from an owner's charging summary, verified by screenshots, and echoed in the Reddit thread.

 “That’s crazy that you saved $12k,” 

Said one commenter. Another broke it down:

“Even 1/5 of that, which would be the conversion for my utility rate, would be 2400 bucks.” 

Free Charging and Performance

While one user questioned the app’s accuracy,

“The app isn't programmed right… the numbers came out much less”.

But, Hyundai isn’t done. The Ioniq 6 N is a version of the Ioniq 6 but on steroids, it aims to turn heads and burn rubber. Forget soft updates or badge engineering. This is the kind of car that arrives with a snarl and dares the competition to keep up. While we don’t yet know if it’ll go toe-to-toe with the Tesla Model 3 Performance or chase the plaid stripes of the Model S, the intent is clear. Hyundai wants to inject joy back into electric performance. And if their gas-powered N cars are anything to go by, they’re not bluffing.

The Ioniq 5 N isn't just about 0-60 metrics or Nürburgring lap times. It's about feel, connection, drama, and qualities EVs are so often accused of lacking. Hyundai is out to prove that an EV can make your hair stand up, not just your electricity bill. The Ioniq 5 N showed the world that Hyundai could build a cool EV. The 6 proved they could make it efficient. And now, with the 6 N, they’re saying: 

"We can make it fast. And fun. And maybe even a little wild."

More than anything, Hyundai’s approach speaks to a larger truth about this transition to electrification. It’s not just about specs, range, or kilowatt-hour math. It’s about experience. It’s about looking forward to driving again, not just enduring it. By offering meaningful incentives, making daring design choices, and building cars that actually engage the driver, Hyundai is proving that EVs can have a soul. And maybe even a sense of humor.

What Does The Future of Hyundai Hold? 

As for SallyCanWait87, the next charge will cost them. The meter’s running now. But they got two years of essentially free motoring, a front-row seat to Hyundai’s EV renaissance, and one hell of a story.

“Can’t complain at all. It’s gonna be a struggle to pay like normal now, haha.”

That’s not just a sign-off, it’s the sound of a brand delivering on its promise.

This comes as Hyundai has been making headlines on multiple fronts, from regulatory green lights to global EV buzz. U.S. officials have upheld water permits for its Georgia plant, while in China, Hyundai is teasing what could be the sleek new IONIQ 4. 

Will the joy of driving an Ioniq 6 persist even when the cost of charging hits home? More importantly, will Hyundai's "fun" factor keep customers engaged in an increasingly crowded market?

Comment below with your thoughts. 

Image Sources: Hyundai Media Center

Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.