Then I asked Grok the same question and it said:

As of now, EV chargers in the US generally do not accept cash directly at the charging stations. Unlike traditional gas stations where cash payments are common, most public EV charging infrastructure relies on digital payment methods. This is largely due to the design and operation of charging stations, which are often unattended and equipped with systems that process payments via credit/debit cards, mobile apps, RFID cards, or contactless options like Apple Pay or Google Wallet.

Major charging networks like Electrify America, ChargePoint, and Tesla Superchargers typically require payment through their respective apps or contactless card readers. For example, Electrify America stations display pricing on the charger screen and allow payment via their app or contactless cards, but there’s no mechanism for cash transactions. Similarly, ChargePoint stations often require an account linked to a payment method, and Tesla Superchargers bill directly to the user’s Tesla account, which is tied to a credit card.

There are rare exceptions where cash might be accepted indirectly. For instance, some charging stations located at businesses like convenience stores or gas stations might allow you to prepay with cash inside the store, after which the attendant activates the charger for you. However, this is not a standard feature of EV chargers themselves and depends on the specific location and operator. Discussions on platforms like Reddit have suggested ideas like prepaid cards purchasable with cash at retail locations, but no widespread implementation of this exists yet in the US.

The shift away from cash is partly practical—adding cash-handling hardware to chargers increases costs and maintenance, and digital payments align with the tech-driven nature of EVs. Additionally, regulations like the 2020 US government mandate for new rapid chargers to accept contactless card payments have further prioritized card-based systems over cash.

So, while you won’t typically find EV chargers in the US that take cash directly, certain locations might offer workarounds through on-site staff. For the most part, you’ll need a card or app to charge up.