With respect to free charging, EVs consume about one fifth the energy of gas cars due to the inherent inefficiencies of gasoline as an automotive fuel, and EVs save between 80% to 90% of the fuel cost per km.
It makes sense for stores and shopping malls to offer free Level 2 charging (at a rate of 3 to 6 kW) as the costs are minimal (around 20 to 50 cents per hour), and it attracts shoppers, as the chargers are publicly advertised.  Shoppers who are receiving a free charge will predictably tend to shop longer and to spend more. The business case for retailers to offer free charging is consequently very compelling.