Public EV charge pricing is never static, and can vary from one charge session to the next. This is because charging costs are influenced by so many variables – from your charging method and location, to the weather and how you drive your car. And while some variables are in your control such as the type of charge and location you choose, others aren’t, like the price of electricity and other tariffs that the charge station owner or operator adds.
EV charging rates in most European countries are calculated based on the electricity cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh). In the EU, the average cost per kWh is €0.28/kWh while in the UK it’s £0.27 per kWh. However, charging rates can also be on time, or a combination of energy and time.
Extra tariffs
EV charge costs vary a lot because operators can set their own prices. Some might charge you a flat fee to plug in, while others might impose an idle fee when your car is fully charged but still plugged in. Some might set higher tariffs on weekends or during the day than weekdays or nights.
In addition to your charge session cost, there will also be transaction or subscription fees when you use your charge card to pay. These will depend on your charge card provider, and subscription model.
Roaming costs
When you use a provider’s charge station that you’re not subscribed to, either in your own country or abroad, you will be charged a roaming fee. These differ among providers, but if you use an E-Flux by Road charge card at any E-Flux by Road-supported charging station, you won’t pay a roaming fee. This can save you up to 3 eurocents per kWh.
How you charge
Your charging speed will also affect the charge costs. Faster charging with a DC charger uses more electricity, so it will be more expensive than charger at a slower speed.
How to lower your EV charge costs
- Use a charging app to help you find stations, and compare their prices.
- Avoid using high-speed charging stations regularly
- If you’re going on a roadtrip, plan in advance and identify charging stations on the route that offer better rates.
- Charge at off-peak hours, when electricity rates might be lower
- Get a charge card like E-Flux by Road. There are two affordable charge card options, and you won’t pay roaming charges if you use it at an E-Flux-supported charging station.
The prices in this post are correct at the time of publication. These prices might fluctuate, so always check the current kWh prices before charging.
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