Public charging. The charging tariff categories.
Public charging is based on different payment systems and factors which influence the price – and often also occur in combination. For example:
- The charging time factor: Many providers calculate how long the vehicle is connected to the charging station. Here, however, not only the effective charging time is calculated, but often the entire time the car spends at the charging station. This is intended to prevent many vehicle owners from constantly blocking the charging point.
- The load quantity factor: In this case the number of kWh actually consumed for charging are calculated.
- The base fee factor: Additionally, a monthly base fee can be incurred which is independent of the charging time or quantity.
- The entry fee factor: Here a one-time amount is incurred at the beginning of a charging process.
Paying at public charging stations.
It should be fast and uncomplicated. Accordingly, the providers have come up with many ways to design the payment at e-charging stations to be as convenient as possible for consumers.
- Paying with a charging card: One of the most common payment methods is a personalised charging card with an RFID chip (radio frequency identification). Simply hold up the card to the charging station’s RFID reader and the charging process starts immediately. Here the billing is generally monthly. A personal charging card can be requested online from most providers.
- Paying via smartphone: Meanwhile there are more and more apps that make public charging even easier. The procedure itself is identical with the RFID card. The only difference is that users do not need a card, but can simply start with the app. In the app the user can always see how much charging occurred and when. And therefore has a complete overview of the costs.
- Paying with QR code: If you would like to operate without a contractual obligation, the charging process can also often by carried out by reading in a QR code. You must select the payment method via a specific web application (e.g. PayPal or credit card) and then charging can start. Billing is done directly.
- Paying with EC or credit card: At the moment this version is not yet very widely distributed. However, due to the new German Charging Station Act, this simple payment type will become mandatory for new charging stations that become operational from July 2023.
- No matter whether at a petrol station or in the city: Anyone who charges at public charging stations is usually on their way faster. Many offer “convenient charging” with 22 kW. As a result, an electric or hybrid vehicle can be charged within 3 hours. Additionally, there are also rapid charging stations, for example at motorway lay-bys. Here a vehicle can be charged within 30 minutes.