Contactless Payment
Using your contactless credit or debit card is the easiest way to pay for an electric car charge. Simply tap your card on the charging station, and you’re good to go.
It’s good to bear in mind though that while this method is quick and convenient, some networks may charge a premium for contactless payments (best to check).
Mobile Apps
Many electric car charging companies offer their own mobile apps that you can download for free to your smartphone.
These apps, such as Fuuse EV Driver App, allow you to find nearby charging stations, start and stop charging sessions, and handle payments seamlessly.
You could also look for apps too from providers like BP Pulse, PodPoint, InstaVolt, and others.
Subscription Services
Some providers offer subscription services that provide discounted rates for regular users.
For example, with BP Pulse’s subscription service, you pay a monthly fee but can save money on every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy you put into your car.
You could always weigh up the pros and cons too and see whether a subscription makes sense based on your charging frequency.
RFID Cards
Certain networks, such as ChargePlace Scotland, use RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) access cards.
According to BP Pulse, these cards grant you access to specific charging points, and you’ll be billed accordingly, how fab does that sound!
Ad Hoc Charging
If you prefer not to use apps or cards, some charging stations allow ad hoc charging.
Ad hoc charging is usually more expensive than contracted tariffs. In this case, you pay the charging point operator (CPO) directly for the energy consumed.
The price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of charging power may be higher than with a regular charging contract.
Fast charging points (DC charging stations) tend to cost more than AC normal charging stations (AC-DC charging).However, ad hoc charging can be cost-effective when traveling abroad, as German providers often charge additional fees for eRoaming in other countries, according to Reev.
It’s always a good idea to bear in mind too that public charging costs can vary widely, and some locations even offer free charging. Money Supermarket recommend exploring the options available in your area and choose what suits you best, that’s the way to do it. Happy charging!
