Comparison of charging costs: owner vs. subscription
Should you invest in a home charging station or opt for a subscription?
The choice between a home charging station and a subscription depends on a number of factors, including your charging needs, your budget and your driving habits. Opting for a home charging station offers great convenience, enabling you to recharge your electric vehicle at any time without having to travel. What's more, these charging stations are often more powerful than public ones, which reduces recharging time and can save you money in the long term. However, initial installation can be costly, sometimes requiring a more powerful electricity subscription and a dedicated parking space.
On the other hand, a charging subscription eliminates the initial cost and offers flexibility by allowing charging at different public charging stations. What's more, it simplifies the hassle-free installation and maintenance of a charging station. However, the cost of public charging can be higher, and the availability of charging points can be a problem, especially in rural areas, resulting in potentially longer charging times.
In conclusion, if you have the financial means and regularly use your electric car, theinstalling a home charging station is an option worth considering. On the other hand, if your budget is tight or if you don't use your electric car very often, a charging subscription might be more appropriate.
What are the different charging systems offered by carmakers?
TESLA SUPERCHARGER
The Tesla superchargers, developed and operated by Teslais the world's fastest charging network for electric vehicles. With over 50,000 charging stations in more than 40 countries, these stations are strategically positioned along major roads and close to amenities, providing a convenient solution for drivers wishing to recharge their vehicles while on the move.
Offering charging speeds of up to 250 kW, Tesla Superchargers enable drivers to recharge their vehicles in just 20 to 30 minutes, making long-distance journeys more feasible. For ease of use, drivers can locate stations, plan routes and make payments via the Tesla app.
Tesla's supercharger network is constantly expanding, with plans to install over 6,000 new charging stations worldwide by 2022. In terms of cost, charging rates vary from country to country depending on local electricity tariffs. In France, for example, the price is currently €0.26 per kilowatt-hour. Initially intended for Tesla vehicle owners, some countries have opened up part of this network to drivers of other electric vehicles, thus widening access to this fast-charging infrastructure.
Audi Charging
Audi Charging is a complete service dedicated to recharging electric vehicles fromAudiCharging is a comprehensive service dedicated to recharging Audi's electric vehicles, offering an extensive AC and fast charging network across Europe.
The network currently comprises 500,000 public charging points in 27 European countrieswhere you can recharge your Audi e-tron at high-powered charging stations on the freeway in just 30 minutes. Flexible pricing formulas, such as Basic, Plus and Pro subscriptions, offer options to suit different user profiles, facilitated by a simplified payment system via RFID card or the myAudi app, which brings together all essential information.
Unique benefits are also on offer, such as a free one-year subscription for new Audi electric vehicle customers, no occupancy charges during certain charging times and discounts on charging prices with the Pro subscription.
In partnership with IONITY, Audi Charging is developing a fast-charging network on freeways, enabling impressive charging times, such as just 10 minutes to recover 255 km ofrange on the Audi Q6 e-tron, thanks to a charging power of up to 320 kW.
The myAudi application offers comprehensive contract management, charging session management, invoice consultation and route planning, while the Audi Charging Hub stations in Nuremberg, Zurich and Frankfurt mark the start of a new charging era. In addition, Audi is committed to a sustainable approach by using second-life lithium-ion batteries for vehicle recharging, transforming them into buffer accumulators for DC recharging.
BMW ChargeNow
BMW ChargeNow is a charging service designed to simplify access to public charging infrastructure in Europe. Here's how it works: First, you choose the tariff that suits you from the various package deals available, then register to get started. Then you activate your BMW Charging Card and download the My BMW app to benefit from access to over 200,121 charging points across Europe.
You can easily locate nearby charging points on your route or at your destination using the map and app. Once found, you can use your BMW Charging Card or the My BMW app to start the charging process, with the possibility of charging starting automatically thanks to the Plug & Charge function, depending on the compatibility of the charging point and your vehicle.
The benefits of BMW ChargeNow include the possibility of recharging at over 200,121 green energy-powered recharging points across Europe, a single contract giving access to the entire recharging network, full tariff transparency and easy tracking of expenditure, and an all-in-one solution with the My BMW app to locate, authenticate and manage your recharges. Whether you're in the city center or on the freeway, BMW ChargeNow makes electric mobility easier and more convenient.
Charge myHyundai
Charge myHyundai is a charging service that simplifies access to public charging infrastructure through the Charge myHyundai network. To get started, users can choose from a range of tariff offers tailored to their needs and driving preferences, then sign up to get started. Once the card has been activated and the Charge myHyundai app downloaded, users have access to over 200,121 charge points across Europe. Using the map, they can easily locate nearby charging points and begin the charging process either with the charge card or via the app.
The advantages of Charge myHyundai include price transparency, international compatibility with recharge points in 23 European countries, total charging convenience thanks to a single contract, card and app, plus permanent access to recharge history via the online portal. Rates start from €7.49 per month, with a discount of €0.15 per kWh on the recommended retail price. For example, users can recharge their Hyundai IONIQ 5 from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes on the IONITY network's fast charging stations.
KIA charge easy
Kia Charge Easy is a public charging service designed for drivers of Kiadrivers, mainly those on short journeys who prefer to recharge at home or at work. Unlike other Kia recharging options, Kia Charge Easy involves no monthly subscription fee, allowing you to pay as you recharge. It offers access to a vast network of nearly 48,950 charging stations in France, simplified by a single Kia Charge RFID card and a single bill for all recharges.
The recharging process is simple, just plug the vehicle into the charging station and use the Kia Charge RFID card. This service is particularly suitable for occasional drivers, and is a practical and economical option for those who wish to recharge their vehicle on the road without any monthly commitment.
Mobilize smart charge RENAULT
Mobilize Smart Charge from Renault is an intelligent application specially designed for drivers of compatible Renault electric vehicles, aimed at optimizing their savings when recharging. The app uses artificial intelligence to automatically schedule charging during off-peak hours, when electricity is cheaper, which can result in significant savings on electricity bills.
What's more, it promotes the use of renewable energies by recharging the vehicle during periods of high green energy production, such as solar or wind power. Charging is easily managed via the dedicated Mobilize Smart Charge mobile app, and can be linked to Sowee, an EDF subsidiary, to further optimize savings depending on the electricity contract.
This application is compatible with certain recent Renault electric models equipped with a connected multimedia system, including the Twingo E-Tech 100% electric, the ZOE E-Tech 100% electric (produced after October 29, 2020), the Kangoo E-Tech 10% electric and the Megane E-Tech 100% electric.
We charge VOLKSWAGEN
We Charge is the electric recharging service from Volkswagenoffering electric vehicle owners a convenient solution for recharging at home and across Europe. With over 600,000 charging points available across the continent, We Charge ensures widespread access, enabling users to recharge not only at home, but also on the move.
The service offers three tariffs tailored to users' individual needs: We Charge Free, with no monthly fee and payment only for electricity consumed; We Charge Go, with a monthly fee of €3.99, offering attractive recharging rates; and We Charge Plus, with a monthly fee of €13.99, offering extended access to the recharging network via the Selected Partner Network. All these tariffs are compatible with Plug & Charge, making recharging easy. Thanks to a dedicated application, users can locate nearby charging stations, check their availability and take advantage of the We Charge tariff benefits, while conveniently managing their Volkswagen ID user account.
Mercedes me Charge
Mercedes me Charge represents a charging network dedicated to Mercedes-EQ vehicles in France, offering a complete and practical solution for electric vehicle drivers. To get started, users can choose a tariff to suit their needs and register easily. Once the charging card has been activated, and the Mercedes me application downloaded, they have access to a vast network of 200,121 charging points across Europe. Discovering nearby charging points is made easy with a map, the app or the MBUX system from Mercedes-Benz system. Once there, the charging process is easy to start using the charging card, the Mercedes me app or the MBUX system.
Mercedes me Charge offers price transparency, making it easy to track expenditure, and a single contract for charging the vehicle in 23 European countries, with fast, easy access to one of the continent's largest charging networks. A single contract, a single card and a single access point provide total charging convenience, with the option of automatic authentication via the Plug & Charge connection if the required conditions are met.
Users can also consult their consumption and invoices online via the Mercedes me Charge portal, and manage their contracts from home. To quickly find the nearest charging station, drivers can refer to the Mercedes me Charge online map to check rates, compatibility and availability.
NISSAN load
Nissan Charge is a practical solution for electric vehicle owners NissanCharge is a practical solution for owners of Nissan electric vehicles, offering several key benefits. Firstly, it provides access to one of the most extensive networks of public charging points in Europe. Thanks to a dedicated application, it's easy to locate charging points and check their availability, with the added bonus of preferential rates in the Nissan network and with participating charging station operators. In addition, a Nissan charging badge can be ordered via the app or user portal, greatly simplifying the charging process by enabling use at most European charging points, even in cases where the app does not allow remote control.
The app also offers a no-holds-barred recharging experience, with features such as a search for charging stations based on specific criteria, real-time updates on recharging points, personal account management and bill consultation, and an integrated interactive map for easy location of recharging stations.
In short, Nissan Charge makes the process of charging Nissan electric vehicles incredibly simple, enabling owners to enjoy their journeys to the full while contributing to a more environmentally friendly future.
Summary table of the different charging systems offered by carmakers
| Service | Main features | Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Supercharger | Extensive fast-charging network | Recharges in 20-30 minutes | High cost |
| Audi Charging | Access to a fast AC charging network | Flexible rates and exclusive benefits | Limited geographical coverage |
| BMW ChargeNow | Access to a vast network of charging points | Single contract and central billing | Requires subscription |
| Charge myHyundai | Pricing tailored to your needs | Access to charging stations in Europe | No fast recharging in France |
| Kia Charge Easy | Refill without subscription | Economical solution for occasional drivers | Limited charging network |
| Mobilize Smart Charge Renault | Optimizing savings on recharging | Promotes the use of renewable energies | Application compatible with certain Renault models only |
| We Charge Volkswagen | Access to an extensive European recharging network | Rates tailored to individual needs | Requires a compatible smartphone |
| Mercedes me Charge | Total charging convenience with a single contract | Access to a vast network of charging stations | Higher-than-average rates |
| NISSAN load | Access to an extensive network of charging stations | Intuitive application and recharging badge | Less extensive geographic coverage than some competitors |
France's main charging station networks
| Network | Number of terminals | Terminal types | Coverage | Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla | 4644 | Superchargers (up to 250 kW) | Mainly along freeways | 0.36 €/kWh |
| Ionity | 1700 | Fast charging stations (up to 350 kW) | Freeways and trunk roads | 0.79 €/kWh |
| TotalEnergies | 1073 | Fast and normal charging stations | National coverage | 0.52 €/kWh (up to 50 kW) |
| Fastned | 300 | Fast charging stations (up to 350 kW) | Mainly along freeways | 0.59 €/kWh |
| Izivia | 8000 | Normal and accelerated charging stations | National coverage | 0.40 €/kWh (up to 22 kW) |
| Allego | 15 000+ | Fast and normal charging stations | Europe, including 3,000 in France | From €0.30/kWh |
| Alizé | 3 000+ | Normal and accelerated charging stations | France | From €0.25/kWh |
| Driveco | 2 000+ | Fast and normal charging stations | France | From €0.30/kWh |
| EVzen | 1 500+ | Fast and normal charging stations | France | From €0.40/kWh |
| Freshmile | 1 000+ | Fast and normal charging stations | France | From €0.35/kWh |
| KiWhi Pass | 1 000+ | Fast and normal charging stations | France | From €0.29/kWh |
Using a charging station: the main steps to follow
Practical guide to choosing the best charging system for your vehicle
Choosing the right charging system for your electric vehicle is essential for a worry-free driving experience. Here's some useful information to guide you in your choice.
Types of Electric Car Charging Outlets
1. Domestic socket (Mode 1)
The domestic socket is the simplest solution, but has its limits. It is recommended for top-up charging, but its power is limited to 10A (2.3 kW). This means that recharging from a domestic socket is very slow, especially for electric cars with high-capacity batteries. For example, a Renault ZOE with a 52 kWh battery would take over 20 hours to fully charge.
2. Green'Up socket
The Green'Up socket is an improved version of the domestic socket. It offers 3.7 kW (16A) charging power and can be easily installed by a technician. However, you will need a Green'Up cable to use it.
3. Type 2 socket
The Type 2 socket socket is the European standard for AC charging. It is widely used in Europe, and can be found on most public charging stations and home wall-boxes. It offers higher charging power than the domestic socket.
4. CCS Combo jack
The CCS Combo socket plug is designed for fast DC charging at fast and ultra-fast charging stations. It is ideal for long journeys, but is not suitable for home installation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing the charging system for your electric car, it's essential to consider your specific needs, budget and driving habits. Whether you opt for the installation of a home charging station or prefer a charging subscription, make sure you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
What's more, to ease your transition to electric driving and help you with the installation of charging stations, Beev is there to support you. Their expertise in electric charging can guide you in choosing the best system for your situation, ensuring a hassle-free and efficient charging experience.
If you would like to know more about the charging station tax credit at 2024please consult our article on the subject.
