Understanding electric charging rates
The different types of tariffs
Rates may vary depending on a number of factors, including the supplier, the location of the terminal and the time of day.
Rates per kWh
Kilowatt-hour (kWh) tariffs are the most common. They charge for the energy consumed during charging, similar to domestic electricity billing. This type of pricing is transparent and easy to understand, as you only pay for the energy you use. Rates per kWh can vary considerably from one supplier to another, so it's important to compare the offers available to find the cheapest charging station.
Hourly rates
Hourly rates charge for the time you spend connected to the charging station, regardless of the amount of energy used. This type of pricing can be advantageous for low-consumption vehicles or if you recharge during periods when hourly rates are reduced. However, it can become costly if your vehicle takes a long time to recharge. To optimize this cost, we recommend that you recharge when hourly rates are at their lowest.
What factors influence pricing?
- Time of day: Some suppliers offer reduced rates during off-peak hours (night or early morning).
- Location of charging point : charging stations located in urban areas offer higher rates. Conversely, charging stations on the outskirts of towns offer more attractive rates.
- Type of charging station : Fast charging stations (DC) are more expensive than slow charging stations (AC) because of their ability to recharge vehicles in less time.
Subscriptions and recharge cards: Many suppliers offer monthly or annual subscriptions, with reduced rates for regular users (access to specific charging stations, preferential rates).
To benefit from lower rates, we therefore recommend that you schedule your recharging during off-peak hours. Many charging apps and services enable you to schedule your vehicle's charging at specific times, maximizing savings. They help you locate cheaper charging stations and identify the best options available. Finally, they provide detailed information on tariffs and charging station locations, enabling you to choose the most economical options.
Also read → How to calculate the costs of your electric recharge?
What are the strategies for negotiating preferential rates?
Use recharge cards and subscriptions
One of the most effective strategies for negotiating preferential rates for charging your electric car is the use of charging cards and subscriptions. These tools can offer you discounted rates, simplified access to a network of charging stations and other benefits that can significantly reduce your charging costs. Here's how to maximize your use of these options.
Tip card reloading: how to choose?
Charging cards, also known as RFID cards, are practical solutions for accessing a wide network of charging stations at attractive rates. Several suppliers offer recharge cards with different offers and conditions. Here are a few points to consider when choosing your recharge card:
- Choose a card that gives you access to a large number of charging stations, ideally in the areas you frequent most. The larger the network, the easier it will be to find an available charging point at competitive rates.
- Compare the rates offered by different cards. Some cards offer fixed rates per kWh, while others may offer monthly or annual subscriptions that include a certain number of kWh at a reduced rate.
- Look for cards offering additional benefits such as discounts on fast refills, preferential off-peak rates, or loyalty bonuses.
The best offers on the market
Several top-up card providers stand out for their attractive offers and extensive networks. Here are some of the best options available:
Chargemap Pass is a very popular card in Europe. It provides access to over 200,000 charging stations in many countries. With transparent rates and special offers for members, it's an ideal option for electric vehicle drivers who travel frequently.
The card NewMotion card is another excellent option, offering access to a vast network of charging stations across Europe. NewMotion offers subscriptions with reduced rates for frequent users, which can considerably reduce your recharging costs.
Shell Recharge offers home and roaming recharging solutions with competitive rates and attractive subscription offers. Their network of fast charging stations is particularly useful for those who need fast, efficient recharging.
By using these charging cards and subscriptions, you can not only benefit from preferential rates, but also simplify access to charging stations. This allows you to plan your recharges more efficiently and economically, maximizing the benefits of your electric vehicle.
Participate in loyalty and incentive programs
In addition to using charging cards and subscriptions, another effective strategy for obtaining preferential rates is to participate in loyalty and incentive programs offered by charging station suppliers and energy companies. These programs can offer substantial discounts, exclusive advantages and rewards for regular users.
Loyalty programs are designed to reward regular users of recharge services. Here are just a few of the benefits these programs can offer:
- Many loyalty programs offer discounts on recharging rates for members based on frequency of use or volume of energy recharged.
- Loyalty program members can benefit from priority or reserved access to certain charging stations.
- Loyalty programs can include special offers and bonuses, such as free top-up credits, discounts and invitations to exclusive events.
How to maximize the benefits of incentive programs?
Incentive programs go beyond simple discounts and seek to encourage specific user behaviors.
Some incentive programs reward users who adopt eco-responsible practices, such as charging during off-peak hours or using renewable energy.
What's more, some some companies offer bundles that combine recharging services with other products or services. For example, packages including home and on-the-road recharging with significant discounts can be very advantageous.
Finally, collect loyalty points with each refill to obtain additional discounts or free refills.
Here are a few examples of popular programs:
- ChargePoint Rewards a loyalty program where users can earn points for each recharge session.
- Shell Recharge Loyalty Program Shell offers incentives for regular users (discounts, exclusive offers for members).
- Tesla Referral Program Tesla offers free Supercharge credits for every successful referral of a new Tesla customer.
Also read → Strategies for a successful transition to electric vehicles in the B2B sector
Tips for reducing recharging costs
Find cheaper charging stations
For electric car drivers, finding cheaper charging stations is essential to optimize charging costs. Fortunately, several strategies and tools can help you locate the most economical charging stations.
Cheap charging stations: where to find them?
There are many ways to locate charging stations at competitive rates. Here are a few tips:
- use specialized applications,
- use price comparison websites (Zap-Map and ChargeHub),
- keep an eye on special offers and promotions by subscribing to our newsletters.
What are the applications and websites for locating economic terminals?
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Chargemap |
Lists thousands of charging stations in Europe
Compare rates and read user reviews
Offers a charging pass with discounts
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PlugShare |
Provides detailed information on charging stations, including rates, real-time availability and user ratings |
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ChargePoint |
Intuitive application for locating charging stations, checking rates and reserving stations in advance.
Loyalty program to help save on recharging costs.
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Zap-Map |
Find and compare charging rates in different regions.
Offers filters to find the cheapest and nearest charging stations.
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We recommend that you plan your journeys and recharges in advance, so you can identify the cheapest charging stations on your route and avoid the high charges of stations located in busy areas. You should also consider recharging during off-peak hours (at night or early in the morning) to benefit from reduced rates. As mentioned above, recharge cards and subscriptions can offer preferential rates.
Optimizing the charging of your electric car
How can I recharge my electric car efficiently?
To prolong battery life, it's best to recharge slowly and frequently, rather than letting the battery discharge completely before recharging quickly. Use slow charging stations (AC) for daily recharging, and reserve fast charging stations (DC) for emergency situations.
Keep your battery's charge level between 20% and 80%. Charging to 100% or allowing the battery to drain completely can accelerate battery ageing. Many electric cars allow you to set charging limits to optimize battery life.
Many electric cars and smart charging stations allow you to program charging to take advantage of the lowest electricity rates, usually during off-peak hours. By using these programs, you can recharge your car at lower cost.
Batteries work best at moderate temperatures. In very hot or very cold weather, try to charge your car in a sheltered area to keep the battery at optimum temperature.
What tips can you use to reduce overall costs?
- Install a home charging station, as residential electricity rates are often lower than public rates.
- Take advantage of incentives and subsidies (grants for the installation of charging stations).
- Use companies' bundled offers.
- Take part in shared recharging programs.
Several applications are available to optimize your charging. For owners of Tesla, Tesla's Trip Planner helps you plan journeys by optimizing charging stops according to distance, available charging stations and rates.
A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) is ideal for all electric vehicle drivers. It helps you plan long journeys by finding the most efficient and economical charging stations on your route.
Finally, Greenlotsanother useful application for locating charging stations and optimizing costs. It also offers charging management functions to maximize efficiency and reduce costs.
Also read → Optimizing your running costs with the electric car
Conclusion
Reducing the cost of recharging your electric car is therefore essential for economical and sustainable driving. Using charging cards, participating in loyalty programs and optimizing charging hours can significantly reduce these costs. Adopting these strategies will enable you to take full advantage of the financial and environmental benefits of electric vehicles.
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