Charging at PnC Charging Stations: Is the New Standard Really More Expensive?

Plug & Charge (PnC) is supposed to make EV drivers’ lives easier. However, easy often comes with a price tag. The new technology means no apps and no numerous charging cards kept in pockets or taking up half the space in your wallet. But does this luxury experience mean more expensive charging? Let’s find out.

• Prices for charging with Plug & Charge vary by provider, with some offering competitive rates, especially through subscriptions.

• You don’t need a subscription to use Plug & Charge.

• Factors like location, provider agreements, and pricing models influence the final cost more than PnC itself.

• Testing the technology before committing helps determine if the added convenience is worth it.

Plug & Charge follows the ISO 15118 standard, which means your car automatically identifies itself at a compatible charging station. Billing then happens through a stored contract. Accordingly, you don’t have to choose a payment method, use a charging card or open an app. Just plug in and let the magic happen.

No, Plug & Charge is not necessarily more expensive. While some providers may have higher base rates, others offer competitive pricing, particularly with subscription plans.

There is no universal price for Plug & Charge since it depends on the contract that e-mobility users have concluded with their e-mobility service provider. But let’s be honest, convenience is often costly. Say, taxis are much more expensive than bus rides. Is this the case here? We suggest looking at real examples of charging prices in Germany.

With Plug and Charge: 

IONITY:

• without subscription: €0.65/kWh

• with subscription: €0.39-0.49/kWh

Without Plug and Charge:

E.ON:

• without subscription: €0.61/kWh

• with subscription: €0.55/kWh

Let's take a look at another example.

With Plug and Charge: 

Aral Pulse:

• with subscription: €0.61/kWh

• without subscription: €0.57/kWh

Without Plug and Charge:

deer:

• with subscription: €0.87/kWh

• without subscription: €0.63/kWh

As you can see, although the technology offers additional convenience, it is not the primary factor that determines the costs.

No, the prices vary depending on the provider. The pricing structures for both Plug & Charge and AutoCharge offer flexibility, and the best value is typically found by choosing the right plan based on how often the user needs to charge.

IONITY :

• with subscription: €0.65/kWh

• without subscription: €0.39-0.49/kWh

Aral Pulse:

• with subscription: €0.61/kWh

• without subscription: €0.57/kWh

EnBW

• with subscription: €0.59/kWh

• without subscription: €0.39-0.49/kWh

Fastned

• with subscription: €0.73

• without subscription: €0.51

While Plug & Charge offers additional convenience, it is not the primary factor determining the cost. The main aspects influencing charging prices are the pricing models and the agreements between e-Mobility Service Providers (eMSRs) and charge point operators (CPOs). 

Tariffs

As demonstrated by our examples, each charging network operator follows its own pricing model. Some charge based on whether you use AC or DC charging, while others focus on the total kilowatt-hours consumed by your car battery. Additionally, many companies offer subscription plans, charging users a monthly fee to make regular charging more affordable.

Agreements between eMSRs and CPOs

For example, deer applies the same pricing for users charging at its own stations and those using third-party charging points. In contrast, EWE Go differentiates pricing, offering €0.52/kWh for direct customers and €0.62/kWh for customers using partner networks.

Location

IONITY direct charging without a subscription costs €0.69/kWh in Germany and €0.59/kWh in France. This is due to different tax rates, electricity costs, and local market conditions. Variations in energy supply and demand, as well as regional government policies and subsidies, can also influence pricing.

To avoid overpaying for Plug & Charge, test the technology yourself before committing to a specific provider offering this benefit, compare subscription plans, and use apps to track your charging costs.

Try Plug & Charge before you commit

You might have read plenty of articles praising Plug & Charge. But when you try it, you could end up thinking, “Meh, nothing special. Tapping a charging card wasn’t that much of a hassle anyway.”

Check provider subscription plans

If you use DC charging more than AC, look for providers that don’t charge extra for it, unless you find one with exceptionally low DC prices. Right now, Plug & Charge options are still limited, but as more providers adopt it, choosing the right plan will become even more important.

Use apps to monitor charging costs

Maybe you charge once at a Plug & Charge station, then next time at a regular one, and don’t notice much difference. After all, charging an EV is still way cheaper than refuelling a petrol car. But those small differences add up—especially if you drive a lot. To keep track of what you’re paying, where, and how it compares, use your provider’s app. It’ll help you spot potential savings and avoid surprises at the end of the month.