← Charging an electric car across Europe

Germany: charging an electric car

The networks you will meet, where they publish their prices, how to pay without an account, and what the drive costs.

What 100 km costs

🔌 At home€6.51
⚡ Fast charger (IONITY), min–max€7.56–€13.68
⛽ Petrol€14.47

An electric car using 18 kWh/100 km and a petrol car using 7 L/100 km, each country’s own prices. Two different prices, never averaged. “Home” is Eurostat’s household electricity price including all taxes. “Fast” is the range IONITY publishes for charging without an account: its minimum per country and its “up to” maximum — the price depends on the charging point. One operator, not a national average: other networks, apps and subscriptions can be cheaper or dearer, and no official source publishes a current average for public charging.

The main fast-charging networks

Prices change: always check the operator’s own page or the charger screen before you plug in.

Networks checked: November 8, 2026

Your rights at the plug

  • Every public charge point installed since 13 April 2024 must let you charge without registering — “ad hoc” — with a payment method widely used in the EU.
  • Chargers of 50 kW and more installed since then must have a payment card reader or contactless reader. From 1 January 2027 the older ones must have one too.
  • Below 50 kW a QR code or another online payment is enough. At slower chargers you may need a phone with mobile data.
  • The ad hoc price per kWh, and any occupancy fee per minute, must be shown before you start charging.
  • Your charge card or app provider may not add an extra charge for charging in another EU country. Its own tariff can still differ from the operator’s ad hoc price.

All rules, prices and the checklist →

Road trips in Germany