In a world where electromobility is becoming increasingly important, the need for an effective electric charging card is paramount. The rise of electric vehicles is prompting many drivers to research the various options available for charging their vehicles away from home. With so many different cards available on the market, it can sometimes be difficult to navigate. Here’s an overview of the five most relevant electric charging cards, highlighting their features, advantages, and disadvantages.
What are the essential information about electric charging cards?
Electric charging cards are essential tools for drivers. They allow drivers to charge their electric vehicles at public charging stations. In France, 80% of public charging stations still lack a bank card reader, making these cards essential. Here is a summary table of the key features of some charging cards:
| Card | Purchase price | Charging fees | Charging points in France | Charging points in Europe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chargemap Pass | €19.90 | 10% charging price | 110,000 | 513,230 |
| Charge + TotalEnergies | €19.90 | €0 on TotalEnergies | 100,000 | _ |
| Fulli | €9.90 | €0.70 per charge | 85,000 | 290,000 |
| Shell Recharge | Free | €0.35 per charge | 68,000 | 600,000 |
| Izivia Le Pass | €15 | €1 per charge | 130,000 | 300,000 |
Why are charging cards necessary?
Current regulations, particularly those dictated by the AFIR (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation), require all charging stations to be equipped with a credit card reader, but by 2025, this compliance remains largely incomplete. This means that for many users, doing without a charging card is simply impossible. The wide range of criteria to consider—whether cost, network coverage, or usage fees—makes choosing a card that meets their needs a real challenge.
Chargemap Pass: The Essential Tool
Since its launch in 2017, the Chargemap Pass quickly became one of the most universal charging cards. A true pioneer, it offers significant advantages.
- 🔌 Accessibility: Compatible with more than 110,000 charging points in France. 💸
- Entry fee: Available to users for €19.90 without a subscription. 🗺️
- App: Allows you to plan trips and optimize charging stops. However, usage fees shouldn’t be overlooked. Approximately 10% of the total charging cost can quickly add up. In terms of user experience, the Chargemap app is widely acclaimed for its ease of use and interesting features. Users can find real-time information on available charging stations and the vehicle’s charging status.
The
TotalEnergies Charge + card is an affordable option for anyone looking to charge their vehicle while benefiting from extensive coverage. 💵 Cost: Available at €19.90 without a subscription, with a Comfort version at €2 per month. 📈 Savings:
- 5% discount on TotalEnergies charging stations. 🕵️♂️ Problematic transparency:
- Little information is available on additional fees for other networks. With 100,000 charging points in France, this card may be a wise choice. However, the lack of clarity regarding additional costs at third-party charging stations could pose a problem. To discuss this in more detail, it’s worth comparing options to better understand the fees that can add up. Find out everything you need to know about electric vehicle charging stations: types, benefits, and tips for finding the best charging solution near you.
- Shell Recharge: Simplicity for International Use The Shell Recharge card
is emerging as an ideal solution, offering compatibility with more than 500,000 charging stations in over 33 European countries. Its ease of use, combined with a fixed fee of €0.35 per connection to a partner network, makes this card a realistic option for frequent users. 🌍
Compatible with charging stations throughout Europe, including Germany and the Benelux countries.
🚫 No subscription: An inclusive choice for all drivers.
- 📲 Dedicated app: Allows you to locate nearby charging stations and view rates.
- A limit of 20 transactions per month offers some flexibility, but may not satisfy occasional users. With this system, Shell demonstrates that it is possible to offer a simple and effective card that inspires both confidence and functionality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJTSOWjFzmg Fulli: the card that combines electronic toll collection and charging
- The Fulli card, formerly known as the KiWhi Pass, stands out for its affordable rates and the ability to combine charging with an electronic toll collection service.
🔄
Available without a subscription or at a rate of €24 per year. ⬇️
Savings: An optimized rate with a top-up fee of €0.35 instead of €0.70.🗺️
- App: Offering the ability to locate charging stations and their prices in real time. This innovative approach allows users to combine various essential functions on a single card. Users can thus reduce their costs while enjoying greater flexibility during their journeys.
- Izivia Le Pass: the ally of large cities A subsidiary of EDF, the Izivia Pass
- positions itself as a choice for anyone looking to charge in strategic locations. 🏙️ Accessibility:
Access to 130,000 charging points, including charging stations in Q Park parking lots.
⚡
Clear pricing: €1 per charge, with an app that facilitates real-time monitoring. 🛤️
- Optimized itinerary: Ability to generate a route including charging stops. As a fervent advocate of the energy transition, Izivia offers services that adapt to user needs. In addition, the app allows drivers to obtain real-time information on charging station availability, adding a touch of convenience to the charging process.
- Discover everything you need to know about charging electric vehicles: charging options, available infrastructure, practical advice, and innovations to facilitate your transition to sustainable mobility. The Challenges of Plug & Charge Technology With the arrival of Plug & Charge technology, a significant advancement is on the horizon. This innovative system allows the car to communicate directly with the charging station, automatically. This concept promises to radically simplify the user experience.
- 🧩 Interoperability: Eliminates the need for physical cards or apps.
📞
The car identifies itself, greatly facilitating access to stations.
💳 Simplicity:Direct billing, avoiding the complications of fees.
- This technological revolution could significantly change the way users approach charging their vehicles. Therefore, it would be wise to monitor the progress developers and operators are making in developing this feature. FAQ on Electric Charging Cards What is an electric charging card?
- An electric charging card is a device that allows you to charge an electric vehicle at public charging stations, ensuring easy access to energy. Why is it necessary to have multiple charging cards? The diversity of networks, as well as the user fees for each card, often makes it essential to have several cards to cover all your charging needs.
- Are all charging cards free? No. Although some cards are free, fees may apply for using the stations, as well as periodic management fees. What criteria should you consider when choosing your charging card? It’s worth considering the card’s purchase cost, top-up fees, network coverage, and the features of the associated app.
Will Plug & Charge technology replace all cards?
That remains to be seen, but it offers an interesting future, especially in terms of ease of use and smart payment.