How are charging prices calculated?

⏱ Estimated reading time: 2–3min

✅ Quick answer

Each charge point operator (CPO) sets the prices at its own chargers, so prices vary from charger to charger. A price can combine a price per kWh, a time-based tariff, a blocking fee, and a session fee. You can check them in your app before you start charging.

💡 What's in the price

• Price per kWh: You pay for the electricity itself. The more energy your car needs, the more you pay.
• Time-based tariff: You pay per minute, either from the start of the session or after a set number of minutes.
• Blocking fee: You pay a fee if your car stays plugged in after it has finished charging. Turn on push notifications in the app to get a reminder before a blocking fee starts.
• Session fee: a fixed fee per charging session, used by some operators.

Not every charger uses every component. Which ones apply depends on the operator and the location.

📱 Check the price before you charge

• See prices on the map: Pull up the Chargers in this area panel to see nearby chargers with the operator's name and price, closest first.
• Set a price limit: Go to Map settings → Price limit and set the most you want to pay per kWh. The map then only shows chargers within your limit. The limit uses the price per kWh only, so time-based tariffs, blocking fees, and session fees aren't included.
• Read the pricing guide: Go to Account → Help and support → Pricing guide.

The price shown in the app is the price you pay.

🔍 Why can the price differ from the operator's own app?

The price in the Plugsurfing app can include a fee for Plugsurfing's service, on top of the operator's price. That's what gives you access to many operators with one app, one account, and one charging card. It can also go the other way: some operators run discounts for Plugsurfing drivers. Either way, the app shows the full price before you charge.