Short answer: A pricing model where you pay a fixed amount per charging session regardless of how much energy you receive.
Explanation
Flat-rate pricing means you pay a set price for a charging session, no matter how many kWh you consume. This is common at some destination chargers, parking garages, and hotel chargers. You might pay 5 EUR for a charging session that could deliver 20 kWh or 50 kWh depending on how long you stay.
Flat-rate pricing is simple and predictable, which drivers appreciate. But it can be expensive for short sessions (paying 5 EUR for just 10 minutes of top-up) and a great deal for long stays (paying 5 EUR for a full overnight charge). It works best where drivers park for extended periods and the operator wants to keep things simple.
Some networks combine flat-rate with time limits, such as 5 EUR for up to 4 hours of charging. After the time limit, additional fees may apply. Always check the full pricing terms before starting a flat-rate session.
Where you'll see this
- On the charger screen
- In charging network apps
Common confusion
Flat-rate pricing can seem cheap or expensive depending on context. A 5 EUR flat rate is great if you charge 50 kWh overnight but poor value if you only top up 5 kWh during a quick stop.
Example
A hotel destination charger offers flat-rate pricing at 8 EUR per session. Plugging in overnight for 10 hours at 11 kW delivers about 80 kWh of energy, making the effective rate just 0.10 EUR/kWh.
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