What does Idle Fee mean?

Explanation

An idle fee (also called a blocking fee or overstay fee) is a penalty charged per minute when your car remains connected to a charger after the charging session has finished. The purpose is simple: incentivize drivers to move their car promptly so the next person can charge. At busy fast charging locations, one car sitting at a charger for an extra hour blocks access for everyone else.

Idle fees typically range from 0.10 to 0.20 EUR per minute, though some networks charge more. They usually kick in a few minutes after charging completes, giving you a grace period to walk back to your car. Most charging apps send a notification when your session is complete, so you know to go move your car.

Some networks only apply idle fees during peak hours or when other stalls are occupied. Others apply them 24/7. Check the pricing details in the charging app before you start a session. At destination chargers (hotels, restaurants), idle fees are less common because the expectation is that you will be parked for hours.

For technical specifications, see European Alternative Fuels Observatory.

Where you'll see this

• On the charger screen
• In charging network apps
• On your charging receipt

Common confusion

Some drivers confuse idle fees with per-minute pricing during charging. Idle fees apply only AFTER your car is done charging. Per-minute pricing applies during the active charging session.

Example

Related terms