What does Per-kWh Pricing mean?

Explanation

Per-kWh pricing means you pay based on how much energy flows into your battery, measured in kWh. If the price is 0.45 EUR/kWh and you receive 40 kWh, you pay 18 EUR. This is the most transparent and fair pricing model because you pay for what you actually get, regardless of how fast or slow your car charges.

This is the standard pricing model at most European charging networks and is increasingly required by regulation. You can see the per-kWh price in the charging app before you start, on the charger screen during the session, and on your receipt afterward.

Per-kWh pricing benefits drivers with slower-charging cars because they pay the same rate as drivers with fast-charging cars. Compare this to per-minute pricing, where a car charging at 50 kW pays much more per kWh than one charging at 200 kW. If you have a choice between a per-kWh charger and a per-minute charger, per-kWh is almost always the better deal unless your car charges exceptionally fast.

For detailed documentation, 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 the per-kWh price with their total bill. If someone says charging costs 0.50 EUR/kWh, that does not mean the session costs 0.50 EUR. It means each kWh costs that much, and a typical session might deliver 30-50 kWh.

Example

Related terms