What does Per-Minute Pricing mean?

Explanation

Per-minute pricing charges you based on time rather than energy. You pay a rate for each minute your car is connected and actively charging. Some networks use tiered per-minute pricing, with a higher rate when your car charges above a certain power level (like 50 kW) and a lower rate below it.

This pricing model has significant implications. If your car charges fast (200+ kW), per-minute pricing can be cheaper than per-kWh because you get more energy in less time. But if your car charges slowly (50-100 kW), you pay the same per minute while receiving less energy, making each kWh effectively more expensive.

Per-minute pricing is controversial among EV drivers for this reason. It penalizes cars with slower charging speeds and creates an uneven playing field. A car that charges at 50 kW pays roughly four times as much per kWh as one that charges at 200 kW. Regulatory pressure in Europe is pushing networks toward per-kWh pricing, but per-minute pricing still exists at some chargers, particularly those operated by Tesla for non-Tesla vehicles.

This standard is maintained by European Alternative Fuels Observatory.

Where you'll see this

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

Common confusion

Per-minute pricing during active charging is not the same as idle fees. Per-minute pricing applies while your car is receiving energy. Idle fees apply after charging is complete. Some chargers have both.

Example

Related terms