Charging in Another Country

You are traveling abroad and need to charge your EV

Charging in a different country means different networks, different apps, and sometimes different connectors or pricing. A little preparation goes a long way.

You are driving your EV across a border or renting one in a foreign country. You are not sure which charging apps work here, whether your plugs are compatible, or how pricing works.

What to try first

1

Download a roaming app before your trip

Apps like Plugsurfing or Shell Recharge work across many European networks. Download and set up payment before you leave. Relying on a single network's app may leave you stuck in a country where that network does not operate.
2

Check connector compatibility

In Europe, CCS2 and Type 2 are standard everywhere. In the UK, the plugs are the same as continental Europe. If you are driving between Europe and the UK, your connectors will work fine. If traveling outside Europe, check regional standards (NACS in North America, GB/T in China).
3

Expect different pricing structures

Pricing varies significantly between countries. Some countries bill per kWh, others per minute. Roaming often adds a markup on top of local prices. Always check the app for pricing before you start the session.

More scenarios in the app

The EVcourse app walks you through more specific scenarios for this problem with real-world scenarios. Free to try on iOS. Android coming soon.

Download for iOS

Android coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Will my charging card or app work in other countries?

Roaming networks cover most of Europe, but coverage is not universal. Check your app's coverage map before traveling. Contactless credit card payment at the charger is your best backup since it works regardless of network agreements.

Is charging more expensive abroad?

It depends on the country. Electricity prices vary widely, and roaming fees can add to the cost. Highway chargers tend to be more expensive than urban ones. Check the charging app for local pricing before you start a session.