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Prices shown are approximate ad-hoc rates (no subscription) and may be outdated. Actual prices vary by location, time of day, charger speed, and whether you use AC or DC charging. Many networks also charge idle fees, session start fees, or per-minute rates on top of per-kWh pricing. Always check the Badenova app or website for current pricing before you charge.

Charge Point Operator

Badenova Charging Guide

Updated March 2026

Badenova is a regional German energy company operating a charging network in the Baden region of southwestern Germany, with chargers up to 200 kW. Drivers using our app report that Badenova stations are a helpful local option in the Freiburg and Upper Rhine area. Pricing varies by location and may include free or subsidized charging at certain sites.

Drivers in southwestern Germany, particularly the Freiburg and Upper Rhine area, who want a local charging option.

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Network Details

Approximate values. Check Badenova directly for current rates.

Type
Charge Point Operator
Max power
200 kW
Approx. DC price (ad-hoc)
Varies / Free
Connectors
CCS2
Payment
app

First Time Charging with Badenova?

Here is what you need to know before your first session.

  • Download the Badenova app or have a contactless bank card ready. Payment options include app.
  • Check which connector your car uses. Badenova stations have CCS2 connectors.
  • Plug in first, then authorize. Most Badenova chargers require you to connect the cable before starting the session.
  • If the screen shows a message you do not understand, the EVcourse app can read it for you. It works with any charger screen, any language.

Understanding Badenova Pricing

Charging network pricing is more complex than it looks. The per-kWh rate shown in the app or on the charger is not always the full cost. Here is what to watch for.

AC vs DC pricing

Badenova operates DC fast chargers (up to 200 kW). DC charging is faster but costs more per kWh than AC charging at home or at slower public chargers. If you have time, charging at an AC station from another network may cost less.

Subscription vs ad-hoc

Many networks offer a monthly subscription that lowers the per-kWh rate. If you charge on Badenova regularly (more than a few times per month), a subscription may save you money. Check the Badenova app or website for current subscription options and do the math for your usage.

Roaming surcharges

If you access Badenova chargers through a roaming app (like Shell Recharge, Plugsurfing, or another provider), you may pay a markup of 10-30% on top of the direct price. Signing up directly with Badenova is usually cheaper.

Extra Charges to Watch For

The per-kWh price is not always the full picture. These additional fees can add up, especially on short sessions or when you forget to unplug.

  • Idle fees. Many DC fast chargers charge per minute once your battery is full but the car is still plugged in. This can be €0.10-0.50 per minute. Set a reminder to move your car when charging is done.
  • Session start fees. Some networks charge a flat fee (€0.50-2.00) just to start a session, on top of the per-kWh rate. This hits harder on short top-up sessions.
  • Per-minute billing. Some chargers bill per minute instead of per kWh. If your car charges slowly (cold battery, high state of charge, or an older model), per-minute billing is much more expensive. Check the billing model before you plug in.
  • Time-of-day pricing. Some networks charge more during peak hours (daytime) and less at night. If you have flexibility, charging off-peak can save money. For example, some networks have an idle fee only during business hours.

Coverage

Badenova operates in the following country. Tap a country for local pricing details. You can also find Badenova charger locations on PlugShare or Open Charge Map.

How to Pay at Badenova

Badenova supports the following payment methods. Availability may vary by location.

  • Badenova app. Download the app, create an account, and add a payment method. Start and stop charging sessions from your phone.

Tips for Charging at Badenova

  • Badenova charging is app-based. Download the Badenova app or check if a third-party roaming provider covers their stations.
  • Some Badenova stations may offer free or reduced-rate charging as part of municipal programs. Check the signage or app for current pricing.
  • The network is regional, so it is best used for local driving rather than long-distance travel.
  • Stations are often located in towns and urban areas rather than on highways.

Common Issues with Badenova

  • Very limited geographic coverage. Badenova chargers are concentrated in the Baden region of Germany.
  • App availability and features may be basic compared to national networks.
  • Station information may not appear in all third-party charging apps, making them harder to discover.

Charger Not Working?

If a Badenova charger will not start, charges too slowly, or gives an error, check our Badenova troubleshooting guide for network-specific fixes. Or see the general troubleshooting guide for step-by-step help with any charger.

You can also report the issue through the Badenova app. Reporting broken chargers helps the network fix them faster and helps other drivers avoid the same problem.

From Finn, engineer: Our testing across Badenova stations shows that most driver-reported issues involve payment setup or connector selection, not hardware failures. The tips above are based on real charging sessions and verified against Badenova's published documentation.

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