Free To X Charging Guide

First Time Charging with Free To X?

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

• Download the Free To X app or have a contactless bank card ready. Payment options include app, contactless.
• Check which connector your car uses. Free To X stations have CCS2 connectors.
• Plug in first, then authorize. Most Free To X 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 Free To X 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.

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

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

How to Pay at Free To X

Free To X supports the following payment methods. Availability may vary by location.

• Free To X app. Download the app, create an account, and add a payment method. Start and stop charging sessions from your phone.
• Contactless payment. Tap your bank card or phone (Apple Pay, Google Pay) directly on the charger. No account needed. The simplest option, but sometimes at a slightly higher rate.

Tips for Charging at Free To X

• Check charger availability in the Free To X app before driving to a station. This saves you from arriving at an occupied or out-of-service charger.
• Arrive between 10-20% state of charge for the fastest DC charging session. Your car charges fastest when the battery is low and slows down significantly above 80%.
• Use your car's built-in navigation to route to the charger. Many EVs precondition the battery during the drive, which can significantly speed up DC charging, especially in cold weather.
• Set a phone reminder when charging. Move your car when it reaches your target to avoid idle fees, and to free up the charger for the next driver.
• Keep a backup payment method. If the app fails, a contactless bank card can save the session. Having a second charging app installed also helps.

Charger Not Working?

If a Free To X charger will not start, charges too slowly, or gives an error, check our Free To X 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 Free To X app. Reporting broken chargers helps the network fix them faster and helps other drivers avoid the same problem.