Ionity Charging Guide

First Time Charging with Ionity?

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

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

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

How to Pay at Ionity

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

• Ionity 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.
• Plug & Charge (ISO 15118). Just plug in, the charger identifies your car automatically and bills your account. No app, no card, no tapping. Your car must support Plug & Charge and be registered with Ionity.

Tips for Charging at Ionity

• Download the Ionity app and set up payment before your first visit. You can also use contactless payment or Plug & Charge at most stations.
• Check if your car manufacturer offers a discounted Ionity rate through a partnership plan. Many OEM deals cut the per-kWh cost significantly.
• Ionity's Passport subscription drops the price from the standard ad-hoc rate. If you charge at Ionity more than twice a month, the subscription usually pays for itself.
• All Ionity connectors are CCS2. If your car only has a Type 2 AC inlet, these stations will not work for you.
• Ionity stations are typically located at highway rest stops and service areas, making them ideal for road trip charging but less convenient for daily use.
• If a charger shows as available in the app but won't start, try the next stall. Ionity stations often have multiple chargers sharing the same canopy.

Common Issues with Ionity

• Ad-hoc pricing is noticeably higher than subscription pricing. Drivers who do not sign up for the Passport plan often report billing surprises.
• App authentication can occasionally fail at the charger. Having contactless payment as a backup avoids delays.
• Some older Ionity stations deliver less than 350 kW due to hardware limitations. Check the station details in the app before relying on maximum speed.
• In busy corridors, multiple vehicles charging at the same station can sometimes result in power sharing, reducing the speed per vehicle.

Charger Not Working?

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