Orlen Charge Charging Guide

First Time Charging with Orlen Charge?

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

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

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

How to Pay at Orlen Charge

Orlen Charge supports the following payment methods. Availability may vary by location.

• Orlen Charge 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 Orlen Charge

• Check charger availability in the Orlen Charge 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 Orlen Charge charger will not start, charges too slowly, or gives an error, check our Orlen Charge 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 Orlen Charge app. Reporting broken chargers helps the network fix them faster and helps other drivers avoid the same problem.