Recharge Charging Guide

First Time Charging with Recharge?

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

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

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

How to Pay at Recharge

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

• Recharge app. Download the app, create an account, and add a payment method. Start and stop charging sessions from your phone.
• RFID card. Tap a registered RFID card on the charger to start. These need to be ordered in advance from Recharge or a roaming partner. Most drivers use the app instead.
• 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 Recharge

• Recharge accepts app, RFID cards, and contactless payment. If you are visiting a Recharge station for the first time, contactless is the fastest way to start.
• Many Recharge stations are located near retail and shopping areas rather than highways, making them a good option for charging while running errands.
• If you have an RFID card from another network, check if it works through roaming agreements before relying on it at Recharge stations.
• The app shows real-time charger availability and session details. Set up your payment method in advance to avoid fumbling at the station.
• Recharge prices are straightforward per-kWh with no idle fees at most locations. Check the app for location-specific pricing.

Common Issues with Recharge

• Some stations in newer markets may not yet support contactless payment, leaving only app and RFID as options.
• RFID roaming compatibility can be inconsistent. If your roaming card does not work, the Recharge app is a reliable alternative.
• Station density is still growing outside Scandinavia, so plan ahead if relying solely on Recharge for a longer route.
• Occasional delays in session start when using the app to authenticate. Restarting the app usually resolves it.

Charger Not Working?

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