Shell Recharge Charging Guide

First Time Charging with Shell Recharge?

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

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

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

How to Pay at Shell Recharge

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

• Shell 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 Shell 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 Shell Recharge

• Shell Recharge works as both a direct operator and a roaming provider. Some stations are Shell-owned, while others belong to third-party networks accessible through the Shell Recharge app.
• Order a Shell Recharge RFID card if you prefer not to use the app. It works at Shell stations and many roaming partner locations.
• Pricing differs between Shell-owned stations and roaming stations. Always check the rate in the app before starting, as the per-kWh price can vary significantly by location.
• Shell Recharge supports CCS2 and CHAdeMO connectors at many locations. Verify which connector types are available at your target station before arriving.
• Contactless payment is available at Shell-owned fast chargers in many countries, making it possible to charge without the app or an RFID card.
• If you have a Shell fuel card through your employer, check whether it also works for EV charging. Many Shell fleet cards are now enabled for Recharge stations.

Common Issues with Shell Recharge

• Roaming pricing can be higher than charging directly with the host network's own app. Compare rates if cost matters to you.
• Session start failures at roaming locations happen occasionally when the connection between Shell and the host operator drops.
• The app can show chargers as available when they are actually out of service, because roaming status updates are not always real-time.
• Some drivers report confusing invoices when mixing Shell-owned and roaming sessions, as they appear differently on the bill.

Charger Not Working?

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