You pull up at a charging station and realise you’ve left your charging card at home, or you simply can’t find it in the car. Don’t panic! Charging without a card is entirely possible, and it’s getting easier all the time. Here are the solutions that let you charge your electric vehicle with complete peace of mind, without ever having to reach for your card.
Key Takeaways
- The charging card remains the most widespread solution for easy access to public charging stations.
- Mobile charging: available immediately after purchasing your Chargemap Pass, with no need to wait for or activate your physical card.
- Autocharge and Plug & Charge: emerging technologies that start charging automatically as soon as you plug in.
- Credit or debit card payment: available at certain newer charging stations equipped with payment terminals.
Charging via a mobile app
Many charging networks and operators offer their own mobile app, letting you start a session straight from your smartphone – no need to reach for a physical card.
Mobile charging with the Chargemap Pass
With the Chargemap Pass, mobile charging is available as soon as you order your Pass – no need to wait for or activate your physical card. It already works across +200,000 compatible charging points in Europe, without juggling multiple accounts or bills: one account and one app to manage all your charging. Use the “Mobile charging” filter in the Chargemap app to spot compatible stations.
ℹ️ The only condition: you need to have ordered your Chargemap Pass. No need to have received or activated it to start charging from the app.
👉🏻 Also read: Discover every way to charge without a card
👉🏻 Also read: Charge your electric car from the Chargemap mobile app
Autocharge and Plug & Charge: automatic charging
Autocharge and Plug & Charge are technologies that make charging even simpler. The promise? You plug in your cable… and charging starts automatically. No charging card, no app to open, no extra step.
These features are still being rolled out. Not all electric vehicles and charging stations are compatible yet, but the network is expanding steadily.
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Paying directly by credit or debit card at the station
Some newer charging stations are equipped with a payment terminal that lets you pay directly by credit or debit card, just like at a regular petrol station. It’s the most immediate solution if you have no charging card or payment card on you. Not all stations are equipped with payment terminals yet.
Free charging stations: a very occasional option
There are still a few free charging stations, often provided by supermarkets, shopping centres, car dealerships or hotels for their customers. To find them in the Chargemap app, use the “Free charging stations” filter. Availability can be unpredictable – these stations are sometimes occupied or reserved for customers.
Much more than a card: a complete charging experience
The Chargemap Pass isn’t just a simple charging card. It’s part of a complete experience designed to make everyday life easier for EV drivers.
Card and mobile charging are two complementary solutions, to have on hand depending on your needs. The charging card gives you access to +{{charging-points}} charging points across 19 European countries: tap it on the reader, and charging starts. Simple, fast, universal. Mobile charging, meanwhile, currently covers +200,000 compatible charging points and lets you go completely card-free, right from the moment you order your Pass.
With the Chargemap Pass, you can switch between the two however suits you. Thanks to the Chargemap ecosystem, you also benefit from:
- the mobile app to locate compatible stations, check real-time availability and plan your journeys with the Chargemap route planner
- an active community sharing useful, reliable information about charging points,
- and a seamless system where everything is centralised!
👉🏻 Also read: Charging with Chargemap: card, app, Autocharge, Plug & Charge?
Whichever solution you choose, you’ll enjoy clear billing and simplified payment. The goal? To let you charge easily, stress-free, wherever you are.
👉🏻 Also read: How to charge your electric vehicle with the Chargemap Pass?
