Vrouw achter het stuur van een elektrische auto die ze heeft opgeladen met een laadpas.

Everything you need to know about charge cards

The definitive guide to EV charge cards

For easy, secure and seamless EV charging across Europe, a single charge card is all you need. Whether you're a new EV owner or an experienced driver looking to optimise your charging experience, this guide has everything you need to know about charge cards.

What can you expect from our charge card guide

This guide covers everything you need to know about EV charge cards, from how they work to the benefits they offer, including convenience, cost savings, security and seamless access to charging networks across Europe.

How do charge cards work?

EV charge cards are designed specifically for EV charging, and work similarly to credit and debit cards. These cards are provided by mobility service providers (MSPs) such as E-Flux, and allow EV drivers to charge at public charging stations .

To start a charging session, drivers can simply tap or scan their charge card. Once the card’s information is verified, the charging can begin.

The technology behind the functionality of EV charge cards is called the Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI), an open communication protocol. OCPI allows seamless roaming between different EV networks, so that drivers can use their charge cards on various networks and at stations.

EV charge cards often come with different subscription models that cater to various user needs. For instance, frequent EV drivers might opt for a subscription plan with a monthly fee that has benefits such as lower charging rates or no roaming fees. Occasional drivers might prefer a pay-as-you-go plan with no monthly fee.