ADAC study on motorways: Ad-hoc charging up to 62 percent more expensive

With the entry into force of the AFIR, the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation, in April 2024, new fast chargers with 50 kW or more must be equipped with a card reader or contactless payment option. Against this backdrop, the ADAC (German Automobile Club) conducted a random sample of prices for ad-hoc charging and found striking price differences for charging on highways: Ad-hoc charging without a contract is up to 62 percent more expensive than a contract-based option without a base fee from the same provider.

For example, EWE Go customers had to pay 84 cents per kWh for ad-hoc charging, but only 52 cents for contract-based charging. EnBW charged the highest price for ad-hoc charging at 87 cents per kWh and 59 cents for charging with a contract (only charging tariffs without a base fee were compared). Customers were most advantageously charged by Citywatt and EAM, each charging 64 cents per kWh for ad-hoc charging. This demonstrates that ad-hoc charging doesn’t necessarily have to be more expensive.

The high prices for ad-hoc charging on highways mean that EV drivers are pressured into contracts. The ADAC believes this is an intolerable situation: Low-threshold access and uncomplicated charging with a debit or credit card are crucial for the ramp-up of electric mobility.

The ADAC also identifies the so-called pre-authorization fee of up to €150, which some operators charge for ad-hoc charging before the actual charging process, as another annoyance for consumers. Depending on the bank, the approval or refund of the difference can often take several days.

The ADAC also criticizes the still-present lack of transparency regarding charging costs, which was also evident on highways. Charging providers are required to display prices clearly, understandably, and in real time at the charging station and digitally.

According to a recent ADAC survey, consumers agree: 96 percent of respondents state that charging prices should be clearly displayed in advance, just like refueling. Over half consider the current pricing at charging stations to be insufficiently transparent. Contract-based tariffs with and without a base fee are sometimes difficult to compare. Some fees are shown in euros, while some price advantages are only a percentage discount. ADAC’s sample along highways shows that while tariffs with a base fee reduce the cost per kilowatt hour of electricity compared to ad hoc charging, these tariff packages vary considerably in size and cost. Consumers should therefore carefully consider which tariff structures fit their regular needs and whether a monthly base fee is worthwhile for them.

In light of these findings, ADAC is calling for regular market monitoring and increased competition in the charging market. ADAC believes a Market Transparency Office for Ad Hoc Charging Prices must be established at the Federal Cartel Office. This has proven successful in the fuel market and, in the interests of consumers, should also be established by the Federal Cartel Office for charging electricity.

To help electric mobility achieve widespread adoption, charging should be as simple, non-discriminatory, and user-friendly as refueling. Vast price differences between ad-hoc charging and contract-based charging are not compatible with this.