CHARGING GUIDE

How to compare public charging tariffs

The lowest headline price per kWh is not always the cheapest session. Use the actual station, payment channel, billed energy and all applicable charges.

Andrea Barberio · 16 October 2026

The short answer

Total = billed kWh × energy price + session fees + time charges + relevant subscription cost. Divide by billed kWh to get an effective price. Add parking or other unavoidable costs when relevant.

Concept illustration · not to scale

In this guideChoose a section

Include the whole session cost

For two invented offers, A charges €0.59/kWh plus €1.50 per session; B charges €0.69/kWh with no start fee. At 12 kWh, A costs €8.58 and B €8.28.

At 40 kWh, A costs €25.10 and B €27.60. The break-even amount is 1.50 ÷ (0.69 − 0.59) = 15 kWh when all other costs are equal.

Direct payment and roaming can differ at the same point. Check the price in the channel used to start the session, including tax and any applicable conditions.

Separate charging time from occupancy fees

A charging price per minute is different from a fee that begins after charging ends, after a grace period or in particular hours. Read the rules: connected minutes and billed minutes may differ.

At an invented €0.10 per minute, 30 minutes costs €3. If the session bills 5 kWh, the equivalent is €0.60/kWh; if it bills 15 kWh, it is €0.20/kWh.

This is arithmetic, not a promise of energy delivered. A forecast needs realistic average power, not the advertised DC peak.

Calculate the subscription threshold

Compare monthly fee + eligible monthly kWh × discounted price against the same energy without the fee. With an invented €10 monthly fee and €0.55 instead of €0.70/kWh, the break-even amount is 10 ÷ 0.15 = 66.67 kWh per month.

At 40 kWh, the totals are €32 with the subscription and €28 without; at 100 kWh, €65 and €70. Count only energy you can actually buy on the included networks.

For a prepaid €60 package covering 100 kWh, using only 60 kWh before expiry makes the effective price €1 per used kWh if the balance is lost.

Check renewal, expiry, cancellation, excluded stations and extra charges. Repeat the comparison when your routine or the terms change. None of the prices in this guide is a current commercial offer.

Try your own car

Select the exact version, check power, charge percentages and your tariff. All results are estimates. The Garage and registration are optional.

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More examples and detail

Examples from the expanded catalogue

Compare the figures

20–80%, assumed 90% efficiency; invented prices, energy only

Škoda Epiq 55 Selection · Italy 2026

Estimated supply kWh: 34.47
At €0.30/kWh: €10.34
At €0.65/kWh: €22.40

Comparison from the table in this guide.

20–80%, assumed 90% efficiency; invented prices, energy only
Version	Estimated supply kWh	At €0.30/kWh	At €0.65/kWh
Škoda Epiq 55 Selection · Italy 2026	34.47	€10.34	€22.40
Mercedes-Benz VLE 300 Electric · Italy 2026	76.67	€23.00	€49.83

Equal percentage changes do not mean equal driving distance. Add subscription, session and occupancy costs separately.

Specifications refer to the version, year and market shown. Model records have English notes; original source documents may use another language. They do not certify current availability in your country.

Sources and method

English editorial version updated 16 October 2026. Arithmetic examples are Ricaora calculations. Efficiencies, consumption assumptions and example tariffs are not measured vehicle results or current commercial offers.

Installation requirements and electricity contracts vary by country; use qualified local advice for the electrical system.