Electra lowers DC charging price – at least partially

To date, Electra has mainly been active in France and Belgium, while the company only opened its first HPC site in Germany this May, in Gräfelfing near Munich. The French company is relying on its own location concept, in which additional masts between the hyperchargers not only ensure that the areas are illuminated in the dark but also visibly indicate the occupancy of the charging stations from a distance. The rollout is to take place quickly, with “hundreds” of new charging parks planned in Germany in the coming years.

In another important factor for the attractiveness of a charging point operator, the price, Electra has not yet set itself apart from the competition. The ad hoc price for charging via the card terminal or QR code has so far been €0.69/kWh, while the price via the Electra app (with registration) has been €0.59/kWh. The latter price will drop by ten cents or almost 20 per cent to €0.49/kWh with immediate effect, but only when charging via the Electra app, not when paying by card or QR code. The company does not mention a new price for this in the press release, so it is likely to remain at the familiar €0.69/kWh.

The price reduction is described as “part of a long-term growth strategy.” The new price is intended in particular to simplify access to fast charging, as high energy prices are considered one of the main reasons for hesitant purchasing decisions for e-cars, according to Electra. ‘Germany is a key market for the transport transition – we want to show that fast, reliable and affordable charging can also be a reality here,’ says Paul Tonini, Country Manager of Electra Germany.

While Electra stations in Germany are still quite rare due to the market launch in May, the operator has built up a denser network of fast-charging hubs in the other DACH markets of Austria and Switzerland and also further south in Italy, particularly along the Munich – Linz – Parndorf – Lake Garda – Rimini route. New prices were introduced just in time for the peak holiday season there as well: In Austria and Switzerland, the prices will be a standardised €0.49/kWh and CHF 0.49/kWh respectively from July, with no time limit on the offer. In Italy, Electra is even lowering the price to €0.39/kWh in July and August as part of a limited special offer. This is around 50 per cent below the previous standard tariff, according to the company. These prices also only apply if the charging process is started via the Electra app; however, no additional paid subscription is required for this.

Electra charging points can also be reserved via the app, in which a bank card must be stored as a means of payment, and the possibility of further special offers is also mentioned. Contactless payment with a credit card also offers a guaranteed (but higher) fixed price per kilowatt-hour, but reservations or special offers are not possible here. The Electra charging parks can also be used in roaming via the offers of other MSPs (Mobility Service Providers), but then under the conditions of the respective provider.

Source: Info via email