EV Charging Without a Contract? You could be overpaying

As electric mobility gains ground across Germany, the price of charging electric vehicles (EVs) is drawing growing scrutiny, especially for drivers charging spontaneously without a contract. According to a recent analysis by the ADAC (Germany’s automobile club), ad hoc charging on highways can cost as much as 62% more compared to charging with a contract, highlighting a growing disparity in the e-mobility market.

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The ADAC's findings reveal significant price differences across charging providers. For example, spontaneous charging at EWE Go was priced at 84 cents per kilowatt hour, while contract holders paid just 52 cents. EnBW, another major provider, charged as much as 87 cents per kilowatt hour without a contract—compared to 59 cents with one. More affordable options like Citywatt and EAM still charged 64 cents per kilowatt hour for spontaneous users, illustrating that even the cheapest ad hoc rates remain high.

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The automobile club criticized this “unacceptable situation,” arguing that high spontaneous charging prices are effectively forcing EV users into contracts. This undermines consumer freedom and adds friction to what should be a simple process. ADAC emphasized the need for low-barrier, transparent options like debit or credit card payments, which are essential to boosting electric mobility adoption.

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Further complicating matters, the charging process often lacks price transparency. Many charging stations require a hefty pre-authorization fee. sometimes up to €150, before charging begins. Although this fee is refunded later, delays due to banking systems can leave users temporarily out of pocket, adding unnecessary stress and confusion.

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To improve fairness and transparency, the ADAC is calling for the establishment of a “market transparency office for ad hoc charging prices” under the Federal Cartel Office. Similar to the agency that monitors fuel prices, this office could play a key role in keeping charging costs competitive and clear.

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As Germany pushes toward a greener future, ensuring fair and transparent access to EV infrastructure is critical. Without regulatory oversight, the promise of sustainable transport risks being undercut by pricing practices that leave consumers at a disadvantage.

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