Recent high exchange prices have led to an unusual situation: charging an electric car at the public charging network can sometimes be more affordable than charging at home based on the exchange price.
At Enefit public chargers, registered users pay €0.37/kWh during the day (08:00–21:00) and €0.33/kWh at night (21:00–08:00) for chargers up to 100 kW. For chargers with a capacity over 100 kW, the rates are €0.50/kWh and €0.46/kWh, respectively. However, exchange prices exceed these rates during several hours. Customers who have concluded an electricity contract with Enefit or who use an Enefit home charger or business charger enjoy even lower prices thanks to a 10% discount.
According to Robert Kutsar, Head of Charging Infrastructure at Enefit, increased consumption in the charging network can also be observed against the backdrop of increased market prices. ‘The rise in consumption at public chargers is mainly due to the reduced driving range caused by cold weather, rather than the increase in exchange prices. Statistics show that compared to early December, the load on the charging network has increased by nearly 50% in January.’
Kutsar advises electric car owners to keep a close eye on both home electricity exchange prices and public charging rates – on some days, public charging can clearly be the more cost-effective option.
