Index
Electric car charger consumption
To avoid any surprises, it is worth knowing that a charger does not "consume" energy the way a household appliance does. It transfers it. The energy consumption of an electric car charger depends mainly on two factors:
- Charger power (kW): This determines how quickly the battery will charge.
- Battery capacity (kWh): This defines the maximum amount of energy the car can store.
Charging at home vs. public chargers
Where you plug in your vehicle makes a significant difference, both in terms of experience and power output:
- At home: You will typically have access to alternating current (AC) chargers ranging from 3.7 kW to 7.4 kW. These offer slower charging speeds, which are ideal for taking advantage of off-peak night-time rates.
- On the public network: You will find fast and ultra-fast direct current (DC) chargers, like those offered by Moeve (from 50 kW to over 150 kW). These can charge your car in as little as 20 to 30 minutes. Find out more in our guide to connector types and chargers.
How to calculate the real cost of a full charge
Working out your charging cost is as simple as applying this formula:
- Amount to charge (kWh) x Price per kWh (€) = Total cost (€)
If you charge 50 kWh at a rate of €0.30/kWh, it will cost you €15. The key to saving money, then, lies in getting the best possible price per kWh.
Rates for charging your electric car: pay-as-you-go or subscription?
When it comes to using the public charging network, the market currently offers two main options. Here is a cost comparison based on a standard 50 kWh charge:
| Rate type | Average price (kWh) | Cost for 50 kWh charge | Monthly fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay-as-you-go | €0,55 - €0,65 | €27,50 - €32,50 | €0 |
| Subscription | €0,35 - €0,45 | €17,50 - €22,50 | ~ €4,99 - €9,99 |
Pay-as-you-go: ideal for occasional charging
Pull up, scan with your app, and pay the standard rate.
- When to choose it: If you travel frequently, do not have a home charger, or regularly plan long-distance routes in your electric vehicle.
Electric vehicle subscription plans
Pay a small monthly fee in exchange for access to a significantly reduced per-kWh price.
- When to choose it: If you travel frequently, do not have a home charger, or regularly plan long-distance routes in your electric vehicle.
Save on your charges with the Moeve Electric Plan
At Moeve, we want to make things as easy as possible for you. That is why we have designed a subscription plan built around getting you the best price per kWh on our network, so hitting the road never has to be a financial concern.
Benefits of our subscription for individuals
- A straight 25% discount: Get an exclusive reduced rate compared to the standard price (€0.60/kWh) on our ultra-fast network.
- 100% digital management: Activate or pause your subscription for just €9/month through the Moeve app. You are in control, with no lock-in period.
- Earn credit with Club Moeve gow: On top of the discount, you accumulate 2 cents per kWh as credit with every charge. You can redeem it on future charges, fuel top-ups, in-store purchases, or car washes at our stations.
How to get your money's worth in a single trip
Still wondering whether the €9 monthly fee is worth it? Let's look at a real example on a long journey where you need to charge 65 kWh:
- Pay-as-you-go standard rate (€0.60/kWh): You pay €39.
- With the Moeve Electric Plan (€0.45/kWh): You pay €29.25.
The result: You save €9.75 in one go. In other words, with just one charge, you have already covered your €9 monthly fee and still come out ahead. On top of that, you will also earn €1.30 in Club Moeve gow credit.
3 final tips to optimise your energy use and pay less for charging
As we highlight in our tips for improving your electric car's range, building good habits goes a long way for your wallet:
- Stop at 80% when charging on the go: Beyond that threshold, the battery significantly slows its charging rate to protect itself. You will save both time and money.
- Make the most of off-peak hours: At home, set your car to charge overnight (between 00:00 and 08:00), when electricity is at its cheapest.
- Plan ahead with Moeve: Use our app to locate ultra-fast chargers along your route and avoid unnecessary detours.
Frequently asked questions about electric car charger consumption
How much energy does an electric car charger use when it is not charging?
When it is not plugged into a vehicle, the charger's standby consumption is minimal, between 2 and 5 watts, used only to maintain a WiFi connection or power LED indicators. This amounts to just a few cents per month.
Is it worth paying for an electric car charging subscription?
Yes, if you charge on the public network more than twice a month. The discount applied to the per-kWh rate means the monthly fee pays for itself very quickly compared to pay-as-you-go pricing.
Can I cancel my charging subscription at any time?
Absolutely. The Moeve Electric Plan has no minimum commitment. You can cancel your subscription at any time from the 'Subscriptions' section of our app, for example, if you have no long trips planned for a given month, and reactivate it whenever you need it ahead of your next journey.
Switching to electric mobility does not have to be a financial puzzle. By understanding how your car uses energy, embracing efficient charging habits, and choosing the subscription plan that fits your lifestyle, you can enjoy every journey with complete peace of mind. Connect with the future and let Moeve power every kilometre of the road ahead.
