Is it possible to charge an electric car without a card?
4 April 2025 - 3 minutes to read
The answer is yes! There are several ways to charge your electric car at public charging stations without using a charging card. For example, you can pay directly by bank card or use a mobile app. That said, using a charging card remains the most common method.
So how does charging an EV without a card actually work? And how can we make charging easier for electric car drivers? Here’s everything you need to know!
Can you really go without a charging card?
The idea of charging your electric car without a card may sound appealing — no subscription, direct payment on the spot… But in practice, is this really a viable everyday solution?
How does a charging card work and why is it so common?
A charging card is an RFID card used to identify the driver at a charging station in order to authorise and manage the session. Thanks to partnerships with numerous charging operators, it gives access to a wide network of public charging points through a single solution.
Unlike other alternatives such as bank card payments, QR code scans or mobile apps, it offers a clear billing process, a single point of payment and a reliable service.
Read more about: What is an RFID card for EV charging?
Why do some charging stations allow charging without a card?
Some charging stations offer alternatives to using a card, such as:
- Bank card payment at newer charging points equipped with payment terminals.
- Mobile app payment, usually through the operator’s own app and often requiring registration beforehand.
- Free charging stations, which do exist but are rare and typically limited in power.
Want to learn more about these options? Check out our detailed guide to EV charging payment methods.
While these solutions can be handy, they often come with a few drawbacks: limited compatibility (not all stations support bank card payments), higher or variable costs, extra fees, and uncertain availability — especially when it comes to free chargers.
In practice, a charging card remains the most reliable and efficient way to make charging part of your everyday routine.
Why a charging card is still the best option
Choosing a charging card makes the whole experience much easier for electric car drivers. Among the available options, the Chargemap Pass stands out as one of the best EV charging cards on the market.
Easy access to a large charging network
With the Chargemap Pass, there’s no need to juggle multiple apps or subscriptions. You can charge your vehicle at over 650,000 charging points across 19 European countries — all with a single card. Discover all the benefits of this EV charging card.
Centralised payments and transparent pricing
Unlike pay-as-you-go options that may involve extra fees, the Chargemap Pass offers clear monthly billing and an easy-to-track history via the Chargemap app. No nasty surprises — the rates for stations compatible with the Chargemap Pass are clearly displayed in the app!
Charging via the mobile app
It’s possible to start a charging session directly from the Chargemap app — but only on certain networks that are compatible with the Chargemap Pass.
ℹ️ Mobile charging doesn’t replace the need for the physical card. To use this feature in the app, you must first order, receive and activate your Chargemap Pass.
Learn more about mobile charging with the Chargemap app.
⚠️ Please note: the in-app charging feature is currently unavailable.
A simple, commitment-free solution
Ordering your Chargemap Pass only takes a few clicks. Once you’ve received it, simply activate it to start using it at compatible charging stations.
There’s no subscription — you only pay when you use it.
With the Chargemap Pass, you can charge with confidence and enjoy a hassle-free solution for everyday journeys as well as long road trips.
More than just a card: a complete charging experience
The Chargemap Pass isn’t just another charging card — it’s part of a whole ecosystem designed to make life easier for EV drivers.
With the Chargemap experience, you benefit from:
- the mobile app to find compatible stations, check real-time availability and plan your route
- an active community sharing useful and reliable information about charging points
- a seamless, all-in-one system that keeps everything in one place
With a single charging card, you get access to a vast network of charging stations, with clear pricing and easy payment. The goal? To let you charge quickly, stress-free, and wherever you are.
Et demain, recharger sans carte ni application ?
The future of EV charging is set to become even simpler, thanks to technologies like Plug & Charge and Autocharge. The promise? You plug in your car… and charging starts automatically — no card, no bank payment, no app required.
These emerging innovations could completely change the way we charge our electric vehicles. But for now, they’re still being rolled out and are not yet compatible with all EV models or charging stations.
💡 A full article on these exciting technologies is coming soon to the blog — stay tuned!