Affordable electric charging: how to find charging stations on special offer this summer
Summer is the perfect time to travel by electric car. But without some planning, your charging costs can quickly add up.
Fortunately, some stations offer summer discounts you can access via the Chargemap app. In just a few clicks, you can find the best deals, plan your route, and save money on your charging sessions. Follow our guide to cut your costs and make the most of your journey!
Key points of the article:
- Why look for special offers: long summer journeys can increase charging costs
- How to use the Chargemap app to manage your charging budget
- Other tips: find free charging stations, use the cost simulator, and consider the Chargemap Boost subscription
Why look for charging stations on special offer?
During the summer holidays, journeys tend to be longer, meaning more frequent charging stops. As a result, you could end up with quite a substantial bill, especially if you mainly use rapid charging stations on motorways. This is where stations on special offer come into play!
Some partner charging stations offer reduced rates via the Chargemap Pass, the electric charging card compatible with over 700,000 charging points across 19 European countries. Discounts typically range from 10% to 20%, but can reach up to 50%! These offers are often time-limited, making them especially attractive for holiday departures or long weekends.
How to find charging stations on special offer in the Chargemap app
The Chargemap app is the ideal companion to find stations on special offer when you’re travelling by electric vehicle.
Filter for discounted chargers
In the “Savings” section, activate the “Stations on special offer” filter. Only partner charging stations offering reduced rates via the Chargemap Pass will appear on the map. By clicking on a station, you’ll access details on the discount, the duration of the offer, and possible conditions (such as plug types, power ratings, etc.).
👉 For example, you can refine your search by combining this filter with others, such as:
- Compatibility with the Chargemap Pass,
- Ultra-rapid charging stations (200+ kW) or rapid charging stations (100-199 kW).
Practical example: a trip from Leeds to Brighton
You’re planning a journey from Leeds to Brighton in a Peugeot e-308 saloon. Using the route planner, you:
- Specify your vehicle model
- Select charging stations compatible with the Chargemap Pass
- Prioritise certain charging networks
📌 If the planner doesn’t suggest certain charging stations from your chosen networks, it means they’re either not on your route or a detour wouldn’t be optimal based on your charging profile. The tool helps you balance savings and convenience.
Also read: Chargemap route planner: how to use it properly
More tips to save on electric charging
Beyond summer discounts, there are several ways to reduce your charging costs all year round.
Find free charging points
Although becoming rarer, some free charging points still exist. They are often installed by retailers, local authorities, or hotels. To find them, simply select the “Free charging stations” filter in the “Savings” section of the app.
Also read: Where to find free charging points?
Simulate your charging cost
On the charging point’s details page, click on “View pricing” to get a personalised estimate of your charging session: energy delivered, duration, and approximate cost. This estimate takes into account your vehicle model, the connector type used, as well as your current and desired battery levels.
💡 Please note: the displayed cost is indicative. It may vary depending on real factors such as the power rating of the charging station, weather conditions, or your battery’s state. Nevertheless, it remains a great tool to quickly compare prices in an area and make the right choice before plugging in.
Choose the Chargemap Boost subscription
If you drive a lot, the Chargemap Boost subscription offers even better rates on certain networks. You get a 10% discount on every charging session and unlock the economical alternative route option in the route planner. What difference does it make? The route planner suggests the most cost-effective journey to help you save money :)!
You’ll soon get your money’s worth if you regularly go on long trips or often charge at partner stations.
Find out more about this subscription to charge your electric vehicle.
Conclusion
Just tweak a few simple settings in your Chargemap app to enjoy affordable electric charging this summer. With special offers, partner networks and smart habits, you’ll have plenty of ways to keep your budget under control while driving with peace of mind, as travelling by electric car can also mean saving money 😉.