New pricing structure for charging joint venture

21 January 2020 Ionity, the automotive joint venture looking to establish a fast-charging network across Europe, has announced a new pricing scheme. The company, which is backed by carmakers such as Ford, BMW, Daimler, Audi and Porsche, as well as oil companies such as Shell and Enel, is introducing a kilowatt-hour-based pricing structure for its rapidly growing European high-power charging (HPC) network that has over 200 charging stations. The pricing structure comes into effect on 31 January. Motorway usage Connected mobility service providers (MSP) such as Audi e-tron Charging Service, Mercedes me Charge, BMW ChargeNow, Porsche Charging Service and Volkswagen WeCharge offer financially-attractive and bespoke packages for motorway drivers who regularly use Ionity’s European HPC network. Customers who for example do not use the motorway on a regular basis and do not have a contract with a MSP will be able to charge their electric vehicles at all sites in Ionity’s network using a price-per-kilowatt-hour (kWh) format, at €0.79 per kWh (gross price in country-specific currency). ′It has always been Ionity’s aim to build a uniform and coherent network to make seamless, high-speed, long-distance electric mobility across Europe a reality,’ says Michael Hajesch, CEO of Ionity. ′Providing customers with unparalleled levels of service is key to our business. With regard to the rapid developments in electromobility, our new pricing scheme offers a viable and transparent pricing structure in Europe. Depending on their individual needs, our customers have the freedom to choose the most appropriate scheme available,’ adds Hajesch. Charging points Only a few months ago, Ionity unveiled a new generation of their high-power charger, winning gold at the iF awards in 2019. The award-winning design incorporates a stunning multi-functional LED-light-ring (HALO), which acts as a reassuring beacon on the highways at night and makes it easier for drivers to find charging stations on forecourts. ′We are confident our new Ionity high-power chargers will make a significant contribution to e-mobility in general and the European Ionity HPC network in particular,’ commented Hajesch at the launch. Currently, more than 200 charging stations with over 860 charging points are active in 20 countries. Ionity offers its customers significant advantages by supplying them with charging stations along European motorways, equipped with several user units at each location and capable of delivering up to 350kW. Ionity plans for its chargers to cover 24 European countries by the end of 2020. The company will supply its locations with 100% renewable energy.