Charging Stations for Electric Cars in Germany: A Price Comparison

Electric mobility is booming in Germany, and with it, the number of charging stations is growing. For electric car drivers, having access to reliable and cost-effective charging options is essential. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of the various charging infrastructure providers in Germany, including the specialized networks of Tesla and Ionity as well as other key players. We highlight the differences in pricing, availability, and additional services to help you find the best charging options for your needs.

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1. The Cheapest Charging Station in Germany

Electric mobility is becoming increasingly popular, and with it, the need for affordable charging options for electric cars is growing. In Germany, there are many providers, but when it comes to the cheapest rates, one provider stands out: LichtBlick with its "FahrStrom Unterwegs Vorteil" tariff.

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• LichtBlick offers the lowest cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) at public charging stations, without charging a monthly fee.
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• This tariff is specifically designed for drivers who want to charge flexibly and affordably. With a price of only €0.44 per kWh for AC charging and €0.54 per kWh for DC charging, LichtBlick is the cheapest provider on the market.
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• The only requirement for using this tariff is having an electricity contract with LichtBlick.

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This tariff is particularly suitable for drivers who regularly rely on public charging stations and want to keep the operating costs of their electric vehicle as low as possible.

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2. Tesla Charging Stations in Germany

Tesla has established itself not only as a leading manufacturer of electric cars but also as a provider of its own network of charging stations, tailored specifically to the needs of its vehicle owners.

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Tesla Supercharger

The Tesla Superchargers are high-performance charging stations designed to quickly charge Tesla vehicles. These stations are strategically located along major highways and at popular destinations to enable seamless long-distance travel.

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• Charging Costs: Prices vary by location and demand, averaging between €0.35 and €0.40 per kWh.
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• Charging Speed: With up to 250 kW charging power, Tesla vehicles can gain a range of up to 270 kilometers in just 15 minutes.
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• Availability: Superchargers are exclusively available to Tesla vehicles, ensuring high availability and fast charging times.

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Tesla Destination Charger

The Destination Chargers are primarily intended for overnight charging or during longer stays. They are often located at hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, providing a convenient charging option for Tesla drivers while they spend their time elsewhere.

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• Charging Costs: Many Destination Chargers offer free charging for guests of the respective facility, while some may charge a small fee.
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• Charging Speed: Destination Chargers provide up to 22 kW of charging power, suitable for a full charge over several hours.
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• Availability: These charging stations are also exclusively available to Tesla vehicles and offer a practical solution for charging during extended stays.

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Tesla has created a reliable and well-developed network of charging stations specifically designed to meet the needs of its customers. The combination of fast Superchargers and convenient Destination Chargers allows Tesla drivers to efficiently and comfortably charge their vehicles, no matter where they are in Germany.

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3. Ionity Charging Stations in Germany

Ionity is a joint venture of several leading automakers, specializing in building a pan-European network of high-performance charging stations for electric vehicles. These stations are strategically placed along highways to provide smooth and fast long-distance mobility for electric vehicles.

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• Charging Costs: The price for charging at Ionity stations is generally €0.79 per kWh, which is relatively high compared to other providers.
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• Charging Speed: Ionity stations offer a charging power of up to 350 kW, one of the highest available. This allows electric vehicles to recharge a significant range in about 15 to 30 minutes.
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• Availability: With over 400 stations in Europe, many of them in Germany, Ionity is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for fast-charging stations.

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Why is Ionity So Expensive?

A frequently asked question is why Ionity is more expensive compared to other providers. The high prices can be attributed to several factors:

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1. High-Performance Technology: Ionity's infrastructure is designed for extremely high charging power. The costs for building and operating these high-performance chargers are significantly higher than for standard charging stations.
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2. Prime Locations: Ionity stations are typically located at high-traffic highways and central transportation hubs, where land prices and lease fees are higher.
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3. Roaming Fees: Ionity partners with various roaming providers, which can incur additional costs for users charging outside their contracted network.
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4. Service and Maintenance: Operating and maintaining high-performance charging stations is costly, as they require constant monitoring and quick repairs to ensure high availability.

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Despite the higher costs, Ionity offers unmatched charging speed and a reliable infrastructure, which is particularly advantageous for long-distance travel.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right charging station for electric cars in Germany depends heavily on individual needs and driving habits. LichtBlick offers the most affordable option with its "FahrStrom Unterwegs Vorteil" tariff, ideal for budget-conscious drivers who frequently use public charging stations. Tesla provides a well-developed network tailored specifically for Tesla vehicles, offering fast and convenient charging options through its Superchargers and Destination Chargers. On the other hand, Ionity offers extremely fast charging at strategically important locations, but it is significantly more expensive due to high technological and operational costs.

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FAQs

Which charging station is the cheapest in Germany?

The cheapest charging station in Germany is the LichtBlick "FahrStrom Unterwegs Vorteil" tariff, with a price of €0.44 per kWh for AC charging and €0.54 per kWh for DC charging, without a monthly fee.

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How fast can I charge my electric car at a Tesla Supercharger station?

Tesla Superchargers offer a charging power of up to 250 kW, allowing Tesla vehicles to gain a range of up to 270 kilometers in just 15 minutes.

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Why are the prices at Ionity charging stations so high?

The high prices at Ionity charging stations are due to the expensive high-performance technology, prime and costly locations, roaming fees, and high service and maintenance costs.

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Is there a fee for charging at Tesla Destination Chargers?

Many Tesla Destination Chargers offer free charging for guests of the respective facility. However, in some cases, a small fee may apply.

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What are the advantages of LichtBlick charging stations?

LichtBlick charging stations offer the lowest charging costs per kWh without a monthly fee, making them particularly suitable for drivers who regularly rely on public charging stations and want to keep operating costs low. The only requirement is an electricity contract with LichtBlick.

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