2025 Guide to Free and Affordable EV Charging in Germany: Find the Best Deals

As the number of electric vehicles in Germany continues to grow, the need for a practical and affordable charging infrastructure becomes more important. This guide will walk you through the options for free or low-cost EV charging, while also shedding light on government incentives, private sector involvement, and the integration of renewable energy into charging stations.

Whether you use apps like PlugShare or ChargeMap or are simply looking for the nearest free charging station, our goal is to help you charge your vehicle without breaking the bank. Let’s explore the best solutions for charging your electric car in Germany!

‍

1. Free Charging Stations in 2024 & 2025

In 2025, the network of free and subsidized EV charging stations in Germany is set to expand. Here’s a look at the developments that will make charging your car even easier and more affordable:

‍

• Tax Benefits and Private Investment: The German government continues to encourage businesses from various sectors to invest in charging infrastructure. The automotive and energy industries are heavily involved, and new tax incentives aim to increase the number of public charging stations, a trend expected to grow in 2025.
  ‍
• Focus on Urban Areas: In 2025, the expansion of charging infrastructure is heavily concentrated in urban centers. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are at the forefront, where demand for charging stations is highest. By targeting these regions, it’s becoming increasingly easier to find free or subsidized charging stations in city neighborhoods.
  ‍
• Renewable Energy Integration: The use of renewable energy for charging stations is advancing. By 2025, solar and wind energy will increasingly power EV charging points, offering more environmentally friendly and potentially free charging options.

‍

2. Where to Find Free EV Charging Stations in Germany: The Best Charging Apps

• PlugShare: This app remains a go-to resource for finding over 500,000 charging stations worldwide, including free options. The community-driven platform allows users to update station statuses and availability, making it a reliable tool for locating free EV charging spots.
  ‍
• ChargeMap: Popular in Europe, ChargeMap lists over 500,000 charge points and is particularly useful in Germany. It offers reviews from over 330,000 users, helping you avoid unsuitable stations and find free or low-cost options.
  ‍
• Bonnet: With more than 200,000 chargers across 20+ networks, Bonnet’s detailed filters help users find free or affordable charging points across Europe. It also offers real-time updates on availability.
  ‍
• WattsUp: This route planner is designed to help EV drivers find stations that match their needs, such as distance and charger type. In 2025, it remains a useful tool for tracking free or affordable charging stations.
  ‍
• Optiwatt: While primarily focused on optimizing charging costs by tracking electricity rates, Optiwatt may not be as relevant for free charging but helps users save money on paid options by identifying the cheapest rates.
  ‍
• Zap-Map: Primarily used in the UK but still relevant in Europe, Zap-Map helps users find and plan routes with free charging stations and provides detailed cost information.

‍

3. Finding the Best Tariffs for EV Charging

For those traveling with electric cars, finding cost-effective charging options is essential. In 2025, Germany continues its efforts to expand charging infrastructure to meet rising demand:

‍

• Subsidy Programs for Charging Infrastructure: The German government is investing around €900 million in 2025 to support households and businesses in building their own charging stations. The “Charging Infrastructure Master Plan II” aims to establish one million public charging points by 2030, with a strong focus on fast chargers.
  ‍
• Apps and Charging Network Cards: Apps like PlugShare and ChargeMap remain key tools for finding affordable charging. Additionally, ADAC and other automotive clubs offer special charging cards that provide discounts at many stations.
  ‍
• Trends in Charging and Infrastructure Investments: The demand for fast chargers continues to rise, and companies like EnBW and E.ON are leading the way in making fast charging more accessible and cheaper. Moreover, incentives for private companies to invest in urban charging infrastructure remain strong, helping to lower costs.

‍

4. Completely Free EV Charging Networks in Germany

Though free charging is becoming less common due to rising electricity prices, several options are still available:

1. Hotels: Many hotels across Germany offer free charging for guests as part of their sustainability initiatives, providing a valuable service for EV drivers.
   ‍
2. Shopping Centers and IKEA: Some shopping centers and major retailers like IKEA provide free charging for customers. However, IKEA plans to install over 1,000 new fast chargers by 2025, which will likely be paid services, though older locations may still offer free options.
   ‍
3. Auto Centers: Many dealerships and service centers use free charging stations as a way to attract potential EV buyers or to offer additional services to their customers.

‍

Conclusion

By 2025, Germany’s EV charging landscape will be more optimized and accessible. Despite rising electricity prices, there are still opportunities to charge your vehicle for free or at affordable rates. Thanks to government incentives, private sector involvement, and the integration of renewable energy, charging infrastructure is expanding in urban areas, providing eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions. With apps like PlugShare, ChargeMap, and ADAC, you can always find the best charging point for your needs—whether it’s free or fairly priced.

‍

‍

‍

FAQs

‍

How can I find free charging stations in Germany?

You can find free charging stations using apps like PlugShare or ChargeMap, which offer filters for locating free charging options and real-time updates from users on station availability.

‍

Will IKEA still offer free charging in 2025?

From 2025, IKEA will be installing over 1,000 new fast chargers in Germany, most of which will be paid services, powered by renewable energy. However, older IKEA locations might still offer free charging options.

‍

How are renewable energies used in EV charging?

Solar and wind energy are increasingly being integrated into charging infrastructure. By 2025, many stations will be powered by renewable sources, offering both eco-friendly and potentially free charging options.

‍

How do subsidy programs support the expansion of charging infrastructure?

By 2025, the German government is investing €900 million in subsidy programs to support the construction of charging stations for private and commercial use, significantly expanding public charging networks, including free and subsidized options.

‍

Where can I find the best tariffs for charging my electric vehicle?

Apps like ChargeMap, PlugShare, and ADAC provide information on the best tariffs. Energy providers like EnBW and E.ON also offer attractive rates for fast charging, while ADAC cards can help lower costs at various stations.

‍