EV Owners Face Shocking Idle Fees at Charging Stations

Unexpected charges turn dream vacations into financial nightmares

Electric vehicle owners are discovering a harsh reality: idle fees at charging stations can turn a quick top-up into an expensive ordeal, particularly when traveling abroad. Leaving an EV plugged in for extended periods can result in surprisingly high bills.

The High Cost of Convenience

The ANWB, a Dutch automobile association, is again warning electric car drivers about the potential for excessive charging fees. They highlighted cases where drivers left their vehicles plugged in for days, or even weeks, accumulating significant costs. One driver left their EV charging for two and a half weeks at Disneyland Paris, racking up a substantial charge. It raises the question of what one does for that long, as the amusement park’s attractions don’t require such an extended stay.

Idle fees, or “occupancy fees,” are becoming increasingly common as EV adoption grows. These fees are designed to discourage drivers from monopolizing charging spots after their vehicles are fully charged, ensuring access for others. A recent study found that idle fees can add as much as 20% to the overall cost of charging an EV in some areas (U.S. Department of Energy).

Sticker Shock: Eye-Watering Bills

The ANWB, through its charging pass service, shared details of some of the highest charging bills encountered. One EV driver incurred a charge of 719 euros after leaving their car plugged in at Disneyland Paris for an extended period. Even more extreme, another driver was hit with a 731 euro bill after 4.5 days at a charger in an Austrian ski village parking garage.

• 731 euros: 4.5 days at the charger in a parking garage in an Austrian ski village
• 719 euros: 2.5 weeks at the charger at Disneyland Paris
• 489 euros: 3 days at the charger in an Austrian parking garage
• 525 euros: 6.5 days at the charger under a hotel in Düsseldorf
• 191 euros: 4 days at the charger at Hof van Saksen (NL)

Tips to Avoid Excessive Charging Fees

To avoid these hefty charges, drivers should monitor their charging progress closely and unplug their vehicles as soon as charging is complete. Utilizing apps that provide real-time charging status updates can be invaluable. Planning charging stops carefully and considering the charging rates and potential idle fees at each location is also essential for cost-effective EV travel.