Which charging card is the best choice for me
While you can easily pay with your debit card anywhere at the gas station, the jungle of charging cards for electric cars can sometimes seem complicated. With a plethora of different charging cards in circulation, it can be difficult to know what kind of charging card you need to access anywhere in the Netherlands and Europe without overpaying. But don't worry, we're here to help you get started!
First, there are two different ways charge card providers charge for charging. Some charge card providers charge the rate set at the charge point. This rate can vary from one charge point to another but must be published online for public charge points (charge points that can be used by anyone). This information can be found at https://oplaadpalen.nl/.
There are also charge card providers who charge a fixed rate for all public charge points. With these providers, you pay a fixed amount per kWh, regardless of the rate set at the charge point. This means you will probably pay “too much” for some charging sessions and “too little” for others. The big advantage of this second way is that you are less likely to encounter surprises.
In addition to charging fees, charge card providers often charge for using the charge card. In general, charge card providers use (a combination of) the following methods.
- A fixed amount per month (subscription);
- A fixed amount per charging session (starting rate);
- A fixed amount per kWh (surcharge per kWh).
Which option is most advantageous for you depends on your personal situation. For example, if you charge a lot outside the door, a subscription is often the most advantageous but if you have a plug-in hybrid with a small battery, a charge per kWh may be more advantageous. Besides price, it is also important to consider the (foreign) coverage of the charge card, the type of card (is it a card or a keychain/drop) and the cost to apply for the charge card. If you often charge abroad, it is advisable to have at least two different passes to ensure that you can always charge.
In the Netherlands, there are currently more than 100 companies offering charge cards. So there is plenty to choose from when selecting the right provider! Fortunately, there are plenty of websites that compare the major providers. For example, take a look at laadpaswijzer.nl or laadpas.com.
On Blue Current charge points, charge cards from all major providers such as ANWB, Eneco, MultiTankcard and NewMotion are accepted. The complete overview of all providers can be found in our FAQ.