Germany’s online BlackoutNews.de here reports how Dutch charging station operator Allego is imposing a “blocking fee” at all its European fast chargers. [emphasis, links added]
The fee went into effect on July 1st.
For example, in Germany, if drivers take more than 45 minutes to charge their electric cars at an Allegro fast-charger, they will have to pay an extra 25 cents-euro for each additional minute of charging beyond 45 minutes.
“This measure is intended to ensure a fairer distribution of the charging infrastructure and prevent unnecessary over-parking, writes Blackout News. “So if you stand at the charging station for an hour longer, you pay almost 15 euros extra,” according to elektroauto-news.
Apparently, the fee is designed to reduce the long charging lines occurring at charging stations, especially as millions of Europeans head out on their summer holidays.
“According to Allego, the introduction of this fee is necessary to ensure fair and timely access to charging stations,” reports Blackout News. “Allego explains that the charge is intended to prevent e-car drivers from occupying the charging stations for longer than necessary.”
This just means more burden on e-car drivers. Either they leave the charging station not fully charged and look for another charging station, or they pay extra to charge fully.
Another reason: power-grid limitations. Blackout News reports further:
“Due to grid restrictions in many European countries, Allego cannot install as many charging points as desired everywhere. In Germany, grid capacity is considered a bottleneck in many places, which could cause electromobility projects to be severely delayed or even fail.”
Solution? Electricity rationing.
Top photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash
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