Chargepoint operator Ionity is offering EV drivers 5kWh worth of free electricity (worth up to £3.95) if they only charge their cars’ batteries to 80%. The firm says the discount is intended to reduce chargepoint queues, as most EVs accept electricity significantly more slowly as they charge from 80 to 100%,
To get the ‘Fast Lane Reward’ discount, drivers need to enable the “80% charged” push notification on Ionity’s smartphone app, then disconnect their car before it reaches 85%, whereupon their account will be issued a 5kWh credit. The offer is available at all Ionity chargepoints in Europe between 9am and 5pm. The firm is also offering the 5kWh credit to drivers who charge during its off-peak hours, which run from 10pm to 6am.
Both promotions require a minimum charging volume of 40kWh, which makes it impossible to redeem for drivers of a number of smaller EVs, including the Renault Twingo and the Dacia Spring, both of which have batteries with under 40kWH of capacity.
The promotion comes hot on the heels of a 25% summer discount being offered by MFG across its EV Power network.
Ionity, which was founded by automotive firms including Mercedes, Ford and VW, charges 79p per kWh of electricity for drivers using its app, though prices come down to 47p for customers who pay a £10.50 monthly subscription. The company lost €53m (£45m) in 2023, the most recent year for which financial statements are available.
Ionity’s country manager for the UK and Ireland, Andreas Atkins, commented: “Through the right incentives, we want to strengthen awareness of efficient charging behaviour. Smarter charging saves time, improves charger availability and makes travelling more relaxed for everyone.”
