IONITY: Largest e-charging station provider drives price higher
The German fast charging station operator IONITY is increasing its charging prices for electric cars. A battery charge can become up to ten times more expensive. An IONITY hotline that can be contacted around the clock in seven languages justifies the new pricing model.
An interview with IONITY CEO Michael Hajesch made waves last week. That's because in the interview with Edison, Hajesch announced that starting in February, charging at the company's ultrafast chargers will cost 79 cents per kilowatt hour for those e-car drivers whose manufacturers are not part of the Ionity joint venture (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, VW, Audi, Porsche and Hyundai) belongs (Source: www.elektroauto-news.net)
To fully charge a Tesla Model S with a large battery would therefore cost a good 70 francs for a complete charge at Ionity. According to elektroauto news, it would be half as cheap to use Tesla's own Supercharger, for example.
"What is met with incomprehension in the e-car scene is the fact that IONITY, despite the backing of Car manufacturers worth billions, benefits generously from subsidies to build its charging infrastructure, and yet is significantly more expensive than Tesla, which paid for its fast-charging network out of its own pocket," it says on the above-mentioned page. IONITY itself calls its pricing model "fair and transparent" Hajesch said in the interview.
Taking a new approach to pricing
Until now, charging cost a flat rate of eight euros "Session fee", which the Ionity boss describes as "Welcome phase". With 203 stations live and 53 under construction, however, it is now time to "to take the next step in pricing as well."
Hajesch does not fear that IONITY will now lose customers. After all, there are "attractive end-customer offers" for all BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, VW, Audi, Porsche and Hyundai drivers, who pay around 30 to 35 cents per kilowatt hour, depending on the contract. In addition, the provider's value proposition includes "High availability, Europe-wide HPC charging network, top locations directly on the freeway and responsible operation of the charging stations with green electricity.."
Also, the short charging time (the stations perform up to 350 kW) and "a hotline that can be contacted around the clock in seven languages", justify the pricing model, finds Hajesch. The IONITY boss is "convinced that we will make a significant contribution to the market acceptance of electromobility.." Hajesch also notes not yet making a profit on the offering, which is also linked to the new pricing model "not immediate" was to be realized, as the sites are still being expanded throughout Europe.
