Charging your electric car without a badge: how to do it easily with your smartphone?

Imagine this: you're on the road with your electric car, need to charge at a station, and… oops, you forgot your badges and charging cards at home. In the past, charging without a badge was impossible. Today? Your smartphone is all you need! Let’s explore how badge-free charging is transforming the EV driver experience in France.

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The revolution is here: what the LOM law really changes for charging stations

Since the Mobility Orientation Law came into effect on December 26, 2019, EV drivers have seen a real revolution. All public charging stations in France must now offer pay-as-you-go access without requiring a subscription—ideal for charging without a badge.In practice? No more collecting badges and passes like loyalty cards! Charging network operators must allow you to charge using:

Your bank card directly at the station
A simple QR code from your app
A free app with no mandatory subscription
Universal payment systems

This evolution in public charging services ensures access for all drivers—even those just passing through.

Electra leads the way: charging in three taps

A reimagined user experience

As a pioneer in fast charging, Electra has redesigned the user experience down to the last detail. The mobile app lets you locate a station in real time, check availability and power, and start a session in seconds—no hassle.Creating an account is now required, but it’s ultra-simple: just a phone number is enough. Once logged in, users can add their existing charging pass (like Chargemap or Shell Recharge) directly in the app, making it easier to manage sessions on other compatible networks.And there’s a bonus: exclusive discounted rates are available for charges made via the Electra app.No badge to order, no waiting—each step is clearly guided, making charging intuitive and fast, even for beginners.

Stations designed for everyone

Electra stations are located in strategic spots: supermarket parking lots, modern service stations, highway rest areas. Their sleek design, clear signage, and accessible touch interface make the experience smooth and reassuring for all drivers—whether new or experienced in electromobility.

Why say goodbye to charging badges?

The freedom to charge anywhere without cards or passes

Marie, a Tesla Model 3 driver, shares her experience:“I was tired of juggling five different badges to charge my car. Now with the mobile app, I can use any charging station without a badge. It’s a real boost for electric mobility!”

Why EV drivers love this approach:

Total flexibility: charge on any network without forced loyalty
Extreme simplicity: your smartphone replaces all badges
Real savings: transparent per-kWh pricing
Geographic freedom: charging solutions available all over France

New EV drivers love badge-free charging

First-time EV owners especially appreciate this approach. No need to sign up for ten different subscriptions and badges before even charging once!Direct payment at the station is becoming the norm. According to the 2024 Avere-France/AFIREV charging service quality report, “pay-as-you-go continues to grow, with 89% of users using it in 2024 compared to 83% in 2022.”

Practical guide: your first badge-free charge

Before you go, check these 4 essentials

Compatibility: Does your vehicle have a Type 2 or Combo CCS plug?
Payment methods: Does the app accept your bank card?
Network coverage: Do you have 4G between home and your destination?
Power and pricing: What’s the available power and price per kWh at the station?

Pro tip for optimal use

Download the Electra app from the Apple Store or Play Store before you leave. Its clear interface shows all this info in advance: available power, per-kWh pricing. No more surprises when you plug in!

The winning strategy: mix your solutions

Let’s be honest: some rural networks or older stations still require a badge. A universal pass like Chargemap in your glovebox is a handy backup for:

Dead zones with no mobile signal
Older-generation stations
Taking advantage of special rates

For 90% of your charges, your smartphone will be more than enough. Apps like Electra cover most needs:

Daily commutes
Weekend shopping trips
Urban getaways
Business travel (easy for reimbursement)

Overview of badge-free charging solutions

Major operators offering direct payment at stations

Beyond Electra, other EV charging networks in France support badge-free charging:

TotalEnergies: Their stations accept bank cards for direct payment
Ionity: Free mobile app with pay-per-session
Chargemap: Also offers a no-subscription option via the app
Fastned: QR code payment at fast chargers, per-kWh pricing displayed

Operator	Badge-free payment methods	App	Max power	Displayed pricing	Station reservation
Electra	App, bank card, Apple Pay / Google Pay	Yes	Up to 400 kW	Transparent and fixed with subscription	Yes
TotalEnergies	Bank card, Charge+ app	Yes	Up to 300 kW	Yes	No
Ionity	QR code, Ionity app, direct payment	Yes	Up to 400 kW	Yes	No
Fastned	QR code, Fastned app, bank card	Yes	Up to 400 kW	Yes	No
Chargemap	App (on compatible networks)	Yes	Variable	Varies by station	No

Beware of hidden fees and limitations!

Not all operators offer the same badge-free experience. Some hide connection fees, others limit power without a pass. Free stations in shopping centers may require a store loyalty card.

The bright future of spontaneous charging

What’s coming next

Badge-free charging is just the beginning. Upcoming innovations promise even more simplicity:

Plug & Charge: Your car is recognized automatically
Auto payment: No need to pull out your phone
Advance booking: Reserve your slot from the highway
Dynamic pricing: Rates that adjust to demand

France, a European pioneer

France is leading the way with forward-thinking legislation. French drivers enjoy one of the most open networks in Europe—a national success that supports widespread EV adoption!

FAQs from new EV drivers

“Is it really safe to pay with my phone?”

Absolutely! Apps like Electra use the same secure protocols as your bank. Your data is encrypted and never stored on the station.

“Is it more expensive without a subscription?”

Not necessarily! For occasional use, pay-as-you-go is often cheaper. Frequent drivers can still subscribe to get discounts on charging.

“What if my phone runs out of battery?”

Most modern stations offer multiple payment options: contactless bank card, QR code on screen… Alternatives exist!

Final word: make your life easier!

Badge-free charging is more than a technical upgrade—it’s a shift that puts users first. No more admin hassle—just spontaneous, seamless charging.