Electra overstay fees: why, when, and how to avoid them

You may have experienced it already: arriving at a station where all chargers are taken by vehicles that are already fully charged. To make sure everyone can access a charger when they need one, we apply overstay fees on certain sessions. Here is how it works, and most importantly, how to never pay them.

Why overstay fees?

When a vehicle stays plugged in while its charge is essentially complete, it blocks a charger that could serve another driver. The goal is to guarantee charger availability for everyone. A driver would never leave their car parked in front of a gas pump after refueling. The same principle applies at a charging station.

When do overstay fees apply?

Our approach is deliberately fairer than a simple timer: fees only trigger when two conditions are met at the same time.

1. Your vehicle is charged above 80%

Above 80%, charging power drops significantly: your car only draws around 20% of its peak power. Getting the last few percent takes much longer than the first 80%, for a limited gain in range. This is precisely when freeing up the charger has the most value.

2. The station is particularly busy

When the station is experiencing high traffic and few charging points are available, it is considered particularly busy. If the station is quiet, you can stay plugged in beyond 80% at no additional cost.

How does it work in practice?

Once both conditions are met, you have a 5-minute grace period to unplug. Nothing is charged during this period. Beyond that, fees of €0.40 per minute apply, capped at €50 maximum per session.

The Electra app actively warns you (if notifications are enabled): one alert 5 minutes before fees start, and a second one when they begin. The information is also visible on the ongoing charging session screen in your Electra app.

What if I charge with a third-party badge (roaming)?

If you use a badge from another operator (Chargemap, Plugsurfing, Shell Recharge, etc.), the conditions differ:

• Fees apply after 75 minutes of session, regardless of your battery level and station occupancy

• Same rate: €0.40 per minute, capped at €100 per session

This difference comes from a technical constraint: when you use a third-party badge, we cannot yet know your charge level in real time. If you charge regularly at Electra, the app gives you access to the fairer model, based on your actual battery.

Stations excluded from overstay fees

Some stations are out of scope: AC chargers and stations on highways, rest areas and service areas. Each station's details in the app indicate whether overstay fees apply.

Summary

How to avoid overstay fees?

It is simple, and entirely in your hands:

1. Enable notifications in the Electra app

2. Unplug as soon as your vehicle is comfortably charged, ideally at 80%

3. If you receive an alert, you have 5 minutes to unplug

The app also shows you available stations around you in real time, and automatically suggests nearby alternatives if your target station is busy.

Frequently asked questions

My car was charging slowly, I had not finished. Are the fees fair? Above 80%, going from 80 to 100% often takes as long as going from 10 to 80%, for only 20% of additional range. At that point, keeping the charger occupied has a real impact on drivers waiting. The 5-minute grace period is designed precisely for this transition.

How will I be billed? Overstay fees appear on a separate line on your invoice, distinct from energy costs. Payment is automatic via your registered payment method.

I have an issue with my invoice, who should I contact? Our support team is reachable directly from the app. Describe the situation, we will review your session and get back to you.

I am an Electra+ subscriber, am I concerned? Yes. The subscription gives you a preferential rate on energy, but the overstay fee principle remains the same for everyone.

Do fees apply on partner stations (ChargeLeague, Atlante, Fastned, IONITY)? No. When you use the Electra app on another operator's network, their pricing policy applies. No Electra fee is added.

If you have any question, our support team is reachable directly from the app.