Public charging stations in Belgium: overview of rates, locations, and tips (2026)
Feb 6, 2026
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Public charging stations in Belgium: the complete guide to smart charging on the go
Belgium currently has more than 100,000 public charging points, putting it in third place in Europe, after the Netherlands (11 per 1,000 inhabitants) and Denmark (7.7). With 7.6 charging points per 1,000 inhabitants, our country is doing particularly well. Even more impressive: in April 2024, there were only around 50,000 charging points. That number has doubled in just under a year. Whether you want to quickly recharge while shopping or are planning a longer trip to the Ardennes, you will always find a charging point nearby.
Short answer: public charging stations in Belgium cost an average of €0.40 to €0.55 per kWh for standard AC power and €0.55 to €0.75 per kWh for fast chargers. You pay with a charging card, via an app, or directly with your bank card. Availability is excellent: most stations are accessible 24/7, although some locations are subject to opening hours.
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Public charging stations vs. semi-public charging points: where can you park?
Not every public charging station works the same way. In Belgium, we distinguish between fully public charging points and semi-public infrastructure. This difference determines where you can park and when you have access to the charging point.
Public charging stations on the street
These charging stations are located along public roads and are accessible all year round. Several providers manage this network: TotalEnergies is active in Brussels, while Allego and Engie are expanding the infrastructure in Flanders. These stations are convenient for those who do not have their own driveway or want to charge their car at night near their home.
Flanders currently has around 60,000 charging points, of which 17,650 are completely public and always accessible. Wallonia has around 13,000, Brussels around 10,000. The Flemish government plans to have a thousand charging plazas with six to seven points each by 2030, so that you can easily find a spot in every municipality. The target for the whole of Belgium? No fewer than 220,000 public charging points by 2030, according to EV Belgium.
Semi-public charging points at shops and businesses
Semi-public charging stations can be found in supermarket car parks (Lidl, Colruyt, Carrefour), at shopping centers, restaurants, and on business parks. They are accessible to everyone, but often only during opening hours. Flanders has more than 41,500 of these charging points.
The advantage? You can combine charging with your daily activities. Do some shopping at Colruyt while your car is charging at a DATS 24 station? Convenient and time-saving.
AC or DC: which charging speed should you choose?
Not every charging station works at the same speed. The choice between AC and DC fast chargers depends on how much time you have and what you plan to do. Here is an overview:
Type | Power | Time (60 kWh) | Ideal for |
AC (standard) | 11-22 kW | 3 to 6 hours | Shopping, cinema, nighttime |
DC (fast charger) | 50-150 kW | 30 to 60 min | On the road, short break |
DC (ultra-fast charger) | 150-400 kW | 15 to 30 min | Long journeys, highway |
Belgium has invested heavily in fast-charging infrastructure in recent years. Along the major highways, you will find more and more fast-charging stations with capacities of up to 400 kW. This means you can recharge enough for another 200 to 300 kilometers in about 20 minutes. Handy for those who regularly drive longer distances or plan a weekend trip abroad.
How do you pay at a public charging station?
Paying has become a lot easier in recent years. You have several options, depending on your preference and how often you charge your car in public.
With a charging card
A charging card remains the most popular method. You hold the card against the reader, plug in, and you're done. Well-known providers in Belgium include Shell Recharge, Chargemap, Blue Corner, and EDI (D'Ieteren). Most cards work across the entire Belgian network thanks to interoperability between operators.
Applying for a charging card is free with most providers. You only pay for the energy, sometimes supplemented by a small transaction fee per session (usually €0.35 to €0.50). Some providers work with a monthly subscription that gives you a lower rate per kWh.
Directly with a bank card or QR code
Since April 2024, European AFIR regulations require all new fast chargers (50 kW or more) to accept payment by bank card. Existing points have until 2027 to adapt. For slower AC charging stations, a QR code that takes you to a payment page is sufficient.
This is good news for those who do not want a charging card or need to recharge spontaneously. Scan the QR code, enter your payment details, and the session will start. No subscription is required.
Via an app
More and more operators are offering their own apps that allow you to start, pay for, and track sessions. Apps such as Chargemap, Shell Recharge, or Electra also show available points in the area, including real-time availability and rates. Some apps offer additional features: reserving a charging point up to 30 minutes in advance or automatic recognition of your car (Autocharge).
Looking for a charging point? With the route planner in your app or car, you can easily plan your trip with stops along the way.
How much does it cost to charge at a public charging station?
The cost per kWh varies depending on the type of charging station, the operator, and your payment method. Here is an overview of the average rates in 2026:
Type | Rate/kWh | Cost per 100 km |
Home charging | €0.22 - €0.30 | €3.30 - €4.50 |
AC (standard) | €0.40 - €0.55 | €6.00 - €8.25 |
DC (fast charger) | €0.55 - €0.75 | €8.25 - €11.25 |
Based on an average consumption of 15 kWh per 100 km
How is the rate calculated?
At public charging stations, you usually pay per kWh. In addition, some operators charge extra costs:
Start-up fee: a fixed amount per session (€0.35 to €0.50)
Time rate: a cost per minute that your car remains connected after the battery is full (idle fee)
Roaming surcharge: an extra cost when you use a charging card from provider A to charge at operator B
Tip: check the rates in your app in advance. Most apps show the total amount per charging point, so you'll never be faced with any surprises.
Where can you find public charging stations in Belgium?
With more than 100,000 charging points and 380,000 electric cars in our country, there is always a charging station nearby. This means that, in theory, every EV driver could spend several hours a day at a public charging station. The reality is that there is sufficient capacity, even if you cannot charge at home.
Charging apps such as Chargemap, Shell Recharge, and Electra show all public charging points on a map. You can filter by charging speed, availability, connector type, and rate. This is useful for those who want to plan a route or quickly find an available point.
Most navigation systems for electric cars now also integrate charging points into their route planner. You enter your destination and the car automatically plans stops based on your current battery level. This allows you to drive from Antwerp to the Côte d'Azur without any worries.
Fast charging at Electra: how it works
Among the various providers of fast-charging infrastructure, Electra opts for maximum simplicity. With more than 100 fast-charging stations and 600 charging points in Belgium, the network has grown to become one of the largest in our country. You can find all locations on the interactive map.
What makes Electra different? All stations are accessible 24/7 and equipped with ultra-fast chargers up to 400 kW. Using the Electra app, you can reserve a spot up to 30 minutes in advance, so you can be sure of availability. Thanks to Autocharge, the charging station automatically recognizes your car as soon as you plug in. No card, no hassle.
Electra rates in Belgium (2026):
Payment method | Rate per kWh |
With app + Electra+ subscription | from €0.39 |
With app, without subscription | $0.54 |
Without app (bank card) | €0.69 |
Via fuel card from another provider | from €0.75 |
Curious about all rates and subscription options? View the complete rate overview or discover how charging at Electra works.
Useful tips for public charging
Plan your stops in advance. Especially for longer trips, it pays to check in advance where the fast charging stations are located. Use the route planner in your app or navigation system.
Charge to 80%. The last 20% of your battery takes proportionally longer. For most trips, charging to 80% is sufficient.
Choose wisely. Do youhave time? Opt for a cheaper AC charging station. In a hurry? A fast charger costs a little more per kWh, but you'll be there for less time.
Combine with activities. Groceryshopping , lunch, or a bathroom break: public charging stations are often located in places where you would stop anyway.
Ready to charge on the go?
With 100,000 public charging points, transparent rates, and more and more payment options, electric driving in Belgium is more accessible than ever. Whether you choose a charging card, an app, or just your bank card, charging on the road is now as easy as it used to be to fill up at the gas station.
Curious about Electra's fast-charging network? View all Electra fast-charging stations in Belgium and discover how easy charging can be.
Anneleen, mobility specialist at Electra
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