How to Use EV Charging Stations

Electric car charging is an essential skill for modern drivers. It involves understanding the charge point and knowing the most common methods for authentication.

This guide provides an overview of the charging station, the charging session and tips to find the right solutions for efficient charging. If you want to charge your electric vehicle at a public charging station then you’re in the right place, this guide makes charging easy.

Common Authentication Methods at Public Charging Stations

Authentication methods ensure secure access to public charging points. These methods allow you to authenticate and start quickly and efficiently while avoiding delays.

Public charging stations are designed to provide secure and convenient access for EV drivers. Understanding the charging session helps ensure smooth operation.

Understanding these methods helps avoid delays or confusion at public charging locations.

RFID Cards

With the CUPRA Charging Service, drivers receive an RFID card to authenticate and start charging at public charging stations.

It offers access to over 800,000 public charging points across Europe. Simply tap the card at compatible stations to start charging.

Mobile Apps

Apps like the My CUPRA App allow drivers to locate public charging points, check availability, and manage sessions.

The My CUPRA App is ideal for when you’re looking for the best stations to charge your electric car.

With the My CUPRA App, you can filter stations by power or price, check user reviews and even pre-plan your charging stops for long trips.

Remote Start

The My CUPRA App enables you to remotely start charging sessions with ease. Simply open the app, select the charging point and begin the session without needing additional authentication methods. This feature makes charging convenient when you car is parked at a charging point, allowing you to start the process remotely.

QR Code Authentication

The My CUPRA App also supports QR code authentication, allowing you to scan the code at a charging station to start your session. This option provides a quicker alternative to other authentication methods.

Contactless Payments with CUPRA Charging

Subscription plans streamline access to public chargers. CUPRA Charging ensures streamlined payment solutions via debit or credit card through the My CUPRA App, Plug&Charge and RFID.

The RFID card, obtained upon subscribing to a charging tariff, allows easy station activation while using the associated subscription.

Subscription Accounts – One App. One Subscription. One Bill.

Through the My CUPRA App, drivers can subscribe to plans that simplify access to charging stations and offer competitive rates.

CUPRA Charging gives you access to 800,000 charging points across Europe. With one app, and a single subscription, we connect you to multiple operators.

Easily manage your charging sessions, tariff plans and billing in one place.

CUPRA Plug & Charge Technology

CUPRA’s Plug & Charge feature takes convenience to the next level. Compatible vehicles like the CUPRA Born and CUPRA Tavascan, must be subscribed to a CUPRA Charging Service tariff which then allows you to automatically authenticate at public charging stations without needing an app or RFID card.

Simply plug your car into a Plug & Charge-compatible station, and the charging session will begin immediately. This feature saves time and effort while ensuring secure transactions.

Using CUPRA CONNECT and the My CUPRA App for Charging

Using your car’s CUPRA CONNECT Infotainment System or the My CUPRA App on your mobile phone is easy.

Finding your nearest charging stations or preferred destination is also straightforward thanks to its electric vehicle route planner.

What is the Electric Vehicle Route Planner?

The CUPRA EV Route Planner in the My CUPRA app simplifies journey planning. Open the app, search for your destination and view a route with charging stops. Set preferences, update the route if needed and send it directly to your car to start your trip.

What is the CUPRA Charging Map?

The CUPRA Charging Map provides real time information for public charging stations within the CUPRA Charging services. It makes sure you’ll have charging stations available on your journey and gives real-time updates of their status – letting you know whether they are in use or available.

Additionally, the CUPRA Charging Map informs you of any amenities such as restaurants, restrooms and coffee shops that may be near to your designated charging station.

Watch how to use the CUPRA Charging Map.

How to Plan an EV Route

Simply search your destination, create a personalised route with charging stops, set your preferences and then view your plan on the in-car screen.

Watch how to use the CUPRA Electric Vehicle Route Planner.

Charging Station Ratings

You can also access feedback from other drivers helps users make informed decisions about the best places to charge based on shared experiences.

Accessing the CUPRA Charging Map

To use the CUPRA Charging Map in your car, you need to enrol. This means creating a CUPRA ID and registering your vehicle as the primary user. Once done, you can download and access the Charging Map directly through your car's infotainment system. It’s part of CUPRA Connect’s services and works for fully electric CUPRA models with the right hardware and software.

On your phone, the Charging Map is part of the My CUPRA app, not a separate app. It lets you find charging stations and check availability, giving you the same features as in your car.

Tips for Efficient Charging

Plan your route with the Electric Vehicle Route Planner to so you can find public charging options on the road, wherever you choose to go.
Check how long it will take to charge your car. The estimated time required to charge your car is displayed on the vehicle’s screen and can also be checked through the My CUPRA App. This may depend on the battery type of your vehicle. The app will notify you when your desired state of charge has been reached.
Use rapid chargers for faster charging during long trips, but note that your car can also use slower chargers and home charging setups for convenience.

Tips for Easy Authentication

Ensure you have an active account. Check if the charging point requires pre-registration.
Keep your RFID card or mobile app credentials accessible while traveling.
Confirm the station’s compatibility with contactless payments if you prefer not to use a subscription.

Authentication methods simplify the charging process while ensuring secure and reliable access to public stations.

Looking to optimise your EV experience? Explore charging tips for long journeys or how to save on EV charging costs.