Ionity launches 5 kWh rewards to cut queue times at European fast‑chargers

Ionity, the European high‑speed electric‑vehicle charging network founded by major automakers, has introduced two incentive programmes aimed at easing summer‑season congestion. The “Fast Lane Reward” gives drivers a 5 kWh credit (worth up to €3‑£4) when they stop charging at 80 % battery level, enable the “80 % charged” push notification in the app, and begin the session between 09:00‑17:00. The “Off‑Peak Reward” provides the same credit for charging sessions of at least 40 kWh that run between 22:00‑06:00. Credits are automatically applied to the next charging transaction, allowing users to earn up to 10 kWh of free electricity per day.

Ionity says the schemes encourage more efficient charging behaviour, shortening wait times and improving charger availability across its European sites. The company, which lost €53 million in 2023, charges 79 p/kWh (47 p/kWh for subscribers) and notes that vehicles with batteries under 40 kWh – such as the Renault Twingo and Dacia Spring – cannot benefit. The rollout is part of a broader effort to manage demand without large capital investment in new stations.