Public charging for electric cars
Top up your battery while shopping or at work. Stop at a rapid charging station and power up your battery to 80 per cent while you stretch your legs and have a snack. Charging on the go is quick, easy, and convenient. Use the Volvo Cars App to locate nearby charging stations en route to your destination.
Public charging methods
Go wherever. Charge whenever.
Rapid chargers
Rapid chargers, often referred to as DC chargers, are available at select public charging stations and offer the fastest way to charge your electric car. These chargers can power up your battery to 80 percent in approximately 22 minutes, depending on the model. Typically found at motorway services, they’re convenient on road trips when you quickly want to get back on the road with additional miles of driving range. Rapid chargers will charge a battery quickly up to 80 per cent, but slow down after this point to help protect the car’s battery. The charging cable is always attached to the charging unit and is compatible with most Volvo fully electric cars.
Destination chargers
Destination chargers, often referred to as AC chargers, are typically used for longer charging sessions. They can effectively charge your electric car and are often located where you park for extended periods, such as outside workplaces, shopping centres or residential areas. All you need to do is park your car, connect to the unit and start charging. This setup allows you to seamlessly integrate charging into your daily routine, powering up your car while you shop, train at the gym or work. Destination chargers are compatible with most Volvo fully electric cars and Volvo plug-in hybrids.
Rapid chargers
Rapid chargers, often referred to as DC chargers, are available at select public charging stations and offer the fastest way to charge your electric car. These chargers can power up your battery to 80 percent in approximately 22 minutes, depending on the model. Typically found at motorway services, they’re convenient on road trips when you quickly want to get back on the road with additional miles of driving range. Rapid chargers will charge a battery quickly up to 80 per cent, but slow down after this point to help protect the car’s battery. The charging cable is always attached to the charging unit and is compatible with most Volvo fully electric cars.
Destination chargers
Destination chargers, often referred to as AC chargers, are typically used for longer charging sessions. They can effectively charge your electric car and are often located where you park for extended periods, such as outside workplaces, shopping centres or residential areas. All you need to do is park your car, connect to the unit and start charging. This setup allows you to seamlessly integrate charging into your daily routine, powering up your car while you shop, train at the gym or work. Destination chargers are compatible with most Volvo fully electric cars and Volvo plug-in hybrids.
Public charging service
Volvo Public Charging Service
Charge across Europe with ease
Enjoy the convenience of only having one contract and one charging card, as well as seamless e-mobility integration with Volvo Public Charging Service for your fully electric car – one of the largest public charging networks in Europe, with more than 890,000 charge points in 30 European countries.
One service. Full control.
With Volvo Public Charging Service, access to charging is convenient. Most charging sessions for your fully electric car can be started directly with the Volvo Public Charging Service card. Your invoice will always be in your own currency, and there is always full price transparency, making it easy to keep track of your expenses.
Simple to join. Easy to use.
Joining is simple and can be done in just a few steps—sign up today and enjoy convenient and accessible charging all over Europe.
Charge across Europe with ease
Enjoy the convenience of only having one contract and one charging card, as well as seamless e-mobility integration with Volvo Public Charging Service for your fully electric car – one of the largest public charging networks in Europe, with more than 890,000 charge points in 30 European countries.
One service. Full control.
With Volvo Public Charging Service, access to charging is convenient. Most charging sessions for your fully electric car can be started directly with the Volvo Public Charging Service card. Your invoice will always be in your own currency, and there is always full price transparency, making it easy to keep track of your expenses.
Simple to join. Easy to use.
Joining is simple and can be done in just a few steps—sign up today and enjoy convenient and accessible charging all over Europe.
Public charging routine
With an expanding public charging network, powering your Volvo electric car on the go is simple. Rapid charging stations are now common along major motorways, and destination chargers are widely available across cities and urban areas.
Public charging costs and payment options
The costs for charging your electric car in public vary depending on the provider, location and charging speed. Some offer fixed rates, while others use flexible pricing based on time or energy used. With the Volvo Cars app you can access a wide network of chargers. When it’s time to pay, choose between contactless payments, paying in the app or opting for a subscription plan.
Talk to a Volvo specialist
Plug & charge
Select Volvo cars are now compatible with the convenient Plug & Charge Technology. All you have to do is connect your electric car’s charging cable to the charging point, and the charging process will begin automatically. Additionally, this technology takes care of payment, so you won’t have to worry about paying for the service separately. Currently, the EX90, EX30, EX40 and the EC40 are compatible with the Plug & Charge technology
Find a dealerFAQ on charging
What’s the difference between home charging and public charging?
Home charging is a convenient and cost-effective charging option you can do at home, letting you power up overnight using a wallbox or standard outlet. Public charging, on the other hand, gives you flexibility on the go – with access to a wide network of destination chargers for convenient top ups or rapid chargers during longer journeys.
Can I charge my car abroad with the Volvo cars app?
Yes, you can. When driving abroad, simply open the Volvo Cars app to locate compatible public chargers along your journey. You can start and stop charging sessions directly in the app, view real-time availability and pay using your linked Volvo Cars account, no additional apps or cards needed.
What factors affect charging time?
Charging time depends on several factors, including charger type, battery size, current charge level, and temperature conditions. Charging is fastest up to around 80% – after that, the process slows to protect the battery. For optimal efficiency, preheat the battery by navigating to the charger via Google Maps, and turn off climate control systems while charging. Planning your stops to align with breaks and choosing chargers without another car connected can also help reduce overall charging time.
What types of public charging stations are compatible with Volvo electric cars?
Volvo fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars are compatible with most public charging stations available in the markets where we operate. This includes destination charging stations for regular top-ups and rapid chargers for quicker charging on longer journeys. In many markets, our cars also work with Tesla Superchargers, too.
The exact connector type and charging speed may vary depending on local standards and availability. For example, CCS (Combined Charging System) is widely used across Europe and North America, while other markets use different systems. Be sure to check with your local Volvo dealer for more specific information.