The growing number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations is making it easier than ever to switch to zero-emission models and leave behind gas-powered cars. It’s also becoming more cost-effective, as EV charging costs depend on public charging station usage. The more charging stations available, the more competitive the pricing becomes. But how can you navigate this landscape? How do you find the best electric vehicle charging prices?
To answer these questions, Adiconsum and TariffEV recently launched the EV Charging Price Observatory, designed to help consumers compare charging rates and bring more transparency to the sector. This initiative also supports consumers in making informed choices, promotes competition among operators, and raises awareness among policymakers about the evolving EV market.
EV Charging Stations in Italy: Numbers, Locations, and Costs
As of 2024, Italy has over 60,000 EV charging stations. According to Motus-E, at the end of Q3 2024, there were 60,339 charging points across the country. The majority are in the north (58%), while the remainder is almost evenly split between the center (20%) and the south and islands (22%). Compared to the previous year, the number of charging points increased by 27.8%.
The most common charging station type in Italy is AC charging, accounting for 48,237 points (about 80% of the total). Meanwhile, DC fast chargers total 12,102 points (about 20%). Regarding power output:
- 8,536 stations offer 50-149 kW (fast DC charging)
- 3,566 stations provide ultrafast charging (≥150 kW)
- Only 1,057 chargers are installed on highways, 86% of which are DC, with 64% below 150 kW
Before purchasing an EV and evaluating the cost of charging, it’s crucial to know where to find charging stations. The National Unified Charging Platform (PUN), launched in early 2024, provides an official, updated map of Italy’s charging stations, maintained by the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) and GSE. The platform is accessible at https://www.piattaformaunicanazionale.it/.
Through the PUN portal, users can:
- View a map of public EV charging infrastructure
- Access precise location data
- Check the power output and charging type
- Identify the station operator
- Verify the charging point status
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV?
Understanding and comparing EV charging costs is crucial in determining whether an electric vehicle is a financially viable option. As of October 2024, public charging prices generally remain below €1 per kWh. However, rates vary based on the operator, charging type, power output, and whether the plan includes a subscription.
According to Motus-E simulations, the average public charging price ranges from €0.53 to €0.68 per kWh. This translates to:
- €4.34 per 100 km for home charging (with a city car)
- €7.47 – €9.42 per 100 km for public charging (city car)
- €11 per 100 km for a comparable gas-powered vehicle
The Adiconsum Observatory helps users easily compare rates, making it easier to find the best deals every month. Here’s how it works.
How to Compare EV Charging Prices: Adiconsum’s Guide
The EV Charging Price Observatory is updated monthly, publishing new price tables that track rates from the 20 largest Italian and international Charge Point Operators (CPOs) that have installed the majority of Italy’s EV charging stations.
Three Types of Charging Rate Tables
Charging prices are divided based on the charging method. The observatory provides separate tables for:
- AC charging stations (slow charging, max 22 kW)
- DC charging stations (fast charging, 50-150 kW, both urban and highway locations)
- HPC charging stations (ultrafast, 150+ kW, typically on highways for quick 15-20 min charges)
How to Read the EV Charging Price Tables
Each table is structured with eight columns, summarizing all key data to help users identify the best electric vehicle charging prices. These tables include:
- CPO name and number of stations – Lists operators and their active charging points, ranked by coverage.
- Role of EMSP – Indicates whether the CPO also acts as an E-Mobility Service Provider (EMSP), offering direct charging services via an app.
- Prices via proprietary app – Shows per-kWh rates available through the CPO’s official app.
- Best price with Italian apps – Highlights the most competitive per-kWh rates offered by Italian EMSPs at CPO stations (usually listing 2-3 alternative offers).
- Best price with foreign apps – Lists the lowest per-kWh rates from foreign EMSPs for the same charging stations (usually listing 2-3 alternative offers).
- Percentage price difference between apps – Displays the percentage gap between CPO app rates and third-party EMSP rates.
- Average €/kWh price – Shows the average per-kWh rate across all listed charging stations.
- Prepaid subscription rates – Details prepaid plans available, expressed in kWh per month if applicable.
By analyzing these tables, EV drivers can make informed decisions about the most cost-effective charging options available.
In the example below, the table regarding direct current (DC) charging points, the fast charging, for December 2024:
