Where do free charging stations actually exist?
Free public charging shows up in surprisingly many places across Germany. The logic behind it is simple: keep you in the store or on the property for as long as possible while your car charges.
Supermarkets and discount grocers
- Aldi: over 1,500 charging points nationwide, mostly 22 kW AC – free while you shop, parking time capped at typical shopping duration
- Rewe: roughly 800 locations with free 22 kW AC charging, some with a paid fast charger option too
- Lidl: select stores offer free charging, with more being added
- Kaufland: parking-lot chargers at many locations, frequently free
Tip: use the charging map's free filter to see every free station near you.
Furniture and home goods stores
- IKEA: nearly every German store offers free charging (22 kW AC), usually capped at typical shopping hours; some locations also have paid DC fast chargers
- Regional furniture chains: select stores offer free charging as a customer perk
Hotels
More hotels are offering free overnight charging as a way to stand out from the competition. Business hotels and 4-star properties in particular often include it in the room rate, or charge €10–20/night. Booking platforms increasingly let you filter for "EV charging station" as an amenity.
Employer charging
Many companies provide employees with free charging spots – and there's a real tax incentive behind it in Germany: charging at your employer has been tax-free since 2017 (§3 No. 46 EStG). Worth asking your employer, since government subsidy programs exist for businesses that install charging infrastructure.
Public spaces and municipalities
Some cities and towns offer free charging on public parking as part of local EV-adoption efforts, though this varies a lot by region.
- Cities like Flensburg, Konstanz and Freiburg are known for a relatively high density of free municipal chargers
- State-level programs in places like Baden-Württemberg tend to fund more public charging infrastructure than the national average
Credit cards and loyalty programs
A few programs make charging effectively free:
- Volkswagen We Charge: sometimes bundled into certain financing deals
- Mercedes me Charge: free charging allowance included with some vehicle purchases
- Tesla referral program: free miles for successful referrals
- Charging cards with sign-up bonuses: Plugsurfing and similar providers often offer €20–50 in starting credit
Frequently asked questions
Is Aldi charging really free?
Yes, Aldi offers free 22 kW AC charging at many of its parking lots in Germany. There's no purchase requirement, though parking time is limited to normal shopping hours.
How do I find free charging stations near me?
The charging map's free filter marks every station tagged as free. Data is sourced from OpenStreetMap and refreshed daily.
Is free charging always slow?
Usually, yes. Most free stations run at 22 kW AC. If you need a quick top-up on a road trip, you'll want a paid DC fast charger instead.
Every free charging point is on the charging map, updated daily. Related reading: Charging while you shop · Charging without a card or app · Charging card comparison · Cheap home electricity for EV charging
