In order to charge the batteries of an electric vehicle at a public charging station, access authorisation is required. Giessen now has a smartphone app for this purpose.
On 1 December 2019, Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG) will be changing access to its charging stations for electric vehicles. Instead of using a charging card as before, drivers of electric cars will soon be able to activate the charging points using the e-fuelling app. Together with a smartphone, it will enable them to top up their vehicle batteries at the three SWG charging points in Giessen and Pohlheim. SWG is also planning to make other partner charging stations accessible via e-fuelling in the future.
However, the e-fuelling app does much more than just provide access to the charging stations. For example, it shows all currently available charging points in the region on an overview map. The practical programme also informs users whether the stations are occupied or free, saving them unnecessary journeys. "Of course, the smart tool also navigates users directly to the desired charging station," explains Ulli Boos, Head of Marketing at SWG and responsible for the project. He adds: "The e-fuelling app is an important addition to our E-Revolution product world." SWG has summarised various products and services in the E-Revolution that promote the topic of e-mobility in the region.
Convenient billing
Last but not least, the e-fuelling app also shows the current prices. This is because SWG will start charging for the electricity you fill up with when you switch to the app. "For almost four years, we have provided electricity free of charge at our charging points and thus provided financial support for electromobility in the region," adds Ulli Boos. It was already clear at the time of installation that charging would eventually cost money.
Billing also runs via the new app - simply and transparently. When setting up the customer account, the app asks for the necessary information for a SEPA direct debit mandate. "We have found that this is the most convenient way for our customers," adds Ulli Boos. So anyone who charges their car with the e-fuelling app receives a monthly invoice - by email as a PDF. Of course, the app documents all charging processes. As a result, all charging actions and meter readings as well as the associated costs can be viewed in real time.
The e-fuelling app is available to download free of charge from the popular iOS and Android stores. All information on e-fuelling and the costs can be found on the Internet at www.erevolution.de/e-tanken