TotalEnergies limits charging to 45 minutes before penalty

To regulate the wait at its charging stations, TotalEnergies has found a radical, yet dangerous solution: limit the charging time.

Let’s be honest: there is never a crowd at TotalEnergies charging stations, on the highway or elsewhere. The cause? Electricity prices that are absolutely uncompetitive, even prohibitive.

When Tesla Superchargers are at 28 cents per kWh, you have to pay more than double at the French energy company. Indeed, the rates are as follows:

• 0.52 euros / kWh up to a charging power of 50 kW
• 0.61 euros / kWh on stations above 50 kW

The problem is that at this level of energy prices, driving electric costs as much as gasoline for the same distance traveled. Indeed, on the highway, a realistic consumption of 22 kW/100 km will therefore require recharging 55 kWh every 250 kilometers (2 hours of driving). This amounts to a cost of 34.10 euros at TotalEnergies, compared to about 15.40 euros at Tesla.

For an SUV consuming 6.5 liters / 100 km of diesel at 1.8 euros per liter on the highway (yes…), traveling those same 250 kilometers will cost you 16.25 liters of fuel, or 29.25 euros!

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Energy

• 06/10/2025 10:38

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Beware of TotalEnergies Charging Station Congestion Fees!

Despite this lack of competitive pricing and customers, TotalEnergies is copying some of its peers by applying occupancy fees at its stations. After 45 minutes of charging or presence, the bill will increase by 0.40 euros / minute… in addition to the kWh cost.

Ultimately, the customer whose vehicle does not have the luxury of fast-charging is penalized. TotalEnergies specifies in its general terms that “Billing continues to apply as long as your vehicle remains plugged in. We encourage you to retrieve your vehicle as soon as your charging session is completed to keep the service accessible to all.”

So, it’s still cheaper in absolute terms than Tesla and its 1 euro / minute once the charge exceeds 80% (depending on the Supercharger locations and the time of year). But in the middle of summer, like currently during this heatwave, charging for 45 minutes might only reach 30 to 40 kWh. Enough to travel 150 kilometers before stopping again.

We could continue to be more customer-friendly… especially since the stations are mostly underutilized.

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