When driving electric vehicles, it is essential to understand how the public charging infrastructure works. One of the frequently asked questions is “how long can you park at a charging station?” It seems like a simple question, but the answer is not as simple as it seems and can vary depending on several factors. It often depends on the location of the charging station, municipal regulations and whether the car is still actively charging or fully charged.

how long can you stand at a charging station

Is there a maximum loading time?

Technically, there is no maximum time your car can spend charging at a public charging station. The charging time of an electric car varies, depending on the capacity of the battery, the speed of the charging station (fast charger or regular charger), and how empty the battery was at the start of charging. However, this does not mean you can leave your car at a public charging station indefinitely. Rules have been established to prevent charging stations from being occupied for long periods of time by vehicles that are not actively charging, known as “charging station life.

Difference by municipality

In the Netherlands, the rules on how long you can stay at a charging station can vary from one municipality to another. For example, some municipalities state that as long as the car is actively charging, it may remain at the charging station. Other municipalities state that after charging, a car must be moved to a regular parking spot. So it is important to be aware of the specific rules in your municipality or the municipality where you are located.

95 euros fine for two hours of charging pole life

If you forget to move your car after charging and leave your electric car at a charging station for longer, it could result in a fine of 95 euros. This is intended to ensure that charging stations are available to drivers who actually need to charge their car. Parking a non-electric car in a parking spot with a charging station is also prohibited. If you do, you risk a 90 euro fine.

Municipalities with Opcharge charging stations

As a charging station operator, Opcharge realizes charging stations for several municipalities in the Netherlands. In among others Eindhoven, Leiden, Tilburg, Breda, Dordrecht, Amersfoort and Arnhem you can engage Opcharge to apply for a public or business charging station. Fill in the application form via our website and we will start discussions with the municipality about the actual placement and installation of the desired charging stations.

How do I know when my battery is full?

One of the most frequently asked questions new electric car owners have is, “how do I know when my battery is full?” Fortunately, modern electric vehicles and charging stations have a range of features built in to help you determine this.

As for charging stations, they are often equipped with light indicators that indicate the status of the charging process. The most common indicator is a green light that comes on when the car’s battery is fully charged. In some cases, there may also be an app or SMS service that sends you a notification when your car is fully charged. Therefore, move your electric car immediately after charging to avoid fines.

Public charging stations from Opcharge

Public charging stations are charging stations installed in public areas and intended to charge electric cars.
These charging stations are located on the street, in parking garages, shopping centers, business parks and other public locations.

At Opcharge, you can apply for public charging stations for various municipalities. We are in close contact with these municipalities and take care of everything from the application to the installation of the charging station. Want to know more about public charge points, what the rules are and how the application process works? Then click here.

Rates

Charges for using charging stations can vary depending on the location. Some municipalities have specific regulations that may reduce costs or provide certain benefits for residents. For the most current prices, please refer to this page where you can find the necessary information.

Requesting a charging station in your area

Do you own an electric car and would like to request a public or business charging station? Then contact Opcharge. Thanks to our extensive network, we make contact with different municipalities in an accessible way. Complete the application form and request a charging station from Opcharge today.