In India, you pay for public EV charging through the charging operator’s mobile app. You scan the QR code on the charger (or pick it in the app), start the session, and pay for the energy used with UPI, a debit or credit card, or a prepaid in-app wallet. Some networks also offer RFID cards for tap-to-start charging. Most public chargers do not take cash. DC fast charging typically costs around ₹18–25 per kWh.
Last updated: September 2026.
How to Pay at a Public EV Charger: Step by Step
- Install the network’s app and sign up with your mobile number. Each network — Tata Power EZ Charge, Jio-bp pulse, Statiq, ChargeZone, EarthtronEV and others — has its own app.
- Add a payment method: top up the in-app wallet, or link UPI or a card, depending on the app.
- Find a charger and check it is free and online before you drive there. The app shows each charger’s status, connector type (CCS2, Type 2) and price per kWh.
- Plug in and start the session by scanning the QR code on the charger, selecting the charger in the app, or tapping an RFID card if your network supports it.
- Stop the session in the app or at the charger when you are done. The amount is deducted from your wallet or charged to your UPI/card, and the app shows the energy used and the bill.
Ways to Pay for EV Charging in India
| Method | How it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| In-app wallet | Prepay a balance; each session is deducted automatically | Fast at the charger; keep enough balance for a full charge |
| UPI / card in the app | Pay for each session directly from your bank account or card | Supported by almost every major Indian charging app |
| QR code at the charger | Scan the code on the charger to open that charger in the app | Quickest way to start; still needs the app |
| RFID card | Tap a card issued by the network to start charging | Works without your phone; usually valid on that network only |
| Fleet / corporate account | Drivers charge on a company account; the company is invoiced | Common for cab, delivery and workplace charging |
| Aggregator apps | Apps such as ElectricPe, Statiq and Kazam show chargers from several networks in one place | For some networks you may still be sent to the operator’s own app to start charging |
How Much Does Public EV Charging Cost?
Public chargers in India bill per kWh (unit) of energy delivered. In 2026, DC fast charging on the major networks typically costs around ₹18–25 per kWh, with some networks offering promotional or subscription rates below that. Check two things in the app before you start:
- GST: EV charging is billed with GST, so check whether the displayed rate includes it.
- Idle or parking fees: some networks charge extra if your car stays plugged in after charging finishes, or if the site charges for parking.
Example: charging a Tata Nexon EV
Taking a Nexon EV with the 45 kWh battery from 10% to 80% adds roughly 31.5 kWh.
- At a public DC fast charger at about ₹20 per kWh: roughly ₹630.
- At home at about ₹8 per unit: roughly ₹250.
That is why most owners charge at home overnight and use public fast chargers mainly on highway trips. Actual costs depend on your network’s tariff, taxes and your electricity rate.
Paying at EarthtronEV Charging Stations
EarthtronEV stations support starting a session through the EarthtronEV app, by QR code scan or with an RFID card, and payment by UPI, card or in-app wallet. Fleet and corporate customers can charge on a company account with per-driver tracking and monthly invoicing — see fleet charging. Find our stations across Delhi–NCR and on highways such as Murthal on the locations page.
Behind the scenes, open protocols such as OCPP and OCPI are what let chargers talk to apps and, increasingly, let one network’s app work at another network’s chargers. Learn more on our OCPP and OCPI page.
Tips for Hassle-Free Charging
- Keep two or three network apps installed and set up in advance, so you are not signing up at the charger.
- Check charger status in the app before you drive there — a charger shown as offline or busy can cost you a detour.
- Keep a backup payment method (a funded wallet plus UPI) in case one fails.
- Move your car when charging finishes to avoid idle fees and to free the charger for others.
Related Reading
- How to Find EV Charging Stations Near You in India
- AC vs DC EV Chargers: Which One Is Best for Your EV Charging Station?
- EV Charger and Connector Types in India: Type 2, CCS2, Bharat and More
- OCPP vs OCPI: What They Are and the Difference in EV Charging
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pay for charging an electric car in India?
Through the charging network’s app: scan the QR code on the charger or select it in the app, start the session, and pay by UPI, card or in-app wallet. Some networks also let you start with an RFID card.
Can I pay for EV charging with UPI?
Yes. Almost every major Indian charging app supports UPI, along with cards and prepaid in-app wallets.
Can I pay cash at an EV charging station?
Generally no. Most public chargers in India are app-based and do not accept cash, so set up the operator’s app and a payment method before you arrive.
Do I need a separate app for every charging network?
Often, yes. Aggregator apps such as ElectricPe, Statiq and Kazam show chargers from multiple networks, but some networks still require their own app to start a session. Keeping the apps of the networks on your regular routes installed is the safest approach.
How much does it cost to charge an EV at a public station?
DC fast charging typically costs around ₹18–25 per kWh in 2026. A 10–80% charge on a mid-size electric SUV with a 45 kWh battery costs roughly ₹570–790 at a public fast charger at ₹18–25 per kWh, compared with about ₹250 at home.