It’s now possible to travel without apps or cards, but what about the fares...?

Is it now possible to travel without apps or cards? Is it common enough to pay with credit cards or ATMs? Perhaps one of the barriers that kept many potential buyers away from electric vehicles is disappearing... (The image above is from Fortech’s website).

Traveling without apps: “From Verona to Freiburg, just credit cards...”

We continue to receive testimonials from readers who simply don’t want anything to do with apps or cards. Life is already complicated enough… For example, Gilberto shares that he used his Dolphin Surf for his first vacation, traveling from Verona to Fribourg and the Black Forest in Germany. “I want to clarify that I charged it at home and decided to go on the trip without installing an app, relying solely on my credit card. Even though I knew I would likely spend a bit more. The result was no problems either on the way there (two top-ups at the start and end of Switzerland) or on the way back… In Germany, I charged it in the evening near various hotels while dining at a restaurant.” And what about the costs? “The German rates more than made up for the higher expenses I expected with that payment method.”

On the highway, you can charge almost anywhere using an ATM

Let’s say the situation can be summarized roughly like this. Those who have the ability to charge normally at home and can plan their trips with a bit of attention can now get by. There are many fast-charging providers that accept credit card payments, and these can be used to top up the battery. In Italy, there’s Free to X and Autobrennero’s charging stations on highways, Enel’s Ewiva, Electra… The list is long, and it’s even longer abroad. Therefore, one can rely on these providers, combining high-power charging with AC charging at places where you stop, such as hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, etc. You pay with an ATM or credit card just like you would for gasoline. It’s no coincidence that some of the providers handling this service are the same ones that manage electronic payments at gas stations, like Fortech.

Traveling without apps, how often do you pay?

The price issue remains, as these top-ups are considered occasional, affecting the rates. Electra explains this on its website, even referring to it as an “emergency solution”: “Contactless bank cards have an undeniable advantage: they require nothing. No account, no app, no card. It’s the solution for travelers, those using rental cars, or when your phone dies at the worst possible moment. Its downside is just as clear: it’s the highest rate in the Electra network, with no option to subscribe. For just one top-up per year, it doesn’t matter much. But with regular use, the difference becomes a significant expense.” However, some also tie discounts to payment by card. It’s on the topic of prices that we’d like to clarify things: there is often a lack of transparency regarding costs when using credit cards or ATMs. How much do you understand?

How much does it cost to pay?

– Also read: Electricity becoming increasingly cheaper compared to diesel and gasoline

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