A business charge card is ideal for the self-employed with an electric car. It makes it easy to keep track of your charging costs. You charge at public charge points and receive one clear invoice in your company name. In this article we explain how it works, what it costs, what tax advantages you have and which companies offer charge cards.
What is a business charge card and how does it work?
A business charging card is a card or drop that allows you to charge your electric car at public charging stations. You hold the card with the reader and the charge is automatically registered. Every month you receive an invoice in your company's name (including VAT). Thanks to roaming, the card works with many different charging networks in the Netherlands and throughout the EU.
Why a charge card is useful for self-employed people
Charging passes give self-employed people access to almost all charging points, without the need for multiple apps or payment methods. They let you see your costs, trips and power consumption. Automatic invoices in your company name and a VAT specification make administration easy. Some passes can be linked to your accounting programme and you get up-to-date insight via an app.
Costs and use
The cost of business charge cards can vary considerably. Some have a subscription with fixed monthly costs. Others are free but charge a transaction fee per charge. The electricity price usually consists of the charge post tariff plus an additional amount per kWh. Some providers work with fixed tariffs. Transaction costs may vary per charging session. Some cards include charging abroad, others charge extra.
Tax benefits
With a charge card, you can reclaim VAT on the electricity you charge. The card must be in your company name and you will receive an invoice with VAT specification. Do you also use the charge card at home? Some cards can be linked to your home charging station, so those costs are also processed on a business basis. All costs are listed on one invoice. That makes administration nice and easy.
Comparison of business charging cards
| Provider | Subscription | Rate structure | Network and coverage | VAT invoice |
| ANWB | €3.99 /month or free | CPO tariff + €0.02 per kWh | NL + EU, incl. Fastned/Shell | Yes |
| Shell Recharge | Free | Fixed tariffs or CPO tariff | 300,000+ points in EU | Yes |
| Vandebron | €3.50 /month | CPO tariff + €0.02 per kWh | NL coverage, European roaming | Yes |
| SME Fuel | €7.35 /month | Fixed: €0.51/kWh (AC), €0.70 (DC) | NL + BE/LUX, optional EU upgrade | Yes |
When does a charge card make sense or not
A charge card is useful for self-employed people who often charge on the road or want to keep their charging costs separate from private ones. Do you charge only occasionally or only at home without a business fee? Then you may not need a charge card. Some passes are free and handy as a reserve. Without a charging card, you can often charge less easily at many public charging stations.
Conclusion
A business charging card gives self-employed people clarity, VAT benefits and also access to many charging stations. Costs and features vary from one provider to another. With the right charging card, charging on the go (and keeping records) becomes a lot easier and more economical.
