Dutch EV drivers overcharged: Tap Electric uncovers 5% hidden fee in Dutch public EV charging

Many EV drivers have been overpaying since 1 Janaury 2025

Tap Electric’s investigation reveals that the software used by some CPOs to manage charging stations and payments has been adding 2 cents per kWh more than the agreed concession price since January 1st, 2025. Both municipalities and CPOs were unaware drivers were paying more.

These extra costs were not intentionally imposed by CPOs like TotalEnergies and Equans, or by municipalities overseeing charging infrastructure. Yet, both EV drivers and CPOs are negatively impacted.

Multiple regions hit by hidden charging fee
Our analysis shows that drivers charging in Amsterdam, Almere, Haarlem, Utrecht, Groningen, Drenthe and Friesland have incurred unexpected costs since January 1st, resulting in an estimated collective cost of tens of thousands of euros.

Tap Electric calls for compensation for EV drivers
Despite weeks of efforts to resolve the issue, drivers are still being overcharged. By bringing this to the public’s attention, we are taking the necessary step to ensure accountability.Tap Electric is advocating for compensation for EV drivers who have overpaid. This requires reimbursement from the responsible software provider to Tap Electric and other mobility service providers (MSPs).

Tap’s goal is simple: this must stop, and the money must go back to EV drivers.

Hidden costs uncovered
With Tap Electric’s Price Intel feature, which transparently breaks down charging costs, some EV drivers noticed that the rates did not match the official prices that CPOs are allowed to charge MSPs under municipal agreements.

January:

• The first Tap Electric users reported irregularities in their charging rates.
• Maarten Hachmang from LaadpasTop10 observed similar discrepancies in his data and began his own investigation.

February:

• Deeper analysis by Tap Electric and LaadpasTop10 found that the price increases could not be explained by municipal contracts or CPO pricing policies.
• After multiple requests for clarification to CPOs and their software provider, it became evident that these additional costs were not only unjustified but also completely hidden from all involved parties.

“To keep the Dutch charging network the best in the world, prices must stay fair and transparent. We support municipalities and operators in making that happen,” says Nico Spoelstra, CEO of Tap Electric. “Our users exposed these hidden costs using Tap’s Price Intel feature – proof that transparency works.”

Municipalities urge for fair pricing
“Price transparency is essential for electric driving. As concession grantors, we have agreed on a fixed charging price, and it is crucial that the charging rate does not exceed the agreed amount,” says MRA-Electric, an organization in which several municipalities in North Holland, Utrecht, and Flevoland collaborate on public charging infrastructure. “We urge that this be resolved as soon as possible. Fairness and clarity in charging costs are crucial for trust in electric driving.”

Hidden costs must stop
Trust in public charging infrastructure is at stake. EV drivers should be able to count on fair and transparent pricing. These kinds of hidden costs are unacceptable. Tap Electric will continue to fight for transparency and fair pricing—and we urge all involved parties to resolve this issue quickly and definitively, and to ensure that EV drivers are fully compensated.