Shell Germany has begun a pilot program introducing dynamic electricity pricing at its ultra-fast charging stations, linking costs directly to spot market electricity prices in an effort to incentivize electric vehicle (EV) charging when renewable energy supply is high.
The new pricing model applies to Shell’s network of over 1,600 Shell Recharge charging points and adjusts rates throughout the day based on the real-time cost of electricity on the exchange. The company said this approach aims to better align consumer charging behavior with power grid demands and renewable energy availability.
At launch on June 30, the variation in rates throughout the day reached up to six euro cents per kilowatt-hour, according to Shell. “Charging at times when there is a lot of renewable energy in the grid helps to stabilise the power grid,” said Florian Glattes, General Manager of Shell Mobility DACH. “And we can pass on any price advantages to customers at these times.”
The spot electricity price reflects shifts in supply and demand on the energy market and tends to fluctuate during the day. Prices typically drop in midday hours when solar output is high and demand is lower, while evening hours often see higher rates due to increased household consumption.
Shell did not provide detailed technical information on how the dynamic pricing system is being implemented or how long the pilot phase will last. However, the company stated the project will help assess consumer response and the potential impact on grid stability and integration of renewable energy sources.
The dynamic rates are available to private customers using the Shell Recharge app or card. Previously fixed prices of €0.59/kWh under the ‘Basic’ tariff and €0.44/kWh under the subscription-based ‘e-Deal’ have now been updated to variable ranges of €0.56–0.67/kWh and €0.42–0.50/kWh respectively. AC charging and roaming rates remain unchanged.
Shell is among the first major charging infrastructure providers to roll out real-time price-linked charging tariffs. While some operators, like Tesla, offer time-based pricing by station, few have introduced models that respond directly to fluctuations in electricity exchange prices.