Which apps and cards you need to charge an EV in Romania: a practical guide
Renovatio, PPC blue, MOL, Petrom/OMV, Eldrive, Lidl, Kaufland, Tesla: which app each network uses, when a bank card works directly, what pre-authorisations are and how to avoid per-minute fees.
Romania now has more than 10,000 public charging points, but the network is split between dozens of operators. Almost every one has its own app, with its own account, saved card and rules. Here's what you need so you don't get stuck at the charger.
The big networks and their apps
| Network | How you start a session |
|---|---|
| Renovatio | The e-charge app; at some stations also by bank card at the POS (+0.20 lei/kWh) |
| PPC blue | The PPC blue app, with an account or as a “Guest” (no account, pricier) |
| MOL Plugee | The MOL app or web portal; unregistered users pay more |
| Petrom and OMV | The OMV eMotion app; Petrom sites also take bank cards, Routex and RFID |
| Eldrive | The Eldrive app; optional Smart plan (29 lei/month) |
| Lidl | The Lidl app, E-Mobility section, with a card saved in your account |
| Kaufland | The Kaufland app, E-Mobility button; RFID charging cards aren't accepted |
| Tesla Supercharger | The Tesla app, including for non-Tesla cars with CCS |
There are also E.ON, Rompetrol, Ionity, Voltrelli/EVConnect, EVSpots, AMPEVO and smaller operators, each with its own app. Current per-network prices are in our guide to what charging costs at home, on AC and on DC.
What to install, in practice
You don't need all of them. A sensible set for most drivers:
- A map app (PlugShare, Electromaps, Chargemap or similar) to see stations, power and recent check-ins.
- Two or three network apps along your usual routes: typically e-charge (Renovatio), PPC blue and OMV eMotion or MOL.
- The supermarket app where you shop often, if it has chargers: Lidl or Kaufland.
- The Tesla app, if you do a lot of long trips.
Some map apps also offer roaming payment at partner networks. It's convenient, but the price can differ from the operator's own app. Check it before you start.
Bank cards: where they work directly
The EU's AFIR regulation requires public chargers to offer ad-hoc payment with no contract. New stations of 50 kW or more must take card or contactless directly. At many older stations, though, you still start the session in an app.
Watch out: convenience costs extra. At Renovatio, paying by card at the POS is 0.20 lei/kWh more than via the app. At PPC blue, the no-account option is about 0.20 lei/kWh more, and at MOL unregistered users pay 0.10–0.30 lei/kWh extra. If you charge often on one network, create an account.
Pre-authorisations: money held temporarily
Many networks hold an amount on your card when the session starts and release it after you pay for what you actually used:
- PPC blue: 100 lei per app session (not for subscribers);
- Kaufland: 150 lei with the app; without the app, up to 263 lei, with the difference returned within up to 30 days;
- Lidl: the maximum hold is shown in the app once you pick the charger.
If your card balance is low, keep that in mind before a long trip.
How to avoid per-minute fees
In Romania, most networks bill per kWh, not per minute. The real risk is an idle fee after charging ends:
- Tesla charges per-minute idle fees if your car stays plugged in after charging finishes at a busy site. You get a few minutes to move it at no cost.
- Other operators may have fixed or parking fees at some stations. Under AFIR they must be shown before the session starts, so read the price screen.
The simple rule: turn on app notifications, stop at around 80% on DC, and move the car as soon as you're done. It's polite and it saves you money.
