The Continente Plug&Charge network enters a new phase with updates to its tariff structure, charging categories, promotional offers, and network expansion.
This transition follows five years of growth and responds to evolving European and national regulatory frameworks.
Alignment with new European and national regulations
One of the main changes is compliance with the European AFIR Regulation (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation) and Portugal’s new legal framework for electric mobility, recently enacted.
The Continente Plug&Charge network has adapted to these requirements, aiming to provide greater transparency, fairness, and simplicity in the charging process.
Shift from €/minute to €/kWh billing
A key update is the transition from a time-based (€ per minute) to an energy-based (€ per kWh) pricing model.
According to Continente, this change:
- Makes the service more transparent and fair for customers;
- Retains the competitiveness of the offering, adjusting only the billing method.
This update addresses a frequent concern from users, who felt penalised by per-minute charging, especially when using slower vehicles or during limited power availability.
New promotional offer: €0.10 discount per kWh
A new promotion linked to the Continente Card replaces the previous free-minute model:
- For every purchase of €30 or more at participating Continente, Modelo, or Bom Dia stores, customers receive a €0.10/kWh discount credited to their Continente Card.
- The offer is valid for 10 days and limited to one eligible purchase per day.
Three charging categories introduced
The network now offers three charging categories, with VAT-inclusive rates:
- Normal (up to 22 kW) – €0.35/kWh
Suitable for AC charging sessions over ~60 minutes or plug-in hybrid vehicles. - Fast (up to 120 kW) – €0.41/kWh
Designed for DC charging sessions under ~60 minutes. - Ultra-fast (up to 350 kW) – €0.55/kWh
Intended for quick DC charging (~30 minutes), supporting 800V battery architecture.
After charging ends, a grace period of ten minutes applies. Beyond that, an idle fee of €0.20/minute is charged while the vehicle remains connected.
Continente highlights that its investment in ultra-fast charging reinforces its position as one of the most widely accessible high-power charging networks in urban and retail settings.
Dynamic power balancing for DC chargers
With the new kWh-based model, the network now includes dynamic power balancing across DC charger outlets. For example, a 240 kW charger can deliver the full capacity to one vehicle or split it between two users based on real-time demand and battery state-of-charge.
This optimisation allows:
- Higher average power per user;
- Improved infrastructure efficiency;
- Reduced likelihood of power limitations during simultaneous charging sessions.
Expansion plans: over 1,000 charging points by year-end
Continente aims to end 2025 with:
- Charging infrastructure in over 200 stores;
- More than 1,000 charging points installed nationwide.
This will strengthen its leadership in EV charging within the retail sector, ensuring widespread coverage across the country.
Three-phase transformation roadmap until 2026
The network upgrade is part of a broader modernisation plan divided into three phases:
Phase 1 (current):
- Introduction of €/kWh pricing
- New promotional mechanics
- Charging category updates
- Power balancing implementation
Phase 2 (Q1 2026):
- Gradual activation of bank card terminals with ad-hoc pricing
- Retrofit of additional charging equipment
- Integration of static and dynamic data with the National Access Point (PAN), managed by the public entity Mobi.E via EADME
Phase 3 (2026):
- Updated signage and communication at stores
- Further alignment with AFIR requirements
€40 million investment through 2026
The investment plan, which began in 2020, will continue until 2026, totalling €40 million.
It includes:
- Network expansion
- Replacement of older equipment
- Installation of fast and ultra-fast chargers
- Upgrades to control and payment systems
- Power reinforcement in selected store car parks
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