Ionity Only Starting with RFID—Anyone Else?

Seeking Advice Forum
1

I’m halfway through a road trip in France and Spain with a rented EV6, and so far, Ionity charging has been great using their app.

But at two stations, I couldn’t get the app to start the charge:

As usual, I selected the charger in the app, then plugged in the car when the app instructed me to. But the app just stayed on the screen saying it was waiting for the car to be plugged in, and nothing happened. Meanwhile, the charger screen showed it was connected to the car and asked for payment information.

After several attempts, I ended up using my Shell RFID card to start the charge, but it cost almost twice as much as using the app. The app still showed “waiting for the car to be plugged in” for a while afterward.

Anyone have ideas on what to do if this happens again? I’m glad the RFID works as a backup, but it’s frustrating that it costs more.

2

Starting from the app depends on both the phone and charger having a stable internet connection, as well as functioning web services in between. Using an RFID card is more reliable because it doesn’t depend on internet connectivity.

Unfortunately, if the app doesn’t work, your only option is to fall back on an RFID card. I had a similar issue in Austria when my phone had no signal at the charger, so I had to use an RFID card.

It’s a shame your provider charges so much. Maybe consider getting an RFID card from a different provider with lower Ionity rates for future trips. Enjoy the rest of your road trip!

3

@Randy
I’ve got the Ionity Passport subscription, so price-wise, it’s pretty good. But if you have recommendations for other RFID cards with decent Ionity rates, I’m all ears!

4

abidemi said:
@Randy
I’ve got the Ionity Passport subscription, so price-wise, it’s pretty good. But if you have recommendations for other RFID cards with decent Ionity rates, I’m all ears!

I use the Renault card (even though I don’t drive a Renault). Prices are similar, though they might vary depending on the country.

5

@Randy
Good to know! How did you get the Renault card? Do you need to have owned a Renault?

6

abidemi said:
@Randy
Good to know! How did you get the Renault card? Do you need to have owned a Renault?

Nope, I just downloaded their app and ordered a card.

7

Ionity doesn’t issue its own RFID cards, so the only option is to use a partner card, which unfortunately usually costs more.

8

Try calling the helpline on the charger. They might be able to start the charge remotely, and sometimes they’ll even offer a free session when issues like this happen.

9

Thomas said:
Try calling the helpline on the charger. They might be able to start the charge remotely, and sometimes they’ll even offer a free session when issues like this happen.

Thanks, I might try that next time. Have you called them before? How long does it usually take?

10

Ionity has been the most reliable provider for me, but I use my BMW card to start the session. I’ve noticed their newer chargers with big screens can be more unreliable than the older ones with the small side screens. Calling their hotline could be worth a try to reset the charger or start the session.

11

@jessicah
They’ve been great for me too, apart from this. They’re the only ones that consistently hit 240kW on the EV6’s 800V system.

12

Ionity has been the only provider I’ve had consistent issues with in Norway over the past year and a half. Frequent problems starting or stopping charges and a glitchy app. They’re affordable, but I only use them when necessary.