Electric cars without their own charging point: Questions and answers

These vehicles are marked “E-vehicle location with no charging point”.

There’s no difference – except for the battery charge level. E-vehicles at Mobility locations with a charging point can usually be driven off with a full battery. This may not be the case for e-vehicles without their own charging point. Depending on the charging level, charging on the go is required. 

Yes. 60 minutes before the start of your journey, your reservation information will show the charge level and theoretical range of your e-vehicle. This charge level for e-vehicles without their own charging point won’t change, as the last hour before a reservation is always blocked.  

No. If the charge level is less than 21% (or 31% November to March), the user before you is obliged to charge the e-vehicle during their reservation. If, contrary to expectations, the e-vehicle you’ve reserved has a lower charge than this, you’ll immediately be contacted and a solution found, e.g. you’ll be advised to use another vehicle in the vicinity. 

The same thing you would do if it was a petrol vehicle, i.e. refuel/recharge en route.

It depends on the charge level. If the charge level at the end of your journey is below 21% (April to October) or 31% (November to March), you must charge the electric vehicle before returning it to avoid a fair play fee. 

Switzerland already has some 15,000 public charging points at over 6,500 charging stations – and the number’s rising all the time. You can find publicly available charging stations on the DKV charging station map. 

Download the charging station app: download the DKV charging station app to your smartphone.

Use filters to select the right charging station: use the “Plug type” and “Performance” filters to find suitable charging stations on your route.

Go to the charging station and charge the vehicle: Check the app to see if the charging station is available and set off.

This depends mainly on your schedule and how you use the vehicle. 

- Longer stop (e.g. Excursion, shopping or restaurant visit): more time for charging. This means you don’t have to look for the fastest charging point. A charging point with the following specifications is enough:
• Connector type: type 2
• Charging capacity: from 11 kW

- Short stop (if you need to be fast): Choose a charging station where you can quickly load as much energy as possible. Ensure that the charging point meets the following specifications:
• Mandatory connector type: CCS
• Charging capacity: 50 kW to 100 kW 

The higher the kW, the faster the charge; more than 100 kW is possible, but barely offers any advantage in terms of charging speed.

1. Connect the charging cable
Connect the charging point’s cable to the Mobility vehicle. If the charging point doesn’t have a cable, you’ll find one in the boot of the car. Remember to take this cable with you after charging.
2. Unlock the charging point
You’ll find a charging card in the glove box. Use it to unlock the charging point, then follow the instructions on the display.
3. Start the charging session
Check on the dashboard that charging has started. If you have any problems, call the number on the charging point.
4. Stop the charging session
Stop charging when the desired charge level is reached, and follow the instructions on the display. If you used the cable from the boot, put it back there.

Please note that charging points may differ in terms of operation. And one more piece of advice: charge the vehicle to no more than 85 or 90%, as the last 10% takes much longer.

Further information on individual Mobility vehicles – e.g. where the charge flap is located or how to remove the charging cable – can be found in the vehicle manuals.

The time depends on the charging point, plug type and charging rate.

AC charging station (type 2 plug): Charging from 20% to 90%: approx. 4—6 hours

• Power: 10 to 22 kW

• Charging cable: depending on the charging point, you’ll need the charging cable in the boot. Don’t forget to take it with you when you’ve finished.

DC fast charging station (CCS plug): Charging from 20% to 90%: approx. 30 to 40 minutes

• Power: 50 to 350 kW

• Charging cable: use the charging point’s tethered cable.

Please note:

• the times indicated are an average. They will vary depending on the ambient temperature or number of vehicles using the station.

• Please vacate the rapid charging station after 60 minutes so it can be used by others; your vehicle should be charged by then. That way, you’ll avoid incurring parking charges. ((If charges only apply AFTER 60 minutes)) That way, you’ll keep parking charges down. ((If parking charges apply anyway))

• Ideally, drive for 20 to 30 minutes before charging your vehicle. This helps condition the battery so it absorbs a charge more quickly.

• Generally speaking, the higher the KW, the faster the charge rate. However, Mobility vehicles can only accept more than 100 kW under certain conditions, and only for a short while. In other words, charging points offering more than 100 kW are of limited value.

Mobility will cover the cost. When using the charging card (in the glove box), billing takes place automatically. If, contrary to expectations, the card fails to work, pay for the charge yourself, then email the receipt with your Mobility and reservation numbers to office(at)mobility.ch. We’ll then credit the amount to your account.