4 EGP per Minute: Idle Fee for EVs Not Disconnected After Full Charge

Infinity, a company specializing in electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Egypt, has announced the implementation of idle fees for vehicles that remain connected to charging stations after the charging process is complete. This step comes as part of the company's efforts to regulate station usage and ensure availability for the largest number of users, especially during peak summer periods when demand for charging increases significantly.

Why Did Infinity Decide to Impose the Fees?

The company stated that the decision aims to provide charging stations for all users and reduce waiting times, after monitoring some vehicles remaining connected to chargers for extended periods despite the completion of charging, which deprives other customers of using the station. Infinity added that the increasing number of electric vehicles in Egypt, along with higher usage rates during the summer season, necessitated implementing a new mechanism to ensure optimal utilization of the existing infrastructure.

Fee Mechanism and Grace Period

Infinity confirmed that vehicle owners will receive a free grace period of 10 minutes after the charging process ends, providing sufficient time to return to the vehicle and disconnect it from the charging station without incurring any fees. After this period expires, idle fees will be calculated based on the charger type: 2 EGP per minute for AC chargers, and 4 EGP per minute for DC fast chargers.

Goal of the Decision and Market Impact

Through this step, Infinity aims to improve the operational efficiency of the charging network, reduce user waiting times, and encourage drivers to vacate charging points immediately after the process is complete, ensuring the maximum number of customers can benefit from available stations. Idle fees, known globally as "Idle Fees," are a mechanism applied by many electric vehicle charging networks worldwide, designed to prevent the occupation of charging points without actual need, especially as the number of electric vehicles grows and pressure on charging infrastructure increases.