FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT US

Powerdot is a company founded in 2018, that aims to accelerate sustainable mobility by investing, installing, and operating electric vehicle charging solutions in retail spaces. With €150 million in recent funding from Antin Infrastructure Partners, Powerdot has over 6,000 charging points in 6 countries (Portugal, Spain, France, Poland, Belgium, Luxembourg), and is expanding rapidly.

We’re currently focused on placing charging stations in locations such as supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and other high-traffic areas. Powerdot does not install home charging solutions for electric vehicles.

With more than 1200 partners across Portugal, Spain, France, and Poland, Powerdot is proud to work with brands like CBRE, Eleclerc, Galp, Accor, Cora, Intermarché, Eurocash, Ibis, Carrefour, among many others.

We believe that charging your car should be as easy as charging your smartphone. And so for that to happen, chargers need to be available where people naturally spend their time. We strongly believe that destination charging is the future: locations attract users, not the chargers themselves.

The goal of destination charging is to make the charging experience as integrated as possible within the use case of the location and users’ lives. With that said, you can find our charging stations in various high-traffic areas, including supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and other popular destinations.

If you want to find a Powerdot charging station, access mobility operator applications such as Miio, Chargemap, PlugShare, and Electromaps, or geolocation applications such as Google Maps or Waze.

If you need support, please reach out to us using the following emails based on your preferred support language:

English – support@powerdot.eu
Portuguese – ajuda@powerdot.pt
Spanish – support@powerdot.es
French – hello@powerdot.fr
Polish – kontakt@powerdot.pl

For press inquiries, reach out to our PR point of contact in each country:

Portugal – catia.gil@corpcom.pt
Spain – powerdot.press@3aw.com
France – agathe@powerdot.fr
Poland – katarzyna.siwek@powerdot.pl

FOR PARTNERS

Installing a Powerdot charging station in your business parking lot can offer several benefits, including attracting customers and increasing loyalty, boosting dwell time, enhancing your business’ sustainability image and giving an additional revenue stream from the charging stations. Moreover, your charging station will be part of a national public network, making it visible to EV users in their applications. As electric car sales continue to rise, destination charging is becoming part of the retail experience, providing your business with a competitive edge.

Firstly, you would need to express your interest in partnering with us using this form. Then our team will assess your location and determine its suitability for a charging station. If your location meets some criteria, we will work with you to determine the best charging solution for your business.

Once you sign the contract, Powerdot initiates the installation phase. We will take care of everything from the construction work to licensing, permits or energy procurement. When the installation is complete, we will operate and be responsible for maintenance to ensure that the charging station operates smoothly, and that you receive timely payments for your share of the revenue.

Firstly, request an EV charging point installation by filling out this form. We will reply in less than 48 hours and will arrange for a technical visit to your car park to assess your site requirements and provide recommendations.

Our team will help you select the appropriate charging station model, determine the number of charging points needed, and provide information on pricing, the installation process, and any other necessary steps. Powerdot’s team of experts will work closely with you to ensure a smooth and successful installation process tailored to your business’s requirements: besides being 100% responsible for installing the charger points, we always adapt this process to your business operating hours and peak times to not disturb the customer experience.

After the installation, we guarantee that the charger points function correctly at all times, and we are in charge of any maintenance costs that might arise. We are going to share with you the revenue of your business’ charging points, contributing to making your parking lot profitable.

When determining the best location for installing a Powerdot charging station in your business parking lot, there are several factors to consider:

Accessibility: Choose a location that is easily accessible for electric vehicle (EV) drivers to park their vehicles and access the charging station. Consider factors such as the distance from the entrance/exit of your parking lot, visibility, and ease of navigation.

Safety: Ensure that the chosen location is well-lit, free from obstacles, and provides a safe environment for EV drivers to park and charge their vehicles.

Electrical Infrastructure: Verify that the chosen location has adequate electrical infrastructure to support the charging station installation. Consider factors such as proximity to electrical panels, availability of power supply, and any necessary electrical upgrades.

Convenience: Select a location that is convenient for both EV drivers and your business operations. Consider placing the charging station near high-traffic areas, close to your business entrance.

Future Expansion: Consider the potential for future expansion of EV charging infrastructure on your business premises, and plan for adequate space and capacity for additional charging stations as the demand for EV charging grows.

Powerdot’s team of experts can provide guidance and recommendations on the best location for your specific business parking lot, taking into consideration these factors and any other site-specific considerations to ensure a successful charging station installation.

The timeline for implementing a Powerdot charging station at your business can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the installation, availability of electrical infrastructure, and permitting requirements. Don’t worry: Powerdot’s installation team will be responsible for all the work and will ensure a smooth and timely implementation process, aligning the timeline with you based on your project requirements.

Zero. Powerdot will invest 100% of the cost of installation of EV charging in your locations.

The actual roadworks for installing Powerdot charging stations will be carried out by high-qualified companies in each country. Powerdot will oversee the installation process and ensure that the chargers are installed according to the required specifications and regulations.

The installation team will handle the necessary electrical work, including wiring, connection to the electrical grid, and any other roadwork required for the installation of the charging stations.

The earnings from your charging stations can be tracked through your login on our online PowerdotTV portal. You can monitor the total usage and revenue generated by each station in real time through the platform. You can expect to receive your royalties on the time-period basis agreed on in your contract (monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually).

The power requirement for installing Powerdot charging stations in your business parking lot will depend on the number of chargers planned and their charging capacity. We offer different charging capacities for chargers, such as 22 kW, 50 kW, and 150 kW, so the power requirement will vary based on the total charging capacity planned, as well as other factors like the existing electrical infrastructure at your location, local regulations, and any other electrical loads that need to be considered.

Partnering with Powerdot, we will assess the specific power requirements for your charging station installation and ensure that your electrical infrastructure is capable of providing the necessary power to support the chargers safely and efficiently.

To determine if a unit is working, you should check for signs of power, proper functioning, and any error messages. Anyway, if you are unsure whether a unit is working correctly, contact our support for assistance.

After the power is restored, the unit will undergo reboot and testing processes. If these procedures are successfully completed, the unit will automatically return to its ready-to-charge mode. However, if a vehicle was in the middle of charging when the power outage occurred, the driver can be required to restart the charging process.

If the charging station fails to turn on or the screen is not displaying, it’s usually due to a tripped or turned-off breaker that feeds the unit. It’s recommended to verify the breaker’s status. In case the breaker is turned on, and the station still does not function, kindly reach out to Powerdot support for further assistance.

Powerdot monitors the health of the network 24/7. If we detect a station that is not functioning correctly or if a driver reports a down station, we contact the owner or their representative to assist with the repair process. The responsibility for maintenance and repairs of these stations lies with Powerdot, so nothing will be charged.

Powerdot charging stations are designed with safety as a top priority. They are built to meet international safety standards and regulations, including those related to electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and cybersecurity. Additionally, Powerdot charging stations are installed by qualified and experienced electricians, following industry best practices and local electrical codes.

Powerdot charging stations also incorporate various safety features, such as ground fault protection, overcurrent protection, and thermal protection, to prevent electrical hazards and ensure safe charging for electric vehicles (EVs). The chargers are also designed to automatically shut down in case of any abnormal conditions or faults.

Our network is continuously monitored, and we have the ability to remotely restart charging stations. Furthermore, any issues with the stations are promptly identified, and we can dispatch a local maintenance team to inspect the units as soon as possible.

We can install additional charging stations by either using available power or implementing local load management techniques. Reach out to our Powerdot point of contact or contact us at support@powerdot.eu.

Yes, it is possible to integrate a customer loyalty program with a charging system. By doing so, you can provide incentives for customers to use your charging stations, such as discounts or rewards for frequent use. This can help to increase customer loyalty and drive more revenue to your charging stations. Talk to us in order to discuss your loyalty program and explore integration possibilities.

Yes, it is possible to have a charging station that reflects your company’s brand instead of Powerdot’s. Powerdot can provide customised branding options for your charging station, including custom colours, graphics, and logos.

Powerdot ensures that your charging station is visible on popular navigation platforms by integrating it with our network. Once your charging station is installed and activated, it will be added to the Powerdot network and made available to mobility operator applications such as Miio, Chargemap, PlugShare, and Electromaps, or geolocation applications such as Google Maps or Waze.

The information provided by the charging station such as its location, availability, and pricing will be shared with the navigation platforms to help EV drivers locate and navigate to your charging station.

If you encounter any issues with a Powerdot charging station, you can contact our Support team for assistance based on your location or preferred language:

English – support@powerdot.eu
Portuguese – ajuda@powerdot.pt
Spanish – support@powerdot.es
French – hello@powerdot.fr
Polish – kontakt@powerdot.pl

It’s recommended to have the charging station’s serial number, location, and share any relevant details about the issue when contacting customer support for faster assistance.

The amount of space needed to install a charging station can vary depending on the type of charger, the power output, and any additional equipment that may be required.

If your building does not have enough power to support a charging station, Powerdot can work with you to identify options for increasing the power supply, such as upgrading your electrical service or installing additional power infrastructure. Alternatively, we can explore options for load management to ensure that the charging station operates within the available power supply without impacting the building’s other electrical needs. Please contact us for more information on how we can work together to find the best solution for your location.

Yes, Powerdot stations undergo rigorous testing and certification processes to ensure compliance with safety standards.

FOR EV USERS

Before starting a charging session

To find a Powerdot charging station, you can use various apps such as Chargemap, Electromaps, Miio, Plugsurf, ChargeAssist, Evio, among others. These apps provide information about the location, availability, and compatibility of charging stations.

Once you arrive at the charging station, check the station’s power rating and compatibility with your vehicle’s charging port.

To start your charging session, follow the tutorial based on your payment method:

How to charge with your smartphone (not valid for Portugal)
1 – Start your session by scanning the QR code or through your EMSP app of preference.
2 – Connect the charger to your vehicle to start charging.
3 – Finish your session on your smartphone, disconnect the cable from the charger, and then unplug your car.

How to charge with an RFID Card
1 – Connect the charger to your vehicle to start your session.
2 – Scan your RFID card to start charging.
3 – Finish your session by scanning your RFID card. Disconnect the cable from the charger, and then unplug your car.

If you require support before, during, or after your charging session, reach out to support@powerdot.eu or call the local support telephone number present in the chargers (all have an English support option).

You can pay for your charging session via a QR code (not valid for Portugal) or RFID Card.

Unfortunately, Powerdot does not provide RFID charging cards. However, you can obtain them through an EMSP (e-mobility service provider) that offers this service.

Notify the building or parking lot management: If the parking spot is in a private lot or garage, notify the management immediately. They may have the vehicle towed or be able to contact the owner to have them move it.

Contact local authorities: If the parking spot is in a public lot or on the street, contact the local authorities such as the police or parking enforcement. They may be able to ticket or tow the vehicle.

Check on one of the EMSPs (e-mobility service providers) available in order to check the charging point status: normally, you will find the active charging points in light blue and in grey the ones that are currently under construction, which will be operational soon.

Powerdot offers charging stations with various plug types to accommodate different electric vehicle (EV) models. The plug types offered by Powerdot may include:

Type 2 (Mennekes): This is the most common plug type used in Europe for AC charging, suitable for many EVs and plug-in hybrids.

Type 3: This plug type is commonly used in France for AC charging, though it is less common compared to Type 2.

Type 4 (CHAdeMO): This plug type is used for DC fast charging and is commonly used by some EVs, primarily Japanese models.

Type 5 (CCS Combo 2): This plug type is used for DC fast charging and is commonly used by many European and American EV models.

It’s important to note that the plug types offered by Powerdot may vary depending on the specific charging station model and location. It’s always recommended to verify the available plug types at a specific Powerdot charging station before using it to ensure compatibility with your EV.

If you encounter a Powerdot charging station that is not working, you should report the issue to Powerdot’s customer support team. You can typically find our contact information on the charging station or reach out to us on our support email: support@powerdot.eu.

It is always a good idea to double-check the specific connectors available at a Powerdot charging station before attempting to charge your electric vehicle.

Powerdot offers charging stations that are compatible with all electric vehicles (EVs) that use Type 2 and CCS plugs. This includes popular EV models such as the Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen ID.3, Audi e-Tron, BMW i3, and many others. Powerdot also offers charging stations with CHAdeMO plugs, which are compatible with EV models such as the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander.

Please use your favourite EMSP (e-mobility service provider) such as Chargemap, Electromaps, Miio, Plugsurf, ChargeAssist, Evio, among others, to check the exact rates of the charger you want to use.

The cost of charging an electric vehicle (EV) varies depending on several factors, such as the location, the type of charging station used, and the EV’s battery size and efficiency. In general, the cost is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity consumed, and the price per kWh can range from a few cents to over a euro, depending on the location and electricity provider.

AC chargers, which can charge electric vehicles at up to 22 kW, are suitable for charging cars for a few hours or overnight, and the charging time and power required may vary depending on the EV model. On the other hand, DC chargers have a starting charging power of 50 kW and go up to 350 kW. For instance, a 100 km range can be charged in about 30 minutes. Additionally, ultra-fast charging refers to any charging power of 150 kW or higher.

The difference in costs between regular speed charging stations and (ultra)fast charging stations is largely due to the infrastructure and technology required for faster charging speeds. (Ultra)fast charging stations typically have more powerful charging equipment and may require specialized cooling systems to maintain safe operating temperatures. As a result, the cost per kWh or per minute of charging at (ultra)fast charging stations may be higher than at regular speed charging stations.

Usually, on the screen, there are options to change the language either with a globe icon or with the flags of the countries whose languages are available in the charger.

During a charging session

If your session doesn’t start, there could be several reasons. First, make sure that your EV is compatible with the Powerdot charger you are trying to use. Also, check that the charging cable is properly connected to your vehicle’s charging port and the Powerdot charging station. If the problem persists, try restarting the charging session or contact the Powerdot support team for assistance.

When you plug your electric car into a Powerdot charging station, you should see a light in the charger turn on to indicate that the charging process has begun. If the charger has a screen, you will also be able to track the charging status.

Additionally, many electric cars have a display screen that shows the charging status, such as the current charge level and estimated time remaining until a full charge.

You can also use the EMSPs’ apps such as Chargemap, Electromaps, Miio, Plugsurf, ChargeAssist, or Evio to monitor your charging session and receive notifications when your car is fully charged.

The time needed to charge your electric vehicle depends on various factors, such as the battery capacity, the charging speed, the maximum charging rate of the charging point, the state of the battery charge, and even environmental factors (colder temperatures can make the charging process slower). Electric cars typically take just under 8 hours to charge from empty to full using a 7kW charging point, for example. This applies to a typical electric car with a 60kWh battery. However, if you’re using a 50kW rapid charger, you can add up to 160 km of range in approximately 35 minutes.

Once your car is fully charged, the charging station will stop supplying power to your vehicle automatically. You can also monitor the charging status on your car’s dashboard or charging app, which will show the battery level and estimated time until completion. Some charging stations also have visual indicators or notification sounds to let you know when the charging session is complete.

If you need to remove the charging cable before charging is complete, you can use the stop button on the charging station to end the session. The charging station will automatically stop charging and release the cable from your vehicle. You will be billed for the time that the charging station was in use, so it’s important to make sure you have enough time to complete your charging session before you start.

If a power failure occurs while charging your EV, the charging process will stop and the charging station will stop providing power to your EV. The charging station will not resume the charging process after power is restored without further authorization.

All vehicles have a specific charging curve that limits their ability to receive power. This curve is further influenced by factors such as ambient and battery temperature. Therefore, it is expected that your charging speed will decrease significantly after reaching approximately 75% charge, on average. This feature is implemented by vehicle manufacturers to protect the battery and ensure its longevity.

Please contact our customer support for assistance:
support@powerdot.eu
(+351) 308 803 437

After a charging session

If you are unable to unplug your car’s charging cable, the first thing to do is to ensure that the charging session has been stopped either through the app or the charging station itself. If the charging session has been stopped, but the cable still won’t unplug, there may be a locking mechanism in place that needs to be released. If you are still unable to unplug the cable, you can contact our customer support so we can remotely unlock the cable.

In Portugal, the entities with whom customers have RFID cards and/or apps (EDP, Galp, Via Verde, Prio, Miio, Evio, etc.) are responsible for invoicing them, so customers must request the invoice/receipt from them.

In other countries, the same applies but with Chargemap, Electromaps, Plugsurf, etc., in case customers have used RFID or apps.

If customers have used the QR code, there is an option called “Invoice” below it, where they must enter their email and other billing information if they want to receive the invoice automatically by email at the end of the session.

Yes, you can. If you charge your electric car using our QR code, there is a field called Invoice at the bottom where you can add the desired VAT. Charging with RFIDs/apps may vary depending on the supplier.

The pricing for charging an electric vehicle can vary depending on factors such as the location of the charging station and the power of the charging point, besides any additional fees that may be associated with the particular site. Additionally, some Partners may offer different pricing plans or discounts for members or frequent users.

If you were not able to successfully start a charging session with the QR code, you should not be charged for the value initially selected. However, it’s recommended to check your payment method to make sure that no charges were made. If there are any issues or discrepancies, you can contact Powerdot customer support for assistance.

Powerdot charges a pre-authorization fee of 15, 25, or 35 euros (in FR and BELUX) / 10.20, 20, or 30 euros (in ES) / 30, 60, or 90 zł (in Poland) to verify that the customer has sufficient credit to pay for the session. If the session fails or the actual consumption value is less than the fee, the unused balance will be automatically refunded by Powerdot. However, the refund process can take several hours to several days depending on the customer’s bank. Typically, the unused balance is refunded within 5 to 10 days from the date of debit at the most. If the refund is not received after this period, the customer can contact Powerdot with the date of the transaction and the last 4 digits of the credit card used for the transaction, and we will check the status of the transaction in our system.