Rotation Rates: Fines, No Reload Fees, So Make Employees Pay Them

From February onwards, a rotation rate will apply to users of the 550 public charging stations of TotalEnergies in Ghent. Anyone who uses the station for more than four hours auto Anyone who stays at the charging station will pay €3,60 per hour on top of the regular charging costs from the fifth hour onwards. According to the Ghent city council, this measure is intended to discourage so-called charging station stickiers. The proceeds from the entrance fee, which will go entirely to the city, will also contribute to supporting Ghent's tight budget.

The impact of charging station stickers

A growing number of local governments and charging station operators are introducing similar tariffs for (semi-)public charging stations. The growing popularity of electric cars is increasing pressure on charging infrastructure. Charging station users, drivers who unnecessarily occupy charging stations, not only harm the operators' profitability but also cause frustration and charging stress for other electric vehicle drivers. According to Ghent, more efficient use of charging stations leads to less need for new charging stations on public land.

Different types of rotation rates

There are various types of rotation tariffs. Sometimes, additional charges are applied after a certain time, regardless of whether the car is fully charged. In Ghent, this happens after four hours, and in Genk, even after an hour and a half. Other cities or charging station operators charge additional fees from the moment the car is fully charged. In Antwerp, this applies from half an hour after the car is fully charged, and in Leuven from an hour.

The role of employers in paying rotation rates

A key question is whether this system actually deters electric car drivers. In our country, the majority of the electric fleet consists of company cars. Employers generally reimburse charging costs, but what happens to any rotation rates? According to Olivier Vanneste of consultancy firm KPMG, employers generally pay the full bill, regardless of any additional costs incurred by charging station users. Most companies currently don't make any distinction.

The need for a distinction between charging costs and rotation rates

HR service provider SD Worx confirms these findings. However, Veerle Michiels of the SD Worx knowledge center argues that this distinction is necessary. "If employees incur additional costs by standing longer than necessary, those are no longer considered charging costs," says Michiels. "In that case, it's a fine. It's advisable to pass these costs on to the employee, just as with a traffic violation. Otherwise, there's no incentive for company car drivers to avoid these costs, and they're passed on entirely to the employer. That's unfair."

The role of charging cards and car policies

Experts advise employers to include this provision in their car policy, which outlines a company's policy on company cars. "Many employers already exclude charging costs at a fast charger from reimbursement," says Vanneste. "Because they're much more expensive than regular charging. You can do the same for the employee's associated costs." Innovative charging cards already exist that pass certain costs, such as the rotation rate, directly on to the employee, while the charging fee itself is paid by the employer.

Transparency is essential

However, it's important to clearly distinguish between actual charging costs and other, additional fees. This isn't always the case currently. But there are solutions for that too. "More and more charging cards and operators are differentiating between the different rates," says Vanneste. "This gives you a detailed overview of any start-up costs, charging costs, and any rotation rate." Michiels advises employers to develop a reasonable and transparent policy to prevent abuse. "The car policy should clearly state which costs will be charged and when. This prevents disputes with your employees and makes them more aware of the total cost picture."