What Total Energies charging stations are and where to find them

Total Energies is a global energy company that operates public EV charging networks across Europe, with the largest presence in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Their charging stations are branded under the name TotalEnergies Charging and are typically located at fuel stations, parking areas, and dedicated charging hubs in urban and highway locations.

The network includes both fast-charging stations (DC rapid chargers) and slower Level 2 chargers (AC chargers). You can locate a Total Energies charging station using their mobile app, their website map, or third-party charging networks that aggregate multiple providers. The app shows real-time availability, pricing, and connector types at each location.

Total Energies has been expanding its charging infrastructure steadily, but coverage varies significantly by country and region. In France, for example, you will find stations in most major cities and along motorways. In other European countries, the network is smaller and more concentrated in urban areas.

Key Takeaways

  • Total Energies charging stations use standard connectors (Type 2 for AC charging, CCS or CHAdeMO for DC fast charging) that work with most European electric vehicles.
  • You can pay per session using a contactless card, the Total Energies app, or a subscription plan, depending on the station and your account type.
  • Charging time ranges from 20 minutes to several hours depending on whether you use a fast DC charger or a slower AC charger.
  • The Total Energies app shows real-time charger availability and pricing before you arrive, helping you avoid wasted trips to occupied stations.
  • Pricing varies by location, time of day, and charger type, so checking the app before you charge gives you the most accurate cost estimate.

Connector types and vehicle compatibility

Total Energies stations use the standard connectors found across Europe. AC chargers use Type 2 connectors, which are the European standard for Level 2 charging. DC fast chargers typically use CCS (Combined Charging System) or CHAdeMO connectors, though CCS is becoming more common as older CHAdeMO infrastructure is phased out.

Before you visit a Total Energies station, check your vehicle's manual or the manufacturer's specifications to confirm which connectors your car accepts. Most modern European electric vehicles come with a Type 2 cable for AC charging and can accept CCS for DC fast charging. Older vehicles or those from certain manufacturers may use CHAdeMO exclusively, which is becoming less available.

If your vehicle uses a connector type that is not present at a particular station, you will need to find a different location. The Total Energies app filters results by connector type, so you can search specifically for stations that match your vehicle's requirements.

How to pay and what pricing looks like

Total Energies offers multiple payment methods at their charging stations. You can pay per session using a contactless credit or debit card at the charger itself, read and use the Total Energies mobile app to initiate and pay for a session, or sign up for a subscription plan if you charge regularly.

Pricing is not fixed across the network. Costs depend on the location (city centre stations cost more than highway stations), the time of day (peak hours may have higher rates), and the charger type (DC fast charging costs significantly more than AC charging). A typical DC fast-charging session on a highway might cost between €10 and €30 to add 200 kilometres of range, while an AC charging session at a parking area might cost €5 to €15 for the same amount of energy, though it takes much longer.

The Total Energies app shows the price per kilowatt-hour or the estimated cost for a full charge before you plug in, so you can decide whether to charge at that location or move to another station. Subscription plans may offer discounted rates if you are a frequent user, but they typically require a monthly or annual commitment.

Charging speed: what to expect at different station types

Total Energies operates two main types of chargers, and the speed difference is substantial. AC chargers (Level 2) deliver between 7 and 22 kilowatts of power and typically add 20 to 40 kilometres of range per hour of charging. A full charge on an AC charger can take 4 to 10 hours depending on your vehicle's battery size and the charger's power output.

DC fast chargers deliver 50 kilowatts or more and can add 200 to 300 kilometres of range in 20 to 40 minutes. However, charging speed slows as the battery approaches full capacity—the last 10 to 20 percent of charge takes disproportionately longer. Most drivers stop at 80 percent charged on a DC charger to avoid this slowdown and move on.

Real-world charging time also depends on your vehicle's onboard charger capacity, the current battery temperature, and how full the battery already is. Cold weather slows charging noticeably. The Total Energies app estimates charging time based on your vehicle type and current battery level, so check the estimate before you commit to waiting.

Using the Total Energies app to find and reserve chargers

The Total Energies mobile app is the most practical way to locate stations and understand what you will encounter before you arrive. The app shows the real-time status of each charger (available, occupied, or out of service), the connector types present, the power output, and the current price per kilowatt-hour.

You can filter results by connector type, power output, and location to narrow down your options. The app also displays user reviews and photos of stations, which helps you understand whether a location is straightforward to access or whether chargers are frequently broken. Some stations allow you to reserve a charger for a short period, though this feature varies by location.

To use the app, you will need to create an account and add a payment method. Once you arrive at a station, you can initiate a charging session directly through the app or use the charger's touchscreen if you prefer to pay with a contactless card. The app sends you notifications when your charge reaches your target level, which is useful if you do not want to wait for a full battery.

What to do if a charger is broken or unavailable

Charger downtime happens. A charger may be out of service due to maintenance, a technical fault, or damage. The Total Energies app marks broken chargers as unavailable, but this information is not always updated when ready. If you arrive at a station and find a charger is not working, try the app's support feature or look for a phone number posted on the charger itself.

If you cannot charge at your intended location, the app will show you the nearest alternative stations with available chargers. Plan for extra time if you need to drive to a different location. On highways, this might mean a 10 to 20 kilometre detour; in cities, alternatives are usually closer.

Total Energies has a customer support line in each country where they operate. If you encounter a persistent problem—such as a charger that repeatedly fails to start a session or charges incorrectly—contact support through the app or by phone to report the issue and request a refund if you were charged without receiving power.

Subscription plans versus pay-as-you-go charging

If you charge occasionally, pay-as-you-go is simpler and avoids monthly costs. You pay only for the sessions you use, and there is no commitment. However, per-session rates are higher than subscription rates.

Total Energies offers subscription plans that reduce the cost per kilowatt-hour if you charge frequently. These plans typically charge a monthly fee and then offer discounted rates at all Total Energies stations. The break-even point depends on how often you charge and which stations you use most. If you charge more than once or twice a week, a subscription may save you money over a year.

Review the subscription options in the Total Energies app or on their website for your country, as plans vary by region. Compare the monthly fee against your estimated charging costs over three months to decide whether a subscription makes financial sense for your driving pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge my non-European electric vehicle at a Total Energies station?

It depends on your vehicle's connector type. If your car uses Type 2 (AC) or CCS (DC) connectors, you can charge at most Total Energies stations. Vehicles with CHAdeMO or proprietary connectors will find fewer compatible stations, as Total Energies is phasing out CHAdeMO in favour of CCS. Check your vehicle manual to confirm your connector type before planning a trip.

What happens if I unplug my car before charging is complete?

You will be charged only for the energy you used. The session ends when you unplug, and the app will show your final cost. There is no penalty for stopping early, though you will need to find another charger if you need more range.

Do I need to book a charger in advance?

Most Total Energies stations do not require advance booking. You can arrive and start charging if a charger is available. Some locations in high-demand areas may offer optional reservations through the app, but this is not standard across the network.

Is Total Energies charging more expensive than other networks?

Pricing varies by location and charger type across all networks, including Total Energies. Compare prices in the Total Energies app against other networks in your area using a multi-network charging app to see which offers the best rate for your location and time of day.

What should I do if the charger won't start a session?

First, check that your payment method is valid and your account has no outstanding issues. Try initiating the session again through the app or the charger's touchscreen. If the problem persists, use the app's support feature to report the fault and request information. Most issues are resolved within a few minutes, but if the charger is genuinely broken, move to the nearest alternative station.