Image: BMWPlug&Charge typically requires the vehicle to store charging contracts in its system. When a session starts automatically, the car accesses these contracts and applies the stored terms to handle billing. Carmakers such as BMW have already introduced ‘Multi-Contract Handling,’ enabling drivers to store multiple Plug&Charge contracts in one vehicle and select the preferred contract—and tariff—at the charging point.Until now, Plug&Charge has always required a stored contract, as it did not support ad-hoc payments by credit card. BMW is now changing that: together with Mini, the group will soon allow drivers to store a credit card directly as a Plug&Charge payment method. This removes the need for additional apps, charging cards or manual steps at the charging point.With contract-free Plug&Charge charging, BMW is targeting new customer groups, according to its own statements.“The new offer is available to all Plug & Charge-capable BMW and Mini vehicles and, for the first time, also opens up Plug & Charge to customer groups without an existing charging contract – including tourists or fleet- and company-car drivers who only temporarily log into their vehicle with their BMW or Mini account”However, there is a significant limitation: this service is not yet available at all charging stations that support Plug&Charge. According to BMW’s announcement, the service will initially launch with Mer Deutschland at over 1,400 charging points in Germany and Austria, enabled by the Plug&Charge ecosystem and payment processing via Hubject. Additional charging network operators and markets will follow gradually throughout 2026. However, it has not been specified which operators or how many will be added during the year.According to BMW, billing will be based on ‘the provider’s current ad-hoc charging price.’ The price will be displayed at the supported charging stations, as well as in the vehicle and the BMW or Mini app.“The costs are paid directly via the stored credit card, so that drivers retain full cost control and transparency at all times,” the Munich-based company stated.At launch partner Mer Deutschland, the ad-hoc price for DC charging varies between €0.69 and €0.79 per kWh, depending on the charging power. At 50 kW charging points, the price is €0.69 per kWh, while at high-power charging (HPC) stations with 150 kW or more, it is €0.79 per kWh.bmwgroup.com
