After a public charging session, you will usually receive a receipt in the app or by message. The lines can look confusing at first. Here is what they typically mean. Exact layouts vary by operator.
| Line | What it means |
|---|---|
| Energy delivered (kWh) | The amount of electricity that went into your car |
| Session duration | How long the car was charging or connected |
| Energy rate | Price per kWh for the electricity |
| Service charge | The operator's fee for providing the charging service, often per kWh |
| Idle or parking fee | A per-minute fee if the car stayed plugged in after charging finished |
| Taxes | GST and any other applicable taxes |
| Total | The amount charged to your payment method |
Why energy and service charges are separate
India's 2024 charging guidelines link EV supply tariffs to the cost of electricity and set ceilings on the service charge public stations can add, with lower ceilings in solar hours. Some operators show the two separately; others combine them into one per-kWh price.
Why the price can vary
- Time of day: some stations charge less during solar or off-peak hours.
- Charger type: DC fast charging usually costs more per kWh than AC.
- Location: highway and premium sites may price higher.
- Roaming: using another network's charger through your app may add a fee.
Checking your receipt
- Compare the kWh with the increase in your battery level.
- Check for idle fees and the time they started.
- Contact the operator through the app if something looks wrong.
A small difference between energy delivered and the battery gain is normal, because some energy is lost as heat during charging.