How Does Charging Work? – A Practical Guide

Driving an electric car also means easy charging—fast, reliable, and convenient. Since the expansion of the public charging network for electric vehicles began, the charging infrastructure in Austria has improved significantly. But while virtually every driver knows what to do when the fuel light on a traditional car starts flashing, there are still questions that need to be answered when it comes to electric cars.

With BEVs accounting for 20% of new car registrations in Austria (11/2025, source: AustriaTech), electric cars are no longer a niche phenomenon. The expansion of the public charging network is impressive, even if it is still in full swing. Currently, you can find a charging station in the SMATRICS EnBW network at least every 50 kilometers in Austria.

We have summarized a guide with the most important tips and tricks for you.

Finding the right charging station

The first step is to select a suitable charging station. There are various options available to you:

• Charging apps: Apps such as the SMATRICS app show you available charging stations, charging capacities, and the current occupancy status.
• Online charging network map: Here you will find an interactive map with filter options for plug type and power.
• Onboard navigation: Many vehicles display charging points directly in the navigation system and automatically plan them into the route.

Especially on longer trips, it is advisable to choose charging parks with several ultra-fast charging points, as these increase availability and reduce waiting times.

Choosing the right charging station

Not all charging stations are the same. The decisive factors are the charging capacity and the connection of your vehicle:

• AC charging (alternating current)
  Charging capacity usually up to 11 kW. Suitable for longer periods of downtime, such as when shopping or overnight.
• DC charging (direct current)
  Charging power up to around 50 kW. Ideal for shorter stops.
• HPC charging (high power charging)
  Charging power from 150 kW to 400 kW. Depending on the vehicle, this allows a high range to be recharged in a short time, especially on long-distance journeys.

Please note: Not every electric car can use the station's maximum charging capacity. The charging capacity depends on the built-in charging system or battery type, the temperature, the current state of charge, and the utilization of the charging park. 

How to start charging

The charging process at a charging station is usually standardized:

1. Park your vehicle correctly at the charging station.

2. Connect the vehicle to the charging station.

• For AC charging, you usually need your own Type 2 cable.
• For DC and HPC charging, the cable is permanently installed at the station.

3. Authorize the charging process. This can be done using:

• A SMATRICS charging card or charging chip
• A charging app
• A credit or debit card (direct payment)
• A QR code for online payment

4. The charging process starts automatically and is shown on the display of the station or in the app.

If you have activated AutoCharge or Plug & Charge for your car, charging can also start automatically as soon as the cable is plugged in. You can find more information here.

Finish charging and continue driving

Once you have charged enough energy:

• Finish the charging process via the app or with your charging card.
• Disconnect the charging cable from the vehicle.
• Free up the charging space. 

Please note that at some locations, so-called blocking fees may apply if the vehicle remains at the charging station for too long after charging is complete. 

What you need for charging

To ensure a smooth charging process, you should have prepared the following:

• A valid authorization medium (e.g., SMATRICS charging card or app)
• A payment method
• The appropriate charging cable for AC charging
• Basic knowledge of charging power and vehicle connection

Useful tips for stress-free charging

• Plan your charging sessions in advance and avoid running down the battery completely.
• The charging range between approximately 20 and 80 percent is usually the most efficient.
• Use fast charging stations, especially on long journeys.
• If your vehicle supports it, take advantage of automatic battery preconditioning before fast charging.

Conclusion

Charging is not rocket science. With a few helpful tips, charging your electric car will quickly become routine.

SMATRICS supports you with simple access and billing solutions so that you can concentrate purely on electric driving: comfortable and sustainable.