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The increasing electrification of vehicles is important to reduce CO₂ emissions as well as the dependency on oil. The number of electric cars in Austria is increasing month by month in a double digit percentage range. While there were 989 electric and plug-in vehicles on Austria´s roads in 2011, there were 7,614 cars at the end of 2015. The number of e-cars registrations has almost doubled in the first half of 2016 (in comparison to the first half of 2015) in Austria. More and more federal states in Austria offer subsidies to facilitate the transition from conventional combustion engines to electric cars.

Electromobility is the new form of individual mobility with cars, which obtains all (electric vehicles) or some (plug-in hybrid vehicles) of its energy from electricity.

We can successively make ourselves independent from fossil energy sources with electricity as an energy source. In this regard, SMATRICS offers the security of using 100% electricity from renewable energy sources. This allows almost CO₂-free mobility, significantly reduces fine-particle and noise pollution and increases the quality of life.

Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles lead to a marked decrease in CO₂ emissions and thus they make a valuable and sustainable contribution to climate protection. Electromobility causes less fine-particles and noise and thus improves the quality of life, particularly in cities. Electric engines are ahead of the field with regard to the high level of efficiency, as they convert electrical energy almost completely into kinetic energy and thus greatly reduce energy consumption.

On average, a newly approved vehicle in Austria emits 150g CO₂ per km. With regard to 10,000 kilometres driven per year, this corresponds to 1.5t CO₂. If the electricity comes from renewable energies, a CO₂ emission of 2g per km is attributable to the electric car. In this example, Extrapolated, that would be 20kg CO₂ per km annually, as compared with the 1.5t CO₂ emission of a conventional combustion engine.

SMATRICS customers are obliged to observe the parking and (road) traffic rules and to leave the space at the public charging station once the vehicle is fully charged in a reasonable time, so that other customers can also charge their cars. The electricity consumption must not exceed the value according to manufacturer specifications (depending on the respective contract vehicle) by more than 50%.

You do not drive “until the tank is empty” in electrified vehicles. The vehicle is charged overnight and easily during the day when the car is standing still: while shopping, in the car park, at the cinema or restaurant or even during stops at service stations. The additional time required for “refuelling” is limited to the initialisation of the refuelling process.

Purely electric vehicles have a range of up to 200km (Tesla S 450km). According to studies, the average number of kilometres driven per day in Austria is 34 km (VCÖ, 2016). The range is influenced by the driving behaviour of the user and the additional use of the radio or air-conditioning system. Vehicles with so-called range extenders (REX) can cover driving distances of up to 60 km purely electrically. The conventional drive has particularly high fuel consumption and high emission levels over short distances or in stop-and-go traffic.

Different studies show that up to 90% of all distances covered on a daily basis are less than 30km. Thus, purely electric cars are also ideally suited for everyday life with a range of 130 km. In addition, the electric car can be easily charged at the workplace or in the garage between short journeys – which extends the range even more. Plug-in hybrid cars with additional combustion engines do not lag behind conventional cars with regard to range.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles have a combustion engine in addition to an externally chargeable electric engine. However, electric cars are only powered by an electric engine.

With regard to electrified vehicles, there are the following drive types:
BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle): These vehicles are fully powered by an electric engine. The energy for this comes from the charging station and it is stored in a lithium-ion battery.

PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle): Firstly, plug-in hybrids have an electric engine that is powered via an externally chargeable battery (i.e. plug-in) and, secondly, they have a combustion engine that is activated when required. If the combustion engine is activated, the battery is charged by recuperation (energy recovery from braking).

REX (Range Extender): This variant of the electric drive has an electric engine and a combustion engine. The difference to PHEV is that the combustion engine is intended to recharge the battery and not for the direct drive. Once the battery is empty, the combustion engine is started and electrical energy is generated for the operation of the electric engine via a generator.

Full hybrid: With regard to a pure hybrid vehicle, the conventional drive switches to an electric engine at low loads to save fuel. Hybrids cannot be charged through the mains, as the electric engines used obtain their energy exclusively through recuperation (energy recovery from braking).

With regard to an electric engine, maximum torque and thus full power is available over the entire speed range. This guarantees significantly better acceleration and the corresponding driving pleasure.

Type 1 AC current up to 32 amps and voltages up to 230 volts (AC: alternating current)

This single-phase charging plug is used exclusively for vehicle-side charging. The maximum charging capacity is 7.4 kW with 230 V alternating current. The connection was previously via an In Cable Control Box and Schuko socket outlet and the charging capacity was limited to max. 3 kW.

This plug will no longer used by European manufacturers as of 2017. However, it will then still be possible to charge a vehicle with a Type 1 plug with an adaptor cable.

Type 2 (“Mennekes”) AC currents (alternating current)

The plug connections can be used on the vehicle side and the infrastructure side. The Type 2 plug can be used to charge with 230V single-phase or 400V three-phase with charging capacities of 3.7 kW to 43.5 kW.

This plug type should be used as the standard plug by the European car manufacturers as of 2017.

Combined AC/DC plug type 2 for high-speed charging (DC: direct current)

The charging of electric vehicles with direct and alternating current is supported by the so-called “Combined AC/DC Charging System”. Only one single charging socket is required for charging with AC and DC due to the universal connector face of the vehicle-side inlet.

When charging with AC, the AC Connector Type 2 can be plugged into the inlet. The DC Connector Type 2 is plugged into the inlet for high-speed charging on the go with up to 200 A.

CHAdeMO DC (direct current)

This charging interface is based on direct current, it can charge with a voltage of 300 to 600 volts and with up to 62.5 kW. An electric car on empty can be charged to 80% of the battery capacity within 30 minutes.

This charging cable is fixed to the charging station.

Did you know that SMATRICS offers the optimal charging cable for your plug-in or electric car for each case? Further information can be found here.

Like all vehicles, electric cars must also undergo and pass dedicated safety tests (NCAP etc.) before they can be launched on the market. Therefore, there are no additional risks in comparison to conventional vehicles. For example, the high voltage elements lose their voltage in case of an accident, so that there is no risk for the user.

When charging, the use of incorrect connections or conventional plugs can lead to overheating or fire hazard. There is no risk of electric shock when charging at the SMATRICS charge points or wallboxes.

In general: Electrified vehicles can be charged safely in all weather conditions, and rain or snow are no problem.

At low speeds, electric cars could pose a problem for pedestrians and cyclists due to the lack of engine noise. However, the wind and road noise remains. Therefore, more attention must be paid to pedestrians when using electric vehicles in traffic. The behaviour of pedestrians and cyclists will adjust accordingly with the increase of electromobility in everyday traffic.

Meanwhile almost all well-known manufacturers offer electric cars. Information about electric vehicles incl. all details can be found here: e-mobility

Household sockets are not constructed for continuous operation at full power and there not a safe charging option for cars. Furthermore charging times can be reduced with a professional charging unit (Wallbox). More information can be found here: Home-charging.

Our cooperation partner “Greenride” offers the possibility to rent a Tesla Model S. More information can be found on our website: Rent a Tesla Model S now!

"Europcar", Europe´s Leading Car Hire, also offer first-class rates for all vehicles and rental periods especially for SMATRICS customers.

Electrified vehicles are considerably cheaper to operate than petrol/diesel powered cards, as they are significantly more efficient with the energy used. When comparing the costs for 100 km, the electrical energy is up to 2/3 cheaper than conventional fuel and there is still no sign of an end to the price increases. Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are also fully exempt from the normal consumption tax (NoVA) and the engine-related insurance tax, depending on the respective vehicle type. The normal consumption tax (NoVA) does not apply at all to purely electric vehicles, and it does not apply to plug-in hybrid vehicles if the consumption per 100 km indicated by the manufacturer is less than 3 litres of petrol or 2 litres of diesel.

The maintenance costs are up to 35% less, as there is no need for an oil change or the replacement of the exhaust system or clutch.

As the mass production of electrically chargeable vehicles is only just starting, the costs on the manufacturer’s side are increased. The batteries are also very expensive due to the high quality, performance and safety. These costs will fall significantly in the coming years and thus positively affect the vehicle price.
In addition, electric vehicles are often fully equipped, thus they offer more comfort in comparison to conventional cars. For example, navigation systems and displays normally come as standard. The price is reduced by subsidies and the exemption from normal consumption tax (NoVA) and insurance tax.

Depending on the respective province, there are different subsidy models in Austria for the purchasing of electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles. A good overview of the subsidies can be found here: Subsidies for electric cars.

The location and infrastructure costs consist of hardware costs for the charging infrastructure itself, development and construction costs, as well as electricity supply and consumption fees. The costs per location strongly depend on the number of charge points and the required electricity supply and consumption fees. Depending on the requirements of the respective location, the costs for building a charging station can be between 15,000 € and 100,000 €.

Electric cars are exempted from NoVa and insurance tax. With the tax reform in Austria companies and employees with company cars have further financial advantages. For details please see our tax calculator: tax calculator

The use of electrified vehicles only makes sense of the electricity for charging comes from 100% renewable energies. Therefore, the electricity used for charging at SMATRICS charging stations comes from 100 % hydroelectric power. When the supply to our charging stations from an independent power supply is not possible, it will be certified that green energy is fed into the grid to the extent used by our customers for charging and thus the end consumer is making a sustainable contribution to the environment.

Green energy certificates are certificates which guarantee that a certain amount of renewable electrical energy is produced by a pool of verified hydropower, wind, biomass and solar power stations. In this regard, the generation and feeding is temporally and spatially decoupled, in contrast to the decentralised generation. The electricity generated from renewable sources is fed into the grid. If an end consumer purchases green energy, the corresponding amount of certificates and electricity are brought together again, the certificate becomes invalidated and the green energy counts as having been consumed. According to an EU directive regarding proof of origin, European energy providers have been obliged to disclose which energy sources are used to generate the electricity since 2010.

SMATRICS offers mobility packages for private individuals and business customers, for public charging at the SMATRICS charging stations and private wallboxes. The packages include the following services:

• Public charging stations at supermarkets, cinemas, petrol stations, P&R facilities, shopping centres
• Private charging stations (wallboxes) at home and/or at the workplace
• Complete installation and commissioning of wallboxes and charging stations
• Servicing of wallboxes
• Services such as 24 hour customer hotline, news ticker
• Mobile App with charging station finder, availability display and route planner
• Charging cables

We need your data to be able to send you the bills and other exclusive offers.

Yes, it is possible with a SMATRICS wallbox. The wallbox is your personal charging station for fast and safe charging at home. SMATRICS provides you with everything you need from A to Z. install check up to introduction to your charging station. From installation and activation, to extra charging cables for all standard connections.

More information can be found here: Home charging

Payment works exclusively via credit card (Visa or Mastercard). Once a month, you will receive a collective invoice for all your charges.

Register, activate and charge via Web or app. At each charging station you will find an information sticker showing web link and the QR code to the registration page.

For Direct NET you can register with Visa or Mastercard. Other methods of payment are currently unavailable.

The Direct NET scheme does not include a SMATRICS customer card. Charging and identification at the charge point works via your smartphone.

SMATRICS customers benefit from our partnerships in the mobility sector, e.g.

• ÖAMTC: Discount on SMATRICS NET for ÖAMTC club members
• Europcar: Special conditions for your rental car
• The New Motion: Cross-border charging in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands
• Petrol: Cross-border charging in Slovakia
• Greenway & ZSE: Cross-border charging in Slovakia

and through the cooperation with various car manufacturers.

Check our website and click on “become customer”. You can choose a tariff and register, afterwards you can open your user account.

All charging cable can be found here: charging cable.

The length varies depending on the charging cable. Information about the length can be found here: charging cable

We need to make sure that our charging stations are not obstructed by parked cars and subsequent drivers can also charge.

Unfortunately this is not possible for technical reasons.

You will find a list of all charges in your personal account under "Last charges”, on our website or in the app.

You can choose your preferred means of payment. You can easily pay by direct debit or you can receive a monthly bill by post/Email.

The new SMATRICS NET contracts (Single NET, Smart NET and Active NET) will be charged per use. Depending on your plan there is a basic fee and the chargin process is charged per minute. Click here for further informations.

Billing by kWh would mean that users park for too long and prevent other users from charging.

The charging station can only offer a maximum charging output. The output actually used for charging is determined by the vehicle itself based on various algorithms.

Billable charging procedures begin when you give the "Start" command at the charging station or in the app. The charging process itself can be ended in various ways: by using the "Stop" button on the station or in the app, or by pulling out the charging cable. Please note that the charging can also be stopped automatically by the car. We have no influence over this. We would also like to ask you to leave the charging station immediately after the charging procedure is completed so the next driver can also charge.

Depending on the selected plan, there are certain minimum contract terms. After this period elapses, you can change to another plan. Service upgrades are possible at any time.

You will receive notification from us when your new tariff will be valid from.

No, this is billed on a pro rata basis.

If you want to cancel your contract, please send us an email info@smatrics.com.

The contract Single NET can be terminated anytime. The contracts Smart NET and Active Net must meet a two months’ notice to the end of the quarter.

You can access your personal account via our website, where you can see all previous charges, under the menu item "last charges".

You can change the password directly in the app or on our website: change password 

The SMATRICS user account shows your personal data, as well your charging history.

Unfortunately this is not possible. For changes please contact SMATRICS via email info@smatrics.com. 

You get a customer card with the tariffs Single-, Smart- and Active-NET. You can start charging with Direct NET only by smartphones or via the website.

Charging can be started and terminated using the SMATRICS app instead of the SMATRICS customer card. It is not possible to combine both methods. If charging is started using the app, it must be terminated using the app.

Normally you get your customer card in just a few days by post.

The SMATRICS customer card is used for identification at the charging stations. The transfer of the customer card to charge third party vehicles is not permitted.

Immediately report the loss of your SMATRICS customer card on the SMATRICS service hotline (+43 (0) 5 03 13 51 855). The cost for replacing a SMATRICS customer card is 30 € (incl. VAT.). The replacement of a non-functional SMATRICS customer card and changing the SMATRICS customer card to another vehicle belonging to the same customer is free of charge.

Our charging stations meet all safety standards. There is no safety risk when charging with official equipment at the SMATRICS charge points or wallboxes. Charging instructions are available online.

A current overview of the SMATRICS charging stations can be found on our website under the menu option “Charging Network ”. This overview is continuously updated with new charging stations. Furthermore, this information is also available on the SMATRICS mobile App for iOS and Android. Real-time information on the charging stations is available on the App (is the station free or occupied) and the App also has a routing feature that you can use to simply navigate to a selected station.

The SMATRICS customer card (RFID card) and a Type 2/Type 1 or a Type 2/Type 2 adapter charging cable, depending on the charging coupler on your vehicle, are required to charge at the public charging stations. Except for DC high-speed charging stations, whereby an additional charging cable is not necessary, as the cable is already integrated in the charging station.

Identification takes place at the charging station with the personal customer card (RFID card). The charging cable is then connected to the vehicle and the charging process begins automatically or by confirming on the display. In order to end the charging process, identification with the customer card must take place again and the cable can then be removed.

The standard plug for the European market is the Type 2 plug. The plug types currently on the market are not yet standardised on either the vehicle or charging station sides. Depending on the vehicle or charging station, either Type 1, Type 2, Combo, CHAdeMO or Schuko (household) plugs are used. The Type 2 plug can be used to charge at most charging stations.

Here you will find more information on the different charging cables: SMATRICS charging cable range

The modern batteries in electrified cards do not have to be fully charged or completely emptied. The charging process can be stopped and continued at any time.
The duration of a full charge depends on the battery and essentially the capacity of the charging station. High-speed charging with up to 50 kW: approx. 20 minutes. Accelerated charging with 22 kW: around 1 hour. Normal charging at home (wallbox, 3.7 kW): approximately 8 hours – specifically for charging overnight.

Depending on the charging station, the charging cable may be fixed to the public charge point or wallbox or it may have to be provided by the customer in order to connect the vehicle to the charging station (SMATRICS charging cable range). You must authenticate yourself with the SMATRICS customer card at the charge point before charging. In order to end the charging process, simply hold the SMATRICS customer card up to the card reader again. Identification is not required for the private wallbox.

SMATRICS offers high-speed charging stations and accelerated charging stations. The main difference is the charging capacity (unit: kW). The charging capacity of high-speed charging stations is much higher, thus the charging time is significantly reduced.

SMATRICS is the first Austrian provider which built a comprehensive, customer-oriented charging infrastructure to ensure the use of electrified vehicles now and in the future. There will be a SMATRICS charging station within a radius of at least approximately 60 km throughout Austria since mid-2014. The network will then be successively concentrated with a focus on conurbations and main traffic routes. The electricity comes from 100% renewable energies.

In general, charging is possible at all SMATRICS charging stations. However. the vehicle must technically support high-speed charging for charging at high-speed charging stations. The following vehicles can currently not be charged at high-speed charging stations: Opel ampera bz/el, Renault fluence, Chevrolet Volt BZ/El and Ford Focus dyb hk electric.

We recommend the installation of a so-called wallbox for simply charging at home. With the wallbox, you can charge the car conveniently and safely at home. We recommend wallboxes, as the charging process via conventional household sockets will load the cables and sockets with very high currents over several hours. Household sockets typically do not meet these requirements.

Yes, you can charge the battery at any time.

In the private sector, it is assumed that the wallbox is installed in a lockable area. With regard to public charging stations, the cable is locked on the charging station side during the charging process until the process is ended by the customer. Many electric vehicles also lock the charging cable on the vehicle side during the charging process.

No, only certified electric vehicles may be charged using the SMATRICS charge points and wallboxes.

There are various ways to end a charging process. This can also happen automatically sometimes, which can even be of advantage to you and you pay less.

The per-minute price for the charging depends on the maximum output per charging point. The maximum output can be found on our website, the app and on the charging station itself.

In case of malfunctioning of a charging station please contact the service hotline +43 5031351 855. The number is also placed at each charging station.

No, if a charging session is started using the app/the charging card, it also must be terminated using your own app/your charging card.

This depends on the vehicle, the charging level of the battery and the charging station. An electric car can be fully charged in 20 minutes at our high-speed charging stations.

You can find the opening hours of the individual charging station on our website and in the SMATRICS app. It may happen that a location partner restricts the charging times.

SMATRICS High-speed charging stations are fitted with charging cables. All others vary, some have pre-fitted cables (typ2), others only have sockets (for type1 and type2 vehicles). In general we recommend that you always carrying your own charging cable. If a charging station has a socket or a cable is detailed in our web and app under charging network.

The SMATRICS App can be downloaded for the iPhone in the Apple Store free of charge. The App is available to download for Android smartphones in the Play Store. Simply download and discover the charging possibilities.

You can learn more about the SMATRICS App here: SMATRICS mobile App for iOS and Android

If you are using the app for the first time, please create a SMATRICS account. Then you can log in with your email address and password.

After logging in you can select a station from the map view or from the list. In the detailed view of the charging station, select the chosen charging point and click on the "Charge" button. The charge can only be started if the chosen charging point is free and the connector symbol is green. If the vehicle is connected to the charging station, click on the "Start" button to launch the charging process.

Charging via the app only works for customers with valid contracts dated from 1 January 2016.

The charging is ended by clicking on the "Stop" button. After stopping the charging, the charge is displayed under "Last charges".
Please note: if the charge was started via the app, it must be ended with the app as well. It is not possible to combine the different connection methods (using the customer card or the app). 

This service is only available for customers with a current tariff (available since 1 January 2016). Have you already created an account? Before logging in for the first time you need to create a SMATRICS account.
The email address used when registering must be the same one used for concluding the contract. 

The charging time displayed in the app may differ from the actual charging time for system-related reasons. The actual duration is displayed under "Last charges".

This can happen if the charging point is occupied or if there is no data connection to the server.
If the charging point is free, please use your customer card.

These functions are available to our customers who use the current tariff models. If you have an old tariff with a flat-rate you can simply change to one of the new tariffs.

The SMATRICS App is a no cost service for iOS and Android.

The SMATRICS app is available for iOS and Android. For iPhone through the Apple Store and for Android smartphones in the Play Store, both free of charge.

In this case please contact our service hotline +43 5 031 351 855. The hotline is able to stop the charging session for you.

The range of packages for business customers can be found here: Products for business customers

Besides several charging poles, the SMATRICS wallbox, a small box to fit to the wall, is your personal charging station for fast and safe charging at work. SMATRICS provides you with everything you need from A to Z. From install check up to an introduction to your charging station. From installation and activation, up to extra charging cables for all standard connections. More information can be found here: Business solutions

Our experts for business and municipal solutions are there to provide you with detailed information. Simply call us +43 1 5322 4055 5627 or send us an email to projekte@smatrics.com.

At charging network operators which demand a fee, it depends whether there is an agreement between SMATRICS and the given network operator. A list of the current contracted partners and their costs can be found at www.smatrics.com/roaming-partner

At roaming partners you can only start and end charging with a SMATRICS customer card. Starting and ending using the app is not possible. At www.smatrics.com you can select your chosen tariff and receive your personal customer card.

All partner stations can be accessed by setting the Geo-filter in the app or on the website. More information about the roaming partners can be found here: roaming partner.

Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Slovenia and Slovakia. More information about the partner station can be found here: charging abroad

Information about the costs can be found here: roaming-partner

SMATRICS currently has four partners in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium it is “The New Motion”, in Slovenia “Petrol” and in Slovakia “ZSE” and “Greenway”. At these partner stations you can charge simple and straightforward with you SMATRICS customer card.

All partner stations can be viewed by setting the Geo-filter in the app and on the website. Information about the roaming partner can be found here: Unlimited charging

The charging stations in Bavaria are part of the extensive SMATRICS network, and so no roaming fees are billed.