PlugSurfing
PlugSurfing is a Berlin-based eMobility Service Provider operating Europe's largest unified EV charging network with 1M+ charge points across 27 countries, serving 2M+ drivers via its consumer app and OEM white-label solutions, with Drive API integrations for Polestar, ZEEKR, NIO, XPENG, and Volvo.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersBerlin, Germany
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingSoftware
What PlugSurfing does
PlugSurfing GmbH is a Berlin-based eMobility Service Provider (EMP) founded in 2012 that operates one of Europe's largest unified EV charging networks, aggregating 1M+ charge points from 900+ charge point operators across 27 European countries. The company serves three customer segments through a single platform: individual EV drivers via the Plugsurfing consumer app (2M+ registered drivers), car manufacturers via the Drive API and white-label charging apps (Polestar Charge, ZEEKR Charge, Ayvens Power, Free2move Charge), and charge point operators via the Plugsurfing Power Platform backend. Distribution is multi-channel, combining a direct-to-consumer mobile app and physical RFID charging card with OEM-embedded white-label deployments and partner API integrations (notably Parkopedia's in-car payment platform).
The underlying technology is the Plugsurfing Power Platform, a cloud-based interoperability layer that handles cross-CPO roaming, country-specific regulatory compliance, payment processing, and session lifecycle management. Core differentiated components include the Drive API (used by OEMs to embed charging into dashboards and apps), ISO 15118 Plug & Charge support (enabling credentialed automatic authentication for Polestar 2/3/4), and a recently launched Route Planner feature powered by Chargetrip's routing API. The platform has processed 17M+ charging sessions since inception and reports 80% coverage of UK DC and HPC chargers.
PlugSurfing generates revenue through four streams: per-session roaming transaction fees charged to drivers and CPOs, recurring subscription revenue (Plugsurfing+ at £6.90/month in the UK offering 20% discounts; Polestar Charge at €13.99/month across 16+ countries offering 30% off DC/HPC charging), white-label app and API licensing to OEMs (Polestar, ZEEKR, NIO, XPENG, Volvo, Ayvens, Free2move), and backend managed services for charge point operators. The company has been a subsidiary of FLEETCOR Technologies since August 2022, following prior ownership by Fortum Oyj from 2018.
PlugSurfing firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- PlugSurfing
- Legal name
- Plugsurfing GmbH
- Website
- https://www.plugsurfing.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- PlugSurfing is a Berlin-based eMobility Service Provider operating Europe's largest unified EV charging network with 1M+ charge points across 27 countries, serving 2M+ drivers via its consumer app and OEM white-label solutions, with Drive API integrations for Polestar, ZEEKR, NIO, XPENG, and Volvo.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
PlugSurfing industry classification
Industry- Product category
- EV Charging Platform Software
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518210)
- SIC
- Electric & Other Services Combined (4931), Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)
- akta.pro primary industry
- EV Charging Network Management & Software Services (CPMS, Monitoring, Billing) (TLAKAMAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- EV Charging Grid Integration Services (Utility Make-Ready, Load Management Integration) (EUAEANAJ), Charging Network Operators & CPOs Offering Smart Charging/V2G (EUAFAMAD)
Keywords
Where PlugSurfing is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Berlin
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
PlugSurfing business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Others
Revenue model
- Transaction Fees (Roaming): Plugsurfing charges a fee for each charging session processed through its network, functioning as an EV roaming platform. The per-kWh price in the app includes a roaming cost for maintaining connections to 900+ operators across Europe.
- Plugsurfing+ Subscription: Monthly subscription service (£6.90/month in UK) offering 20% discounts at participating charging networks. Users save after two charging sessions based on average 20 kWh per session consumption.
- OEM White-Label Solutions: Licensing of white-label charging apps and Drive API to car manufacturers (OEMs) who want to offer branded charging services to their customers. Examples include Polestar Charge, ZEEKR Charge, and Ayvens Power.
- CPO Backend Services: Providing back-end cloud software and management platform services to charge point operators, enabling them to manage chargers, payments, and operations across their networks.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Plugsurfing+ UK - 20% discount subscription at participating UK networks |
| Subscription | Monthly | Polestar Charge Subscription - 30% off DC and HPC charging across Europe |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Charging Session Pricing |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
PlugSurfing product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PlugSurfing operates the Plugsurfing Power Platform, a cloud-based eMobility Service Provider (EMP) network that connects EV drivers, charge point operators (CPOs), and car manufacturers (OEMs) across Europe. Its core offerings are the consumer-facing Plugsurfing App for finding, starting, and paying at charging stations; the Drive API and white-label solutions that embed charging into OEM apps and vehicle dashboards; and the back-end management platform for CPOs enabling roaming and payment processing across 900+ operators and 1M+ charge points in 27+ countries.
Product overview
Plugsurfing is an eMobility alliance platform that provides a multi-sided ecosystem connecting EV drivers, charge point operators (CPOs), and car manufacturers (OEMs). The core offering consists of the Plugsurfing App for drivers paired with the Drive API for partner integrations. The platform operates on a hub-and-spoke model where the Plugsurfing App serves as the primary consumer interface (the hub), while Drive API enables OEM white-label solutions (spokes) such as Polestar Charge. Additional products include Plugsurfing+ subscription service for discounted UK charging, CPO Solutions for backend network management, and Charging Cards for physical authentication. The Route Planner feature extends the app with routing optimization powered by Chargetrip.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Plugsurfing App
Quantifiable outcome
- 2M+ drivers trust Plugsurfing for charging across Europe
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use PlugSurfing
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
PlugSurfing technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
AI capability1 record
Feature5 records
PlugSurfing partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
24 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- ChargetripcoreChargetrip's API powers Plugsurfing's Route Planner feature, enabling EV drivers to find and plan charging stops along their routes using contextual vehicle data. The feature was launched based on over 5,000 user requests for routing capability.
- PolestarflagshipPolestar Charge app launched in partnership with Plugsurfing provides access to 1M+ charging points across Europe. Tesla Supercharger network fully integrated. Polestar 2 (2026 MY) and Polestar 3 support Plug & Charge technology.
- AMPECOcoreAMPECO partnered with Plugsurfing to deliver managed roaming for CPOs across Europe, enabling charge point operators to access Plugsurfing's driver base through AMPECO's management platform.
- AyvensflagshipAyvens partnered with Plugsurfing to launch European fleet charging solution across 6 markets. Ayvens Power charging app powered by Plugsurfing enables fleet drivers to charge across Europe.
- Free2move eSolutionscoreIntegration of Plugsurfing's Drive API into Free2move Charge App and eSolutions Charging App provides Stellantis customers access to 1M+ charging points for slow, fast, and ultrafast charging.
- XPENG MotorscoreXPENG partnered with Plugsurfing to offer customers access to 940,000+ charging points across 27 European countries. Enables seamless in-car and app-based charging including navigation, real-time availability, pricing, and payment.
- ParkopediacoreParkopedia integrated Plugsurfing's Drive API into their in-car Payment Platform, enabling drivers to locate, start, and pay for charging at 500,000+ charge points from the vehicle dashboard via the Park and Charge service.
- NIOflagshipNIO partnered with Plugsurfing to provide pan-European charging experience. NIO drivers can access Plugsurfing's network via NIO dashboard and app, using the NIO car key for charger activation without additional cards.
- RAW Charging / LiFe NetworkcoreLiFe Network operated by RAW Charging joined Plugsurfing to expand across UK and Europe. RAW's 600 charging ports gain access to Plugsurfing's driver pool through the Plugsurfing Power Platform.
- HubjectcoreLong-standing partnership renewal (since 2012) giving Plugsurfing access to Hubject's eRoaming platform intercharge, connecting to 150,000+ charging stations across Europe. Promotes interoperability and standardized access.
- ZEEKRflagshipZEEKR Charge built on Plugsurfing's white-label offering with automated onboarding campaigns and custom in-app illustrations. Premium 24/7 customer service provided via partner EVAssist.
- UbitricityminorUK charge point operator with 6,000 lamppost chargers integrated into urban infrastructure. Part of Plugsurfing's growing UK network coverage.
- Connected KerbminorUK-based charge point operator rated best fast-charging network in the UK by ZapMap in 2023. Partner in Plugsurfing+ subscription providing 20% discounts.
- QwellominorCharge point operator bringing user-centric charge points to urban centers in Germany, Sweden, Spain, and France.
- ZunderminorCharge point operator providing ultrafast chargers in Spain, with some stations powered by locally generated solar energy.
- PowerdotcoreMajor charging operator in Portugal providing DC and HPC charge points accessible through Plugsurfing and Polestar Charge. Offers 30% discount to Polestar Charge subscribers.
- EDP ComercialcoreMajor Portuguese energy company with charge points across Portugal accessible through Plugsurfing's network. Offers 30% discount to Polestar Charge subscribers.
- IONITYflagshipPan-European high-power charging network with 20,000+ Superchargers at 1,500+ locations. 30% discount for Polestar Charge and Plugsurfing+ subscribers throughout Europe.
- FastnedcoreFast charging operator with stations across Europe. Partner in multiple markets with 30% discount for Polestar Charge subscribers.
- Shell RechargecoreShell's EV charging network accessible through Plugsurfing across multiple European countries. Part of Polestar Charge subscription discounts.
- FastnedcoreRepresented at Congress Charging Infrastructure Belgium '26, discussing grid congestion, heavy transport electrification, and vehicle-to-grid technology adoption.
- bp pulsecoreParticipated in Congress Charging Infrastructure Belgium '26 alongside Plugsurfing to address industry challenges including grid congestion and V2G adoption.
- Shell RechargecoreParticipated in Congress Charging Infrastructure Belgium '26 alongside Plugsurfing to discuss charging infrastructure challenges and solutions.
- EVA (EVAssist)coreCustomer support agency specialized in the EV industry providing tailored support for Plugsurfing drivers and partners. Agents reachable by chat or phone.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
PlugSurfing competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- ChargePoint: ChargePoint operates one of the largest EV charging networks globally with a comprehensive software platform for CPOs and EMP services. While primarily North American, ChargePoint competes with Plugsurfing in the CPO management and EMP software category.
- Tesla Supercharger: Tesla's Supercharger network is the largest global fast-charging network and increasingly accessible to non-Tesla EVs. Plugsurfing's recent Tesla Supercharger integration (via Polestar Charge) reflects Tesla's growing role as both partner and competitive threat.
- bp pulse: bp pulse is BP's global EV charging business with significant European operations. It functions as both a CPO partner within Plugsurfing's network and a competitor offering branded charging solutions to OEMs and fleets.
- Shell Recharge: Shell Recharge operates a large European EV charging network as part of Shell's energy portfolio. It is a CPO partner to Plugsurfing but also competes directly with its own branded charging apps and OEM partnerships.
Direct peers
- Fastned: Fastned operates a fast-charging network across Europe with stations in multiple Plugsurfing-served countries. Fastned is both a CPO partner and a direct competitor as it builds its own branded charging experiences and OEM partnerships.
- Virta: Virta is a European EV charging software platform and EMP offering CPO management software, white-label apps, and roaming services. Direct competitor to Plugsurfing with overlapping CPO/OEM customer base across European markets.
- IONITY: IONITY operates a pan-European HPC charging network with 20,000+ charge points and is both a partner and a competitor. Plugsurfing routes drivers to IONITY stations, but IONITY's scale and OEM ownership (BMW, Mercedes, Ford, VW) creates direct competitive dynamics.
- Gireve: Gireve is a French EV roaming platform connecting CPOs and EMPs across Europe, similar to Hubject and Plugsurfing. Direct competitor in the EV roaming aggregation space with overlapping European CPO relationships.
- Hubject: Hubject operates the intercharge eRoaming platform connecting 150,000+ charging stations across Europe. Like Plugsurfing, Hubject is a B2B EV roaming aggregator connecting CPOs, OEMs, and EMPs with similar market positioning and OEM relationships.
- EnBW mobility+: EnBW mobility+ is a German energy company's EV charging division operating across Europe with both CPO and EMP services. Similar vertical scope to Plugsurfing with strong DACH market presence.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
PlugSurfing social profiles
Digital presencePlugSurfing financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
PlugSurfing leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
PlugSurfing funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
PlugSurfing M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about PlugSurfing
What does PlugSurfing do?
PlugSurfing operates the Plugsurfing Power Platform, a cloud-based eMobility Service Provider (EMP) network that connects EV drivers, charge point operators (CPOs), and car manufacturers (OEMs) across Europe. Its core offerings are the consumer-facing Plugsurfing App for finding, starting, and paying at charging stations; the Drive API and white-label solutions that embed charging into OEM apps and vehicle dashboards; and the back-end management platform for CPOs enabling roaming and payment processing across 900+ operators and 1M+ charge points in 27+ countries.
Is PlugSurfing a public or private company?
PlugSurfing is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was PlugSurfing founded?
PlugSurfing was founded in 2012. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is PlugSurfing based?
PlugSurfing is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does PlugSurfing make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Transaction Fees (Roaming) is the primary driver. The others are plugsurfing+ Subscription, OEM White-Label Solutions and CPO Backend Services.
Who are PlugSurfing's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are ChargePoint, Tesla Supercharger, bp pulse and Shell Recharge. Direct peers are Fastned, Virta, IONITY, Gireve, Hubject and EnBW mobility+.
Does PlugSurfing have an API?
Yes. Plugsurfing's Drive API enables carmakers and partners to integrate charging functionality directly into their in-house technology and apps, allowing drivers to locate, start, and pay for charging from within the partner's branded interface. The API provides access to over 1 million charging points across Europe, supports real-time availability, pricing, and payment processing, and can be embedded into car dashboards and mobile apps to create a seamless charging experience. Developers can access documentation, API references, and sample code through the developer platform. Developer documentation is at developer.plugsurfing.com.
What industry is PlugSurfing in?
PlugSurfing's product category is EV Charging Platform Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAKAMAG, EV Charging Network Management & Software Services (CPMS, Monitoring, Billing), with a secondary code of EUAEANAJ, EV Charging Grid Integration Services (Utility Make-Ready, Load Management Integration). Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 4931.