PlugSurfing

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.

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

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

• EV charging network
• EMobility platform
• Charging roaming services
• OEM charging API
• Charge point management

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core 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

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability1 record

Feature5 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• ChargetripcoreTechnology or Integration · 17 February 2026Chargetrip'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.
• PolestarflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 6 February 2026Polestar 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.
• AMPECOcoreTechnology or Integration · 30 September 2025AMPECO 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.
• AyvensflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 30 September 2025Ayvens 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 eSolutionscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 30 September 2025Integration 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 MotorscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 13 May 2025XPENG 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.
• ParkopediacoreTechnology or Integration · 12 June 2023Parkopedia 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.
• NIOflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 12 May 2022NIO 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 NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 26 January 2022LiFe 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.
• HubjectcoreTechnology or Integration · 20 July 2021Long-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.
• ZEEKRflagshipOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerZEEKR 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.
• UbitricityminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK charge point operator with 6,000 lamppost chargers integrated into urban infrastructure. Part of Plugsurfing's growing UK network coverage.
• Connected KerbminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK-based charge point operator rated best fast-charging network in the UK by ZapMap in 2023. Partner in Plugsurfing+ subscription providing 20% discounts.
• QwellominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCharge point operator bringing user-centric charge points to urban centers in Germany, Sweden, Spain, and France.
• ZunderminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCharge point operator providing ultrafast chargers in Spain, with some stations powered by locally generated solar energy.
• PowerdotcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor charging operator in Portugal providing DC and HPC charge points accessible through Plugsurfing and Polestar Charge. Offers 30% discount to Polestar Charge subscribers.
• EDP ComercialcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor Portuguese energy company with charge points across Portugal accessible through Plugsurfing's network. Offers 30% discount to Polestar Charge subscribers.
• IONITYflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPan-European high-power charging network with 20,000+ Superchargers at 1,500+ locations. 30% discount for Polestar Charge and Plugsurfing+ subscribers throughout Europe.
• FastnedcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFast charging operator with stations across Europe. Partner in multiple markets with 30% discount for Polestar Charge subscribers.
• Shell RechargecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShell's EV charging network accessible through Plugsurfing across multiple European countries. Part of Polestar Charge subscription discounts.
• FastnedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRepresented at Congress Charging Infrastructure Belgium '26, discussing grid congestion, heavy transport electrification, and vehicle-to-grid technology adoption.
• bp pulsecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipated in Congress Charging Infrastructure Belgium '26 alongside Plugsurfing to address industry challenges including grid congestion and V2G adoption.
• Shell RechargecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipated in Congress Charging Infrastructure Belgium '26 alongside Plugsurfing to discuss charging infrastructure challenges and solutions.
• EVA (EVAssist)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCustomer 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

Broad 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

• Xx.com/plugsurfing_uk
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/plugsurfing
• Instagraminstagram.com/plugsurfing
• Facebookfacebook.com/PlugsurfingUK

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about PlugSurfing