Frequently Asked
Questions

Yes, because chargeSmart intelligently controls charging processes, peak loads are avoided and the power grid is relieved. The vehicles can also help Swissgrid stabilize the grid through system services.

chargeSmart is hardware and location-agnostic and can therefore be used independently of the existing charging infrastructure and load management. Since chargeSmart relies entirely on cloud interfaces, no additional hardware is required.

chargeSmart is compatible with almost all vehicles of almost all brands. It is controlled directly from the vehicle. With older models (released before 2020), it is possible that chargeSmart cannot be used.

The biggest savings can be achieved with an electricity tariff with dynamic elements (e.g. when part of the energy is purchased on the spot market). Tranched procurement also helps to realize savings more quickly. Further savings are possible through the performance tariff or network usage.

chargeSmart guarantees that your desired charge level is achieved with normal charging behavior. Fast charging processes are not affected. In combination with chargeHome, exciting information about vehicles and charging behavior can also be provided.

chargeSmart analyses your driving and charging behavior and predicts when you need your vehicle. Based on this, charging processes are postponed to periods of low electricity prices.

Switzerland already has one of the world's densest charging networks for electric vehicles. autoSense offers over 98% coverage in Switzerland with over 15,000 charging points, and over 600,000 charging points across Europe.

In the short term, i.e. when purchased, electric cars are usually more expensive than combustion engines. In contrast, electric cars are cheaper in the long term. The reasons are lower energy and maintenance costs. Depending on the canton of residence, you also receive subsidies.

On average, a passenger car in Switzerland is driven less than 25 km per day. In Europe, 80% of vehicles are driven less than 100 km per day. In Switzerland, the most frequently sold electric vehicles have a range of 350-600 km. The Volkswagen Group uses the latest generation of electric platforms. The ID7 recently set a long-distance record: On a test tour in Switzerland, it had a range of 794 kilometers on one battery charge.

‍

Detailed charging statistics help you to efficiently analyze the use of your charging stations. chargeStation offers comprehensive evaluations of charged energy quantities and other information. This data helps you optimize your infrastructure and helps you to manage energy consumption and costs sustainably.

‍

Keep track of the status of your charging stations in real time. chargeStation shows you which charging points are currently online, which are busy or vacant and informs you of any faults.

‍

Tailor the charging rates for your user groups. You have the option to offer flexible tariffs and billing is transparent and automated via our platform.

‍

With chargeStation, you specifically define who has access to your charging stations. You can individually set access for company car drivers, employees or visitors. Our platform makes it possible to centrally manage and flexibly adjust authorizations.

‍

Both the maximum charging capacity of the station and the maximum charging capacity of the vehicle represent values under optimal conditions. In reality, these are rarely present. In general, it can be said that a charging station always provides as much power as the vehicle requests. This means that if the charging station can provide 180 kW, but the vehicle only requests 50 kW, only 50 kW will be supplied. For a charging process to use the maximum charging power specified for the vehicle, a number of factors are crucial:
1) The temperature of the battery and the environment: If the battery is too warm or too cold, the car communicates with the charging station that it cannot charge at full power.
2) The age of the battery: The battery can degrade in performance and capacity due to age.
3) The current state of charge of the battery - SOC level: For the last 50%, charging performance can decrease depending on the car. This is to protect the battery.
4) The general charging curve of the vehicle: Depending on the manufacturer or model, this curve varies to a greater or lesser extent.
5) Power supply at the charging station: If there are many charging stations in one place, they have to share the charging power from the grid. It may then not be possible to provide full power at all charging stations.
6) Total power available at the charging station In these cases, our customer support cannot help. However, we generally do not limit the charging power of the charging stations.

The vehicle should only be charged over 80% in exceptional cases, such as when traveling. This is to protect the battery.

Charges at AC stations (slow chargers) are preferred for normal daily use. DC stations (fast chargers) can be used for travel or to save time. In general, the faster the battery is charged, the more stress is exerted on it.

In every charging point, you will find the “Support & Help” button. This support guides you step by step to finding a solution so that you are guided to the right places at any time and thus receive help anytime and anywhere.

chargeFleet is the control center for fleet managers. With chargeFleet, you can keep an eye on your fleet at all times and manage both drivers and charging cards.

chargeHome is a tool that makes it possible to determine the energy privately charged with the company car, e.g. at home, and enables potential refunds from the employer.

With chargePublic, we provide your employees with a charging card and app that enables charging at public charging stations in Switzerland and Europe.

With chargeStation, we offer a comprehensive solution for managing charging stations in your company.

We recommend switching on notifications so that we can inform you of any faults or other news.

With the filter function, you can search for the right charging station (charging capacity, plug type and availability).

In the app, you can find your entire charging history under Receipts. You can download each receipt within 24 hours.

If you have started your charging process with the app, we will inform you in good time about possible fair use fees. You'll receive notifications 15 minutes before the start, at the start, and 30 and 60 minutes after the charges start. These notifications help you keep an eye on charges and, if necessary, take action to avoid additional costs.

VISA and Mastercard

We recommend that you use the app to charge. This allows you to use all features, such as in-app support, notifications and the display of charging point prices. These functions are not available when using the charging card.

The amount of CHF 50.00 is reserved on the card. This will be released again as soon as possible. It can take up to 30 days for the transactions to be finally processed and also processed by the credit card provider.

Payment is made directly via the credit card stored in the app (Visa/MasterCard)

Depending on the charging station provider, fair use fees may apply. We have no influence over the prices of external charging stations. You can find information on whether and from when fair use fees apply at a charging station in the app at the respective charging point under ‘Additional costs’. Fair use costs are also communicated via app push notifications.

What are the charging costs? The cost of the charges consists of three components, some of which are specified by the charging station operators. Depending on the station, these components can be combined in different ways. Starting fee: We charge a one-time fee to start a charging process. Consumption-based billing: The operator charges a price for the purchase of one kilowatt hour (kWh). Time-based billing: The operator makes time-based billing (per minute). There are no further costs until the connection to the charging station is disconnected.

The chargeON app is free: this means you don't need a subscription. Instead, you can download the app for free, store your credit card and purchase energy at the market prices quoted – or at preferential rates from our partners (including Migros, Fastned, Electra and AMAG). For example, you can charge your vehicle at Migrol for as little as CHF 0.39/kWh for slow chargers or CHF 0.49/kWh for fast chargers.

Roaming is not only available with mobile phone providers, but also when charging. Our roaming prices refer to charging stations provided by other operators outside our partner network.

Basically, you don't need a charging card if you already have the chargeOn app. However, we offer authentication via RFID charging card (e.g. if you often charge at charging stations that are in a parking garage with poor reception). If required, you are welcome to order them once free of charge via the app. As soon as you have received the card, you can save and load it in the chargeOn app.

The coverage of publicly accessible charging stations is 98% in Switzerland (15,000 charging points), and over 600,000 in Europe.

The maximum charging capacity varies depending on the vehicle brand and model. Higher quality models often support higher charging capacities. However, the actual charging capacity can also be influenced by factors such as the charge level of the battery and the ambient temperature.

Yes, the chargeON app and charging card can also be used abroad. You can charge your car at more than 700,000 stations throughout Europe (coverage approx. 90%).

If required, you can order your charging card free of charge once. As soon as you have received your card, you can store and load it in the chargeOn app.

You can order a new charging card. Before you can use your new card, however, it must be activated again. To prevent unauthorized use of the lost charging card, please contact our customer support to have the card blocked. If you have lost your employer's or a leasing company's charging card, sit down with the relevant company and then discuss the next steps.

Yes, in the app, as soon as you have found a charging station that is right for you, you can open the detailed view of it with a click. In the menu that appears, select Navigation, which opens the route planning from your current location to the selected charging station.

For faults related to the charging station itself, please contact the support number of the respective station operator. You can usually find these on the charging station itself.

Send us an email to the following address in which you briefly describe your question or problem.

Mobility.autosense@swisscom.com

Whenever possible, give us as much information as possible about the problem you have encountered. Our support team will then get back to you as soon as possible.

No, your loads are settled directly by autoSense with your employer, so you don't need a private credit card for your loads.

Yes, there are numerous stations in Europe available to you. If anything is unclear, it is best to clarify the situation with your vehicle manager.

1. There are different price systems for different charging stations. You can find the pricing details when you open a charging point on the map.

2. A basic distinction is made between these types of prices:

• Price per kWh
• Basic flat rate per transaction
• Surcharge due to charging time, e.g. CHF xx for every minute after charging time of one hour
• Basic rate per minute

FleetPro detects vehicle problems early on and prevents unexpected failures through automatic maintenance reminders and diagnostic reports. Integration with the garage enables efficient outsourcing of this area.

The Poolcar module in fleetPro makes it easier to book and manage shared vehicles. A clear overview of journeys, drivers, projects and cost centers replaces conventional reservation methods. The mobile version enables flexible reservations via smartphones, tablets and iPads using a QR code.

Optionally, logbooks can be managed easily and automatically by the driver directly in the autoSense app and transmitted to the fleet manager if required.

Detailed reports in fleetPro provide companies with insights into efficiency, costs and trends. This data is essential for strategic planning and continuous improvement.

fleetPro optimizes fleet utilization with transparent usage, separation of routes, private and business trips as well as pool car module for booking and route delimitation, supports efficient investment management.

With fleetPro, fleet managers can track vehicle locations in real time, improve route planning, shorten response times, optimize resource utilization and support drivers with precise information in the event of customer complaints.

Battery balancing is the process of balancing the charge level of individual cells in an EV battery pack. This is important because some cells can easily become unbalanced over time due to fluctuations in capacity or usage. If the cells are unbalanced, this can result in reduced overall battery performance and a shorter range.

Battery balancing redistributes charge between cells to ensure that all cells have the same level of charge. This can be done automatically through the vehicle's integrated battery management system or through special charging cycles that are designed to compensate for imbalances.

By balancing the battery regularly, you can maintain optimal performance and extend the overall life of the battery pack. It helps prevent some cells from being overcharged while others are undercharged, which can lead to premature aging and loss of capacity. Battery balancing also ensures that all cells are used efficiently, maximizing available energy and increasing the range of your electric vehicle.

When charging your electric vehicle, you should avoid a few common mistakes to ensure safe and efficient charging. First, don't use extension cables or adapters that aren't specifically designed to charge electric vehicles. This can result in overheating or electrical hazards. Second, you should avoid charging at extreme temperatures as this may affect the battery's performance. Don't charge your electric vehicle with a damaged or frayed charging cable as this could pose a safety risk. Finally, you should never attempt to modify or manipulate your EV's charging system, as this may void the warranty and impair safety. By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure a smooth and trouble-free charging process.

To optimize your vehicle's charging speed and efficiency, there are a few strategies you can use. First, make sure you're using a compatible charging station that matches the charging capabilities of your electric vehicle. Opt for a heavy-duty charger when you need faster charging times. Second, keep your charging plugs clean and free from dirt to ensure a good connection. This helps to maximize charging efficiency. Also avoid charging your electric vehicle up to 100% unless necessary. A charge level of around 80-90% can shorten charging times and extend battery life. Finally, minimizing the use of auxiliary systems such as air conditioning or heating during charging can also improve overall charging speed and efficiency.

There are a few things you can do to maintain the health of your EV battery during long-term storage. First, make sure the battery is charged to around 50-70% of its capacity. This helps to avoid over-discharge or overcharging during storage. Second, you should store your electric vehicle in a cool and dry environment, ideally at 20-25 degrees Celsius. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can have a negative impact on battery performance and life. And finally, if possible, disconnect any additional devices or systems that could drain the battery over time. By following these guidelines, you can help maintain the health of your EV battery during periods of not use.

Regenerative braking is a function in electric vehicles that recovers energy when decelerating or braking. When you press the brakes, the electric motor reverses its function and acts as a generator that converts the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle into electrical energy. This energy is then stored in the battery for later use. Regenerative braking helps extend the life of your electric vehicle's battery by reducing reliance on traditional friction brakes, resulting in less wear on brake pads and rotors. By using regenerative braking effectively, you can increase the energy efficiency and overall range of your electric vehicle.

A home charging station, also known as a home EV charger or wallbox, is a device that allows you to conveniently charge your electric vehicle at home. It is usually installed in your garage or at an outdoor location near your home.

The ideal temperature range for charging your electric vehicle is usually between 10°C (50°F) and 30°C (86°F). Charging within this range helps to maintain optimal battery performance and extend its lifespan. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can have a negative impact on battery performance and overall condition. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you should charge your electric vehicle at milder times of day or, if available, use air-conditioned charging stations.

To determine a fair price for charging your electric vehicle, you need to consider a few factors. First, you should check the cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity in your area. You can usually find this information on your electricity provider's website or by contacting them directly. You should also factor in any additional fees or membership costs associated with using a specific charging network or charging station. Finally, you should also consider the convenience and accessibility of the charging station in relation to your charging needs. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about fair prices for charging your electric vehicle.

As part of its services, autoSense may transfer data to countries that may not have the same data protection laws as Switzerland or the EU. In such cases, autoSense ensures the protection of data through appropriate measures, such as contracts in accordance with the European Commission's standard contractual clauses

Data can be passed on to third parties as part of legal obligations, to service providers within and outside autoSense, debt collection service providers and to combat misuse.

The processing of data serves various purposes, including order and contract processing, credit checks, customer support, marketing, development of products and services, and compliance with legal requirements.

autoSense collects various types of data, including master data (such as contact and identification data), contract data, vehicle data (including GPS location and driving behavior), usage data (such as user account information and interaction data), connection data, and financial data.

autoSense attaches great importance to data protection and treats all personal data responsibly and in accordance with the law. This includes compliance with Swiss data protection and telecommunications law and the EU GDPR, when applicable.

autoSense's telematics solutions enable companies to fulfill their obligations as employers in accordance with Swiss labor and data protection laws and to protect employee privacy in the best possible way.

autoSense offers digital logbooks and simple export options for data, which reduces administrative effort and simplifies reporting and tax compliance.

Yes, by using autoSense for refueling or charging, companies can benefit from low fuel prices and reduce the overall costs for their fleet.

The fleetPRO web portal enables accurate tracking and analysis of vehicle movements, which helps to optimize usage, reduce idle times and improve route planning.

autoSense enables you to efficiently manage your vehicle fleet, provides detailed insights into vehicle usage, helps reduce operating costs and improves the overall efficiency of your fleet. With our various solutions, there is something for every company.

The app provides maintenance reminders and can help you monitor the condition of your vehicle in order to carry out timely maintenance.

Yes, autoSense offers features such as vehicle location and tampering alarm, which give you an additional sense of security and protect your vehicle from unauthorised access.

Yes, charging can be done via the app without a physical card. As an option, the driver can also use an RFID charging card, which is particularly practical in areas with weak network coverage, such as underground car parks.

Fleet managers receive a central overview of all charging processes, can manage users and driver apps, and use clear statistics to monitor and control charging processes.

The app allows drivers to find available charging stations, including price information and charging method. The search is easy and the results are clearly structured in the app on the homepage.

With the autoSense logbook, trips to work, private and business trips can be easily separated and tax-approved logbooks can be created automatically. This makes it easier to break down the kilometers by cost centers, projects, departments and employees.

autoSense makes it possible to maximize vehicle utilization and ensure fleet safety. Fleet managers can monitor maintenance work and the current fleet status, and use the Poolcar module to easily book and assign shared vehicles.

autoSense offers modular fleet management solutions that are digital, secure and compliant with data protection regulations. These solutions can be easily and quickly adapted to any fleet size and use type to automate time-consuming processes and reduce operating costs.

The autoSense app integrates EasyPark services so that you can easily and directly control parking fees via the app. This service automatically stops parking processes when you drive away, meaning that you never pay too much for parking again.

Yes, the app offers a function that allows users to determine the current value of their vehicle, which can be helpful when selling or changing vehicles.

With the Leasing Watcher, users can continuously monitor their vehicle mileage to ensure that they remain within the limits set out in the leasing contract.

The CO2 compensation function enables users to monitor their CO2 footprint and offset it through targeted measures to promote environmentally conscious driving.

Updates to the app are carried out regularly and are available in the App Store or Google Play Store. We recommend that you turn on automatic updates on your device to always take advantage of the latest features and improvements.

Yes, the app provides you with diagnostic information that can help you understand the condition of your vehicle and identify potential problems early on.

You can set notifications directly in the app. With the “More” icon at the bottom right, you can set the notifications as you like. Make sure that you have to allow notifications for the app on your phone.

With the autoSense app, you can monitor your vehicle in real time, keep a digital logbook, track your vehicle's location, receive maintenance reminders and analyze your fuel consumption. You'll also receive notifications about important events involving your vehicle.

Yes, you can sign in to your account on various devices and use the app.

Our customer service is at your disposal. Contact us via “Contact Support” in the app or on our website. You are also welcome to send an email to support@autosense.ch write.

Data protection is a matter of trust and your trust in us is our greatest asset. Responsible and legally compliant handling of personal data in particular is very important to us. Data is always stored securely. For more information, see our privacy policy. https://www.autosense.ch/datenschutz

The autoSense app allows you to remotely monitor and manage your vehicle. You can view vehicle data, document your trips and find out about the condition of your vehicle.

To plan your electric car trip, you should consider factors such as the distance you need to travel, the availability of charging stations along your route, and the charging speed of each station. Use online tools or apps that offer e-trip planners to plan your route and find charging stations at appropriate intervals. Take into account the charging time and schedule any necessary stops to ensure a smooth journey.

How long it takes to charge an electric vehicle depends on several factors, including the vehicle's battery capacity, charging speed, and current charge level. Charging times can vary between a few hours with a Level 2 charger and around 30 minutes with a fast charger. However, it's important to know that a full charge can take several hours, especially with larger battery packs.

There are various types of charging plugs that are used for charging electric vehicles. The most common types are:

Type 1 (SAE J1772): This plug is commonly used for AC charging in North America and Japan.

Type 2 (Mennekes): This plug is often used for AC charging in Europe and is compatible with most e-vehicles.

CCS (combined charging system): CCS plugs are primarily used for DC fast charging and are becoming increasingly popular all over the world.

CHAdeMO: This plug is also used for DC fast charging and is often found in older electric vehicle models, especially from Japanese manufacturers.

Choosing the right charging plug for your electric vehicle (EV) is essential for safe and efficient charging.
Here are a few steps to help you make the right choice:

• Check the compatibility of your vehicle: Different e-vehicle models may require different types of charging plugs. Check your vehicle's manual or contact the manufacturer to find out which type of plug is compatible with your electric vehicle.
• Find out about charging standards: There are various charging standards that are used worldwide, such as CHAdeMO, CCS (Combined Charging System) and Tesla's Supercharger. Find out which standard is common in your region and make sure that the charging plug you choose supports that standard.
• Take into account the charging speed: There are charging plugs in different power levels, which affect the charging speed. Determine your charging needs based on your daily driving habits. If you frequently take long trips, you might want to invest in a faster charging port.
• Evaluate plug types: There are various plug types, including Type 1 (J1772), Type 2 (Mennekes), and Type 3 (Same). When choosing the right type of plug for your vehicle, consider factors such as availability, compatibility with charging stations, and ease of use.
• Remember, it's always a good idea to consult an EV specialist or your vehicle manufacturer to make sure you're making the best choice for your particular EV model.

Fast charging, also known as DC fast charging, is a charging method in which the battery of an electric vehicle is quickly charged with powerful direct current (DC). It can charge an electric vehicle to a high level in a relatively short period of time, usually within 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the vehicle and charging station.