Refueling and Charging

Refuelling and charging an electric car: Austria is a popular travel destination that impresses not only with its breathtaking landscape but also with a well-developed infrastructure. Nevertheless, a certain amount of preparation is valuable to ensure a smooth trip. That's why you'll find everything you need to know about charging and refuelling in Austria in this article.

The most important information

• Refuelling in Austria is easy: there is an extensive network of petrol stations that covers both cities and rural regions well.

• Charging an electric car? Austria already offers many charging stations and is constantly expanding the network. This is making charging electric cars increasingly hassle-free.

• Fuel prices in Austria vary depending on the region and provider, with petrol and diesel often being cheaper than in Germany.

• Charging stations in Austria offer different payment methods. Most of the time, you pay with credit cards or special charging cards.

• Also remember that, regardless of your vehicle type, you need a vignette for many roads in Austria. You can buy one directly from us.

Overview of the refuelling and charging network in Austria

Refuelling in Austria is very well organised: the country has a dense network of petrol stations that allows travellers to refuel without any problems at any time. Charging electric cars is also becoming easier and easier: particularly in urban areas and along main traffic routes, there are numerous charging stations. The corresponding infrastructure is continuously being expanded and optimised.

The combination of traditional petrol stations and modern electric charging stations in Austria ensures that both combustion-engine and electric vehicles are well catered for. This means that — with a bit of planning and an overview — you can travel through Austria completely worry-free and don't need to worry about running out of fuel or electricity.

Refuelling in Austria

Refuelling in Austria is completely straightforward thanks to the nationwide coverage of petrol stations. You'll find numerous opportunities to refuel your vehicle both in cities and in rural areas. Supply is especially good along motorways, so even long journeys can be planned stress-free.

Network coverage of petrol stations

The petrol station network in Austria is very well developed, with a high density of petrol stations in urban areas and along main roads. Among the most common petrol station operators are OMV, BP, Shell, Jet, Eni, and Avanti. These providers are well represented in both urban and rural areas. In remote regions, the density may be lower. Nevertheless, there is usually always a petrol station within reach along the main connecting routes.

How expensive is fuel?

Fuel prices in Austria are generally somewhat lower compared to other European countries. Still, they can vary greatly depending on the region, provider, and time of day. Cheap refuelling in Austria is often possible at discounters such as Hofer or providers such as Avanti or Turmöl. These petrol stations are among the more affordable providers, while brands such as OMV, BP, and Shell tend to be somewhat more expensive.

In general, refuelling in Austria is often cheaper in the early morning or late evening. The same applies to refuelling in rural areas or near supermarkets and shopping centres. Along motorways and in tourist regions, on the other hand, fuel prices in Austria are often somewhat higher.

Payment methods at petrol stations

At most petrol stations in Austria, you can pay both in cash and by credit card. Some petrol stations also offer mobile payment methods such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet. For international travellers, it is nevertheless advisable to always carry some cash in euros, as not all cards may be accepted, especially in remote regions.

Charging an electric car in Austria

Austria is continuously investing in the expansion of charging stations for electric cars. This is intended to promote the switch to more environmentally friendly vehicles. Charging electric cars in Austria is therefore now almost as easy as refuelling.

Plan your route in advance to make sure you always have a charging station within reach. You can also use special apps for this, such as Electromaps, PlugShare, or Chargemap. These help you find charging stations and check their availability in real time. Also make sure your electric car is charged during longer breaks or overnight. This will save you valuable time on your trip.

Charging stations

Charging stations in Austria are numerous. This is especially true in urban areas and along motorways. This means you can usually charge your vehicle without any problems.

You'll find the most charging stations in Austria in:

• Vienna

• Zell am See

• Sankt Johann im Pongau

• Innsbruck

• Schwaz

• Salzburg

• Klagenfurt am Wörthersee

• Kufstein

Charging stations: providers and charging cards

There are several major providers of charging stations in Austria, including in particular:

• BEÖ (Bundesverband Elektromobilität Österreich)

• TIWAG

• Wels Strom

• SMATRICS

• ÖAMTC

• Shell Recharge

These providers operate a dense network of electric charging stations, distributed throughout the republic. To gain access to the charging stations or electric charging stations in Austria, you often need a charging card or a corresponding app. Among the best known are the charging cards from SMATRICS and Plugsurfing. These are accepted at many stations.

Charging an electric car: how it works!

Charging an electric car in Austria is extremely simple: at the charging stations, your vehicle is connected either via a Type 2 connector or a CCS connector. Depending on the station, the charging power varies, so your vehicle is charged either faster (at fast-charging stations) or more slowly. Most charging stations in Austria offer intuitive operation via touchscreen or app.

Charging an electric car: costs

There are now many charging stations in Austria. The prices for use depend on various factors: the charging speed, the type of charging station, and the provider. Billing is typically done per kWh; however, at some stations, billing is based on charging time or a flat amount. In general, prices for charging stations in Austria can vary greatly, with charging at fast-charging stations tending to be more expensive than at slower charging points.

Special features and tips for travellers

Charging electric cars and refuelling in Austria is usually uncomplicated. Nevertheless, there are a few special features you should keep in mind:

Refuelling and charging in rural areas

In remote regions, the density of petrol stations and charging stations may be lower. Plan your refuelling and charging breaks accordingly in advance to avoid unnecessary detours. Especially in popular tourist hotspots, you should take care of a suitable charging spot in good time.

Refuelling and charging in tourist areas

In popular tourist areas such as the Alps or at Lake Neusiedl, there are numerous petrol stations and charging stations. Nevertheless, these can be very busy in the high season. Also keep in mind that prices in these areas are often higher than in the rest of the country.

Using apps for route planning and price comparison

Use apps such as PACE Drive, Waze, or special charging station apps such as Chargemap to find the nearest petrol station or charging station. These apps also offer price comparisons, making cheap refuelling in Austria easier for you.

Using these apps, you can plan your refuelling and charging breaks in advance. This way, you avoid unnecessary hassle and can enjoy your trip through Austria in a relaxed manner.

Keep petrol station opening hours in mind

Not all petrol stations in Austria are open around the clock. Especially in rural regions, you should keep an eye on petrol station opening hours so you don't find yourself in front of closed pumps.

Weather-related special features for electric cars

In winter, the cold can affect the range of electric cars. Plan your charging breaks accordingly more frequently and make sure your vehicle is preheated to protect the battery.

Don't forget the vignette!

Please note that you need a digital vignette for motorways and expressways in Austria, regardless of whether you drive a conventional or an electric car. You can easily and conveniently buy one in our shop.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

Charging electric cars and refuelling in Austria are absolutely uncomplicated thanks to the well-developed infrastructure in this popular Alpine country. Whether on motorways, in cities, or in rural areas: you'll find a suitable petrol station or charging station almost everywhere. Charging stations in Austria are particularly numerous in urban areas and along main roads. Petrol stations can be found throughout Austria. Make sure to refuel at cheaper times and use a charging card to charge your electric car quickly and easily.

We wish you a good journey to Austria and are happy to help if you have any questions about toll regulations. You'll find detailed information on tolls in Austria in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your trip perfectly and see suitable toll products displayed. If you have any further questions about your trip or our digital vignette, please feel free to contact us via email. With a bit of planning and the right vignette, nothing stands in the way of your smooth journey through Austria.