Paid Membership vs Pay-as-You-Go EV Charging: Are membership plans really worth it?

Paid Membership vs Pay-as-You-Go EV Charging: Are membership plans really worth it?

As India’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape matures, charging networks are diversifying their pricing models. Today, EV users can choose between the conventional pay-as-you-go (PAYG) model and the newer subscription-based membership plans. The question for many users is: does a membership plan truly offer value compared to the standard charging? Let’s have a look-

PAYG vs Subscription Plan

Is the Subscription plan really worth it?

India’s Statiq recently launched Statiq Miles — a monthly pass that gives members a flat 10% discount for ₹149/month — making this a good moment to assess whether these plans deliver real value for EV drivers. To understand economics, let’s consider an example for standard DC.

This means, if a vehicle is charged publicly more than twice a month, the subscription becomes cost-effective. For users charging less frequently, the PAYG model remains more economical. This calculation may vary depending on local tariffs, type of charger (AC or DC), and specific operator discounts, but it illustrates how quickly frequent users can recover subscription costs.

While subscription-based EV charging is still at an early stage in India, several networks have already started offering structured plans aimed at regular users.

• For instance, ChargeMOD offers a variety of membership options such as Greenie, Earth Saver Pro, and Super Saver. Under the Earth Saver Pro plan, users get 100 kWh of energy for ₹2,200 over 28 days, roughly equivalent to three full charges for a 30 kWh EV. Although this plan costs about 37% more than standard PAYG rates, it may appeal to users seeking bundled service benefits such as lower idle fees.
• Similarly, Jio-BP Pulse Charge provides flexible plans like Lite and Max. In the Max plan, users get 600 kWh of charging over five months at ₹18.25 per kWh. Compared with its typical PAYG rate of ₹22 per kWh, this plan offers roughly 17% cost savings, making it more attractive for high-mileage or fleet users.
• Meanwhile, ChargeZone follows a different approach with its ChargeClub loyalty program. Instead of fixed-fee subscriptions, users earn ChargeCoins for every unit of energy consumed, which can later be redeemed for discounts or special offers within the app—encouraging frequent use through rewards rather than flat-rate savings

Membership-based charging programs are emerging as a key differentiator for EV network operators. For high-mileage users, commercial fleets, and intercity travellers, subscriptions can deliver tangible savings and convenience. However, occasional public chargers may find the traditional PAYG model more cost-effective. As EV adoption accelerates, such pricing innovations will play a crucial role in improving network utilisation and enhancing user experience—ultimately shaping how India’s EV charging market evolves.