BMW launches contract-free Plug & Charge in Germany

The BMW Group has launched a credit card-linked Plug & Charge function for all-electric BMW and MINI models, letting drivers authenticate and pay at public DC fast-charging points without a separate charging contract, app or RFID card. The service went live in Germany on 16 March 2026 across more than 1,400 charging points in Germany and Austria, with further markets and operators to follow through 2026.

Customers activate the function through the Plug & Charge menu in the My BMW or MINI app, linking the credit card already stored in their profile. Once set up, the vehicle authenticates itself at a supported charging station as soon as the cable is plugged in, triggering the charging session automatically.

Billing is handled through the stored credit card at the operator’s current ad hoc rate, which is shown in both the vehicle and the app for supported stations. BMW said the approach is designed to give drivers full cost visibility at the point of use.

The launch opens Plug & Charge access to customer groups without an existing charging contract, including tourists, fleet drivers and company-car users who log into a vehicle only temporarily via their BMW or MINI account.

The service launches with Mer Germany, enabled by Hubject’s Plug & Charge ecosystem and payment facilitation. Additional charging point operators and markets will be added in phases throughout 2026.

Source: BMW Group