Ionity has launched a new app-based incentive scheme that rewards electric vehicle drivers with free charging credits if they unplug at 80% or charge during off-peak hours.

The initiative aims to reduce peak-time congestion, speed up charger turnover and improve station availability across its European network during the busy summer travel rush.

With the Fast Lane Reward, drivers receive kWh credits when ending a charging session early.

Ionity said that encouraging more efficient charging behaviour would support shorter waiting times during periods of high demand and greater charger availability for everyone on the road.

Regularly charging to 80% can also help preserve battery health over the long term.

The Fast Lane Reward is available for charging sessions at Ionity charging stations across Europe that start between 9:00am and 5:00pm. Drivers who have enabled the ‘80% Charged’ notification in the Ionity App receive a push notification once their charging session reaches 80% state of charge. If the vehicle is disconnected before reaching 85% state of charge, a credit of 5 kWh is automatically added to their account.

It’s part of a series of Ionity initiatives designed to make electric travel even more convenient.

Ionity also rewards charging during off-peak hours. Customers charging between 10:00pm and 6:00am receive a 5 kWh credit. This can help shift charging demand away from peak periods and improve charger availability when demand is highest.

Both rewards require a minimum charging volume of 40 kWh per charging session. Earned free kWh can be viewed in the app under ‘Credits & Rewards’ and are automatically applied to the next charging session.

Andreas Atkins, country manager UK&I at Ionity, said: “During the busy summer travel season, we want to offer our customers the best possible travel experience.

“Through the right incentives, we want to strengthen awareness of efficient charging behaviour. Smarter charging saves time, improves charger availability and makes travelling more relaxed for everyone.”