Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about VoltExchange: how the kWh credit works, what it costs and what to keep in mind when sharing your wallbox. Missing a question? Just write to us.
The basics
What does VoltExchange cost?
Nothing. VoltExchange is free, no subscription, no hidden fees, no profit on the electricity. Instead of money, you exchange kWh credit.
How does the kWh credit work?
Anyone who shares their wallbox collects credit. Anyone who charges spends credit. As soon as you publish your first charge point, you receive 20 kWh of welcome credit. You never pay with money, always with kilowatt-hours.
Do I have to offer a charge point myself?
Yes. Every member brings their own charge point, a wallbox or an ordinary socket. That is the only way the network grows and money-free sharing works: you share and charge with others in return.
Credit & fairness
Is it worth it in rural areas where people rarely charge with me?
Honest answer: in the early phase the network is still thin, and if you live very rurally you will get guests less often than someone in a city or a holiday region. There is no way around that. What matters: you decide when your wallbox is available, and even the occasional guest earns you credit. You redeem that credit when you are on the road yourself, for example while travelling or in the city. The more members join, the more balanced the network becomes. That is why every new wallbox counts right now.
Can I have my credit paid out in cash?
No, and that is on purpose. As soon as money flows, you get exactly the things we want to avoid: commercial status, taxes and surcharges. VoltExchange stays a pure kWh credit among members and is built on trust and sharing. You pass on electricity and get electricity back when you need it.
Grid, law & billing
Does the grid operator have anything to do with this, are there extra grid fees?
No. No electricity is sold, it is shared. You charge your completely normal household electricity and pass on the kilowatt-hours as credit. For you as a host it stays your usual electricity tariff, and for the guest there are no surcharges and no hidden fees.
Who gets the THG premium, does my wallbox count as a public charge point?
Your wallbox stays private and is not a public charge point. There is no open access: every charging session is requested by the guest and confirmed by you as the host. The German THG premium for your own EV continues as usual via the vehicle, VoltExchange changes nothing about that. For your specific case, please ask your THG provider, we do not give tax advice.
Safety & privacy
Will there constantly be a stranger in my driveway then?
No. You decide how precisely your location is shown, and every charging session is requested by the guest and confirmed by you beforehand. You agree on when charging happens. That way you get talking quite naturally, instead of being surprised by someone in your driveway.
Is it safe?
Contact details are only visible to verified members, there are mutual ratings, and you decide who charges at your place.
Where can I charge?
Wherever members share their wallbox, nationwide, at home and on the road. The map shows you every charge point.
Practical questions
Can I edit my charge point later?
Yes. Log in, go to “My charge points” and then to “Edit details”. There you can change your information at any time and add more wallboxes.
There are still only a few members, is it worth it yet?
VoltExchange only launched recently, so the network is still growing. The more charge points are available, the better sharing works. With “Invite friends” you both receive an extra 20 kWh of credit, which helps you and the network.
Can't find your question?
Write to us, we are happy to answer and to expand the list.