Tesla Model 3 IONITY Charging Review: The Best Supercharger Backup in Europe?
Is IONITY the ultimate backup plan for Tesla Superchargers on a European road trip? In this video, I take my Tesla Model 3 to an IONITY fast charging station to test automatic battery preconditioning, the IONITY app, ad-hoc pricing vs. subscription plans, and how the charging process works. We cover key features like scanning to start, monitoring state of charge (SoC) live without Tesla Premium Connectivity, and why IONITY’s lack of blocking/idle fees gives it an edge over other networks.
Pros and Cons of Ionity CCS Fast Chargers for your EV and Tesla
Pros
- Ultra-Fast Charging Speeds (Up to 350 kW): IONITY stations deliver continuous power up to 350 kW via liquid-cooled CCS2 connectors. This allows 800-volt EV architectures (such as the Porsche Taycan, Hyundai Ioniq 5/6, Kia EV6, and Audi e-tron GT) to charge from 10% to 80% in under 18 minutes.
- Prime Highway Locations: Stations are strategically situated directly along major European motorways, toll roads, and cross-border transit routes across 24+ countries, making long-distance European road trips convenient.
- Plug & Charge Integration: Compatible EVs support ISO 15118 Plug & Charge. Plugging in the cable automatically authenticates the vehicle and initiates billing without needing RFID cards, apps, or contactless swipes.
- Discounted OEM Partner Tariffs: Drivers of vehicles from partner brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, Hyundai, Kia, Ford) can access significantly discounted per-kWh rates by using their car manufacturer’s official charging service (e.g., Audi charging, Mercedes me Charge, myHyundai).
- 100% Renewable Energy: All electricity supplied across the IONITY network is sourced from 100% certified renewable energy.
Cons
- High Ad-Hoc Direct Rates: Without a monthly subscription (like IONITY Passport) or a manufacturer-backed tariff, standard pay-as-you-go rates are among the highest in Europe (often around €0.69 to €0.79 / kWh).
- Smaller Station Footprints (Queuing Risks): Historically, many IONITY locations were built with only 4 to 6 charging stalls. During peak holiday travel periods, this limited stall count can cause longer wait times compared to larger hubs like Tesla Supercharger locations (which often feature 12 to 24+ stalls).
- Occasional Hardware & App Friction: Customer feedback frequently highlights sporadic unit outages, derated charging speeds on older hardware, or payment reader authentication delays.
- Heavy, Stiff Cables: The thick, liquid-cooled 350 kW cables can be heavy and inflexible, making them slightly awkward to handle in freezing weather or tight parking spots.
Feedback
What is your experience charging at Ionity and do you have a backup strategy if Tesla superchargers are fully occupied or not available on your route? Check out also my videos about Fastned and Electra fast chargers as an alternative for Tesla Superchargers. Please help grow my YouTube channel by subscribing or becoming a premium channel member, so I can test, review and compare new products. Please support my channel and use my Tesla promo code for a big discount on your new car or free supercharger Miles.