This process is essential to guarantee that the necessary funds for your charging session are available before you start, while also providing accurate billing based on your actual consumption.
What is Pre-Authorization?
Pre-authorization is a temporary banking operation that reserves an amount on your payment card at the beginning of a charging session. This amount is only blocked and is not immediately debited from your account. It serves as a guarantee to avoid any payment issues once the charging session is complete.
What are the Pre-Authorization Amounts?
The pre-authorized amount depends on the type of charging station you are using:
Private sites (e.g., stations installed in companies or private parking areas): the pre-authorization amount is set at €25.
Public sites (e.g., stations available in public spaces): the pre-authorization amount is set at €60, to accommodate potentially longer sessions or variable tariffs.
These amounts ensure that your charging session proceeds without interruption, even if the duration or final cost exceeds your initial expectations.
How Does Pre-Authorization Work in Our App?
Starting the session: When you plug in your vehicle and start a session via the DejaBlue app, the pre-authorized amount is blocked on your card.
Real-time monitoring: During the charging session, you can track your consumption and costs directly in the app.
Ending the session: Once the session is complete, the exact amount corresponding to your actual consumption is debited from your card. If you consume less than the pre-authorized amount, the difference is automatically released back to your account.
For example, if you are on a public site with a pre-authorization of €60 but only consume €18, the remaining €42 will be unblocked immediately.
Important: The release time for the remaining funds depends on your bank and may range from a few minutes to several days.
Why is Pre-Authorization Necessary?
Security: It ensures your card has sufficient funds to cover the charging session.
Simplicity: You don’t need to make multiple payments or worry about exceeding limits.
Transparency: You only pay for what you actually consume, and any unused amount is automatically unblocked.
What Does the Process Look Like in Our App?
We’ve designed our app to make everything clear and intuitive. Here’s what you’ll see at every step:
A notification informing you that the pre-authorization has been initiated.
A real-time view of your consumption and estimated total cost.
A confirmation at the end of the session, showing the exact amount debited and the remaining funds released.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens if I don’t consume the entire pre-authorized amount?
No worries, only the amount corresponding to your actual consumption will be debited. The remaining funds will be automatically unblocked.
2. Why are the pre-authorization amounts different for private and public sites?
Public sites generally have higher tariffs and allow for longer charging sessions. The €60 pre-authorization ensures that you can charge without interruptions, regardless of your consumption.
3. How long does it take to get the remaining funds back?
Most banks release the funds within 24 to 48 hours. If it takes longer than 5 business days, we recommend contacting your bank.