Why can't Chargemap be compared in Chargeprice?
Why Did Chargemap Request Its Removal from Chargeprice?
Chargeprice, a price comparison tool for mobility operators, incorrectly claims that Chargemap refuses to be compared. This statement is inaccurate. Chargemap does not oppose the comparison of its prices, provided it is done in a reliable, transparent manner and without the commercial use of its data. This is clearly not the case with Chargeprice.
Recurring Issues with Reliability and Transparency
Chargemap requested its removal from Chargeprice due to serious malfunctions affecting the quality of the information displayed.
- Insufficient Reliability of Pricing Data
- The sources used by Chargeprice to determine our rates clearly have reliability issues, leading to frequent errors.
- These errors, affecting both Chargemap’s prices and those of other operators, are harmful to users and damage our reputation.
- Before Chargeprice stopped publishing estimates of our prices, we observed significant discrepancies that falsely suggested excessive profit margins. An error, later relayed in an article by UFC Que Choisir, further amplified this misinformation, despite our right of reply being exercised in the magazine.
- Lack of Transparency in Calculation Methods
- Chargeprice does not specify how frequently its data is updated or the date of its last tariff collection.
- The pricing calculation method remains opaque, making verification impossible and complicating error reporting. Chargemap also offers several subscription plans with specific rates, as well as occasional promotions or partnership-based discounts—Chargeprice does not seem capable of taking these into account.
- The displayed prices lack context and do not specify that they are merely estimates, which can mislead users.
What a Transparent and Reliable Price Comparison Tool Should Follow
Chargemap would support a price comparison tool if it ensured:
✔ Full transparency on data sources (operators, users, web scraping, etc.).
✔ The display of the last price update date and the factors considered in the calculation: battery capacity, connector power, pricing structure (penalties, additional fees, etc.).
✔ A clear mention stating that the displayed prices are estimates.
✔ Commercial neutrality, meaning operators' data should not be monetized without their consent.
Why We Refuse to Share Our Data with Chargeprice
We have chosen not to provide our data to Chargeprice for three main reasons:
- Commercial use of our data: Chargeprice sells our pricing information to competitors.
- Development of competing services: Chargeprice uses this data to offer its own mapping system and route planner.
- The dissemination of harmful errors: Before our removal request, some estimates were highly inaccurate, creating a misleading perception of our pricing and pricing policy.
Chargemap Prioritizes Reliable and Accessible Information
Chargemap has nothing to hide. Our prices are clearly displayed on our website and in our mobile app, where users can estimate their charging costs with a level of reliability that Chargeprice cannot guarantee.
We remain open to fair and transparent comparisons but encourage our users to rely directly on our app and website for accurate and up-to-date information.