EV charging networks and apps in Turkey: a guide for travellers

Written by Engin Demirel · Electrical technician, master instructor · 12 years of experience

Short answer: Public chargers in Turkey belong to charging network operators licensed by EPDK, the energy regulator. By socket count in May 2026 the largest networks were ZES, Trugo, Voltrun, Wat Mobilite and Eşarj, and Tesla runs its own Supercharger network. Each network has its own app; charging is usually started from the app, with a card or a QR code, and billed per kWh.

What is a charging network?

A charging network manages many stations with one software platform, app and payment system. In Turkey, charging can only be sold commercially if the station is part of a network run by an EPDK-licensed operator. The hotel, mall, fuel station or car park where the charger stands usually has a contract with that network.

For a driver this means: to charge at a station you normally sign up to its network's app, add a payment card and start and stop the session in the app. If you live elsewhere in Europe, the logic is similar at home; only the network names differ. The licensing rules are explained in our guide on opening a charging station.

The main networks in Turkey

EPDK's monthly statistics show more than 44,000 public sockets in Turkey in May 2026 (about 25,600 AC and 19,500 DC). Leading networks by socket count:

ZES (Zorlu Energy): first in total sockets as of May 2026.
Trugo (Togg's charging network): mostly DC fast charging; in recent months the largest share of energy delivered.
Voltrun: a widespread network with mainly AC sockets.
Wat Mobilite and Eşarj: the other networks in the top five.
Tesla Supercharger: Tesla's own DC network; some sites are open to other brands with CCS2. The Tesla app shows which ones.

Many other licensed networks exist, especially regional ones in cities and hotels. Rankings change from month to month. We do not recommend any network; choose by the stations on your route.

How to start charging and pay

Methods vary, but the common ones are:

App: download the network's app, register and add a credit or debit card, then choose the station and socket.
QR code: scan the code on the charger with the app to select the right socket.
Charging card: some networks issue cards that you hold to the reader.
Contactless card: under the 2026 amendment, from 01.07.2026 at least one of the newly added DC units of 50 kW or more on motorways run by the General Directorate of Highways must accept bank cards or contactless payment. Elsewhere it depends on the network.

Tip for travellers: install two or three apps for your route and add a card before you set off. Signing up at the charger on a weak mobile connection wastes time.

What is roaming?

Roaming lets a member of one network charge at another network's station with their own app. Operators may sign such agreements, but coverage varies: some apps show and start other networks' chargers, others show only their own. Check in the app which network sets the price and issues the invoice.

How to find chargers

The network's own app: location, socket type, power and often live availability.
Şarj@TR: EPDK's open-access platform, available as a mobile app, intended to show location, sockets, power, payment methods and prices of public chargers on one map.
Your car's navigation: many EVs suggest suitable DC chargers when planning a route.

Mind the connector: AC chargers use Type 2, DC fast chargers use CCS2. See charging cables and connector types.

AC or DC?

AC: power is limited by the car's on-board charger (11 kW on most cars). Good for long stops at a hotel or shopping centre. EPDK data put the average AC session at about 3 hours.
DC fast charging: quick top-ups on a journey; the average session in May 2026 was about 37 minutes. The price per kWh is higher than AC.

What the 2026 rules mean for drivers

The amendment to Turkey's Charging Service Regulation of 23.03.2026 introduced rules that affect drivers directly:

Prices are charged per kWh, and the invoice shows the energy delivered.
No extra fees such as connection or session start may be added to the kWh price.
At public stations, prices may differ only between AC, DC and mobile units; discounts by location and time are allowed.
Prices for loyalty-contract users may be at most 25% above the lowest price.
On DC, charging may be stopped at 85% or more state of charge after notice, so do not count on filling to 100% at a fast charger.

This is a general summary, not legal advice; see EPDK's website for the current text.

How much does it cost?

Operator prices change often, so we do not list them. As a guide, at prices of September 30, 2026 a car using 17 kWh/100 km costs about TRY 196 per 100 km at a public AC charger and about TRY 268 at a DC fast charger. Each app shows the current price per kWh. More in public charging prices, or calculate for your car with our charging cost calculator.

The case for charging at home

Public networks are essential on the road, but for everyday driving charging at home is the cheapest and easiest option. Turkish household electricity costs about TRY 3.24 per kWh, so the same 100 km costs about TRY 61 at home. Plug in overnight and start the day full, with no app or queue.

Home charging needs a wallbox on a dedicated, properly protected circuit installed by a qualified electrician; local rules apply. In Bursa, ENGN offers site surveys and permitted, project-based installation, and our store in Nilüfer shows Bemis chargers.

Frequently asked questions

Which charging networks are most common in Turkey?

By socket count in May 2026, according to EPDK: ZES, Trugo, Voltrun, Wat Mobilite and Eşarj. Tesla also runs Superchargers. Rankings change monthly.

Can I pay with a foreign bank card?

Most networks let you add a card in their app; whether a specific foreign card is accepted depends on the network. On motorways, from 01.07.2026 at least one new DC unit of 50 kW or more must accept card or contactless payment.

Do I need a separate app for each network?

Usually yes. Some networks open other networks' chargers through roaming agreements, but coverage varies.

How do I find chargers in Turkey?

Use the networks' apps, EPDK's Şarj@TR app or your car's navigation.

Are there extra fees at Turkish chargers?

Under the 23.03.2026 amendment, charging is billed per kWh and connection or session start fees are not allowed.

Can non-Tesla cars use Tesla Superchargers in Turkey?

Some Supercharger sites are open to other CCS2 cars. The Tesla app shows which sites are open and the price.