Benidorm to offer free EV charging in major car parks this May – here’s how drivers can take advantage

Drivers in Benidorm are set to benefit from a new initiative offering free electric vehicle charging across several central car parks this May. The scheme will run for one week only, from May 11 to May 17, giving motorists the chance to recharge without paying a cent.

The promotion applies to three of the city’s busiest underground facilities: Tomás Ortuño, Rincón de Loix, and the Mercado Municipal. Together, these locations form a key part of the city’s public parking network, making the offer widely accessible to both residents and visitors.

This limited-time campaign is designed not just as a perk, but as a strategic push to encourage more drivers to switch to electric vehicles and embrace cleaner transport options.

How the free charging offer works

To benefit from the promotion, users must access the service through the Telpark app. The platform allows drivers to locate available charging points, start sessions digitally, and monitor progress in real time.

In total, 15 semi-fast charging points will be available during the campaign, each offering up to 22 kW of power – enough for efficient top-ups while parked.

The process is designed to be seamless: once inside one of the participating car parks, users simply connect their vehicle and activate the charge via the app. No additional payment steps are required during the promotional period.

Driving a shift towards sustainable mobility

The initiative is a joint effort between the local council and parking operator Telpark, aligning with broader goals to reduce emissions and modernise urban transport.

City officials say the aim is to make public charging more accessible and to integrate it into everyday routines. By removing cost barriers, even temporarily, the scheme hopes to build confidence among drivers who may be hesitant about relying on public infrastructure.

It also forms part of a wider sustainability strategy focused on cutting pollution, improving air quality, and supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources.

A boost for both locals and tourists

With Benidorm welcoming millions of visitors each year, the initiative is expected to benefit tourists as much as residents. Travellers arriving in electric vehicles will be able to recharge conveniently while shopping, dining, or exploring the city.

Areas like Rincón de Loix – known for its lively atmosphere and dense concentration of accommodation, are likely to see strong uptake due to high footfall and parking demand.

By situating the charging points in central, high-traffic areas, the city ensures that the infrastructure is both visible and practical for everyday use.

Expanding EV Infrastructure in the City

The free charging week also highlights the scale of Benidorm’s existing infrastructure. Across the three participating car parks, there are more than 650 parking spaces, supported by a growing network of charging facilities.

Globally, Telpark operates over 1,500 charging points and serves millions of users, reflecting a broader shift toward integrated mobility solutions that combine parking, payment, and energy services in one platform.

Local authorities believe that short-term incentives like this can accelerate long-term behavioural change, encouraging drivers to adopt electric vehicles and rely more on shared urban infrastructure.

A small step with long-term impact

While the free charging offer lasts just seven days, its impact could extend far beyond May. Initiatives like this play a key role in normalising electric mobility, making it easier – and more appealing – for drivers to make the switch.

As cities across Europe continue to prioritise sustainability, Benidorm’s approach shows how targeted incentives and accessible technology can work together to drive real change.