A complete guide to Flash charging stations in Ukraine

Flash is one of the most visible networks of charging stations in Ukraine, operating both in large cities and on intercity routes. These chargers are convenient because you don't need to download a separate app to start a session - just open the web service and connect your car.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know before using Flash stations: what types of charging are available, how to pay, what are the advantages of the web version, and what to look for to avoid spending too much.

We remind you that you can purchase home and commercial charging stations in our online storeand also use the public charging stations ECOFACTORcharging points located throughout Ukraine. For convenient access to charging infrastructure, we recommend using our mobile applicationwhich is available on iOS and Android.

What is Flash?

Flash is an all-Ukrainian network of electric vehicle charging stations that is developing with a focus on convenience, speed and accessibility. The company offers both slow and fast charging, covering various usage scenarios - from daily city commuting to long-distance travel. All Flash charging systems are built on modern certified equipment that meets international requirements and supports the main types of connectors: Type 1, Type 2, CHAdeMO, CCS, and GB/T. This means that regardless of the brand of your car - from Nissan Leaf to BYD or Tesla - you will be able to find a compatible station.

But the main feature of Flash is its approach to the user. There is no need to install applications, register, or make any deposits to your account. Everything works directly through the web service. When you arrive, open the page on your smartphone, select a port, connect the cable, and you're charging. If you want, you can create an account to save your session history, but it is not necessary. Payment is made with a regular bank card or via Google Pay/Apple Pay, and in case of undercharging, the excess is automatically refunded. Flash does not tie the user to any platform - everything is done so that you do not waste extra time.

Where does the Flash network work?

Flash stations are located all over Ukraine - from Kyiv, Kharkiv and Dnipro to frontline and border cities. Special attention is paid to installing them on popular highways, near petrol stations, logistics centres and supermarkets.

Flash is gradually increasing its presence, especially in places where there is a lack of high-speed charging stations. Some of the stations are solar-powered.

How do I use the Flash station?

Step 1: Find a charging station

To find the nearest Flash station, you can use:

• web service at flashcharge.com.ua
• partner mobile applications (for example, Infinite Charge or Chargex)
• Google maps or apps for EV drivers (such as PlugShare or ECOFACTOR)

The map shows the station type, number of ports, availability, and even supported connectors.

Step 2: Start charging

• Arrive at the station, connect the cable to the car
• Open the web service or app and scan the QR code or enter the station number
• Choose the type of session (registration is not required)
• Pay as needed (you can use a bank card or Apple Pay/Google Pay)
• Monitor your charging progress

If you want, you can create an account - this will give you access to your charging history, refunds and convenient reconnection.

Step 3: End the session

You can finish charging through the same web service or simply by unplugging the cable (depending on the type of car). The amount is charged proportionally - if you charge less, the excess will be refunded.

Charging speeds: what Flash offers

Flash offers two main types of chargers: slow (AC) and fast (DC), with outputs ranging from 7.5 to 60 kW. The most commonly used connectors are Type 1 and Type 2 for alternating current (AC), and CCS, CHAdeMO and GB/T for direct current (DC). All chargers are certified according to international standards and are compatible with most popular electric vehicles in Ukraine.

For your convenience, we have calculated the estimated charging time from 10% to 80% for three popular models: Nissan Leaf 40 kWh, Tesla Model 3 Long Range, and Hyundai Ioniq 5. This is the range in which charging is most efficient - you should not go below 10%, and closer to 100%, the charge slows down to protect the battery.

Charging 7.5 kW

This is the basic level of AC charging that can be found on slower Flash stations. It is suitable for situations where you have time - for example, when you leave your car at the office, shopping mall or at home overnight. These stations support both Type 1 (J1772) and Type 2 (Mennekes) connectors, making them compatible with most common electric vehicle models.

The power output is up to 7.5 kW, so a full charge should not be expected quickly. It will take approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes to charge a 40 kWh Nissan Leaf from 10% to 80%. For the Tesla Model 3 Long Range, this is already 7 hours and 30 minutes, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 - about 8 hours. This option is well suited for those who are not in a hurry and want to recharge economically.

Charging 22 kW

This is already a noticeably faster charging level, which also operates on AC power, but with a higher power output. At Flash stations, these charges only use a Type 2 connector. However, it's important to keep in mind that not all electric vehicles are capable of taking the full 22 kW on AC - some are limited to 11 or 7.4 kW per input.

On average, charging from 10% to 80% takes: 4 hours and 15 minutes for the Nissan Leaf, 4 hours and 45 minutes for the Tesla Model 3 Long Range, and approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes for the Hyundai Ioniq 5. This type of charging is the best option for daily use, especially if your vehicle has good support for three-phase AC charging.

Charging 60 kW

This is the most powerful charging option on the Flash network today. The stations operate on direct current (DC) and support multiple connectors: CCS (type 1 and type 2), CHAdeMO and GB/T. This is convenient for long-distance journeys or when you need to recharge your car quickly and move on.

Power up to 60 kW can significantly reduce waiting time. For example, a 40 kWh Nissan Leaf can be charged from 10% to 80% in 35-40 minutes. Tesla Model 3 Long Range - in about 1 hour and 5 minutes, and Hyundai Ioniq 5 - in 50-55 minutes. This is the most convenient option for those who are on the road and do not have time to wait for several hours.

How much does it cost to charge?

Flash has no fixed monthly fee or mandatory deposits - everything works simply and transparently. The cost of charging depends on the specific station and type of charging, but the main principle is the same: you pay only for the electricity you actually use. There is no need to top up your account in advance or pay a certain amount "just in case". If you use less than you paid for during the session, the system automatically refunds the balance to your bank card.

You pay directly through the partner's web service or mobile app, such as Infinite Charge or Chargex. Before you start charging, you see the tariff - usually in UAH per kWh. This makes it easy to understand the cost even before you connect the cable. There are no hidden fees or confusing terms and conditions - everything is displayed in the charging interface.

Free charging: do they exist in Flash?

Flash does not position itself as a free network, but sometimes you can find promotions or partner locations with temporary free charging. It is better to look for such options in the company's Telegram channel or in the news on the official website.

Where to find free Flash chargers

Free Flash chargers sometimes appear at specific locations as part of affiliate programmes or promotional campaigns. The most common places to find them are in the following locations:

• Public car parks: Some shopping malls or business centres offer free charging in their car parks as a bonus for customers. Conditions are subject to change, so you should check the information before you go.
• Municipal facilities and institutions: In certain cities or communities where local authorities support the development of electric transport, charging can be free of charge on the territory of municipal institutions, such as near ASCs, sports complexes or administrative buildings.
• Supermarkets: Sometimes retailers cover the cost of charging for their customers. This is not a common practice, but there are some examples. You should check the availability of free charging directly in the app or on the Flash website.

Do I need an access card for Flash charging?

The Flash network does not use classic RFID cards, as is often the case in European networks. All charging takes place contactlessly, without physical media - via a convenient web service or a partner mobile app.

What is an RFID card?

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a plastic card with a built-in chip and antenna. It works using radio waves: when you bring it to a special reader at a charging station, the system automatically recognises the user and gives you access to charging. This is convenient when there is no internet connection or the smartphone is dead. This approach is actively used in some Western networks.

Why doesn't Flash use RFID?

Flash has opted for a simpler approach. Everything works via a QR code and a web browser on your phone. There is no need to carry a card, register in advance or have additional access to physical facilities. You just drive up to the station, open the camera, scan the QR code, and in a few clicks you're charging.

This lowers the entry threshold: you can charge your car even without creating an account. If you want, you can register to save your session history and pay faster. But there are no obligatory actions - the whole logic is based on not burdening the user. No cards, PINs, or third-party readers. Access to the charger is directly through the phone and browser.

Tips for using Flash chargers effectively

If you understand when and how best to charge your car, you can avoid queues, avoid wasting time and always have enough energy for your journeys. Below are some practical tips to help you use Flash stations effectively.

Charge during off-peak hours

The most convenient time to charge your car is early in the morning, late in the evening or at night - this is when there is less load on the station, and therefore a higher probability of finding a free port without waiting. In large cities, this is especially noticeable on weekdays, when most charging stations are busy during the day.

Peak periods usually occur between 9:00 and 18:00 - this is when charging points near offices, supermarkets and shopping malls are busiest. If you can schedule your charging earlier or later, it will help save time and reduce the likelihood of queues.

Check station availability on the map

It's always a good idea to check the charging status in the Flash web service or a partner app before you go. The map usually shows which ports are free and which are already occupied. This allows you to plan your route in advance and avoid wasting a trip to a busy station.

Choose the charging type for your specific situation

If you are driving on the highway and have limited time, it is better to look for fast DC chargers. For charging at home or at work, slow AC stations with 7.5 or 22 kW are suitable. This way, you can use your time efficiently without overpaying for excess power where it is not needed.

Keep access to the web service

To avoid searching for the QR code every time, add the Flash web service to your phone's browser bookmarks. This speeds up access to the system and allows you to start charging in just a few clicks. If you use the system frequently, it saves you a lot of time.

Control your refunds

Flash works on a prepaid model, but only charges for the actual energy consumed. If charging is completed earlier, the balance is automatically refunded. This usually happens quickly, but it's still worth checking your account after each session, especially if you paid a large amount in advance.

ECOFACTOR: more charges, fewer apps

The Flash network is a good option, especially when you want to charge quickly without having to go through any extra steps. But if you want to see all the charging stations on one screen - including Flash - without having to switch between different apps, we at ECOFACTOR have already created a convenient solution for this.

Our app for iOS and Android allows you to connect to stations not only to our network, but also to partner networks. You can see the full map of charging stationsThe information includes the location of the points, what types of connectors are available, the power, and whether the station is free right now. This also applies to Flash - their chargers are also available through our service.

We work on a transparent payment model: no mandatory deposits, no subscription fees, no complicated schemes. You just charge and pay only for what you use. If you pay for something in advance but don't use it, the balance is automatically refunded. All this is available directly in the app or via the web.

If you charge frequently or want to connect a charging station for business, we have the tools for that too. The ECOFACTOR platform allows you to manage your network, set your own tariffs, track energy consumption, and quickly connect new stations. It works for residential complexes, hotels, restaurants, office centres or car parks.

And to ensure that nothing is missing for the full use of an electric car, we also have online shop з cables and adapters, mobile charges and other accessories. Everything is compatible with the most common connectors - Type 1, Type 2, CCS, CHAdeMO. What we use ourselves every day and know works.

Instead of ten applications and separate accounts for each network, you will have one solution that works with several operators at once. If you're comfortable charging on Flash, go for it. If you're in another city tomorrow and look for an ECOFACTOR station, it will also be at hand.

Conclusion.

Flash charging stations are a convenient solution for those who don't want to spend extra time on registrations, applications, and account links. Everything works directly: you drive up, connect, pay, and drive on. This network is well suited for both residents of large cities and those who frequently travel by road. Whether you have just switched to an electric car or have been driving it for a long time, Flash allows you to charge without any unnecessary movements.

If you want to see the bigger picture - for example, a map of all charging stations, including Flash, and have one app at your fingertips for all occasions - then you should look at the ECOFACTOR solution. Everything is combined here: access to charging stations, management of your own station, and a store with all the necessary accessories. In any case, there is a choice. And this is perhaps the best thing that can happen on the road.

Frequently asked questions