Scope and service operator
This policy applies to the PlugSphere website, map, calculators, route-planning features and editorial pages. It does not govern a charging operator, map provider or other website reached through an external link.
The service operator and verified privacy contact details, where supplied, appear on the Contact page. PlugSphere is the public service name and should not be read as a claim about a legal entity that is not listed there.
Information involved in the service
- Technical request data, such as IP address, browser and device information, requested URL, referring page, timestamps and security or error logs processed by the hosting infrastructure.
- Search terms, station filters, map bounds and calculator or route inputs sent to the site to produce the result you request.
- Approximate or precise device location only when you grant browser permission. It is used to centre the map or fill a route endpoint; moving the map also sends the resulting map bounds to the station API.
- Cookie and similar-storage choices, including the consent record and a per-tab preloader flag.
- Messages and identifiers you voluntarily provide when contacting the operator through a published contact channel.
- Analytics information only when Google Analytics is configured and you allow the Analytics category.
Why information is used
Depending on the law that applies, these activities may rely on performance of the service you request, legitimate interests in operating and securing the service, consent for optional storage or analytics, or compliance with law. You may withdraw consent at any time without affecting processing that already occurred.
- Provide map results, calculate estimates and return route-planning information requested by you.
- Keep the service secure, diagnose failures, prevent abuse and maintain reliable performance.
- Remember privacy choices and avoid replaying the loading animation within the same browser tab.
- Measure aggregate use and improve pages when optional analytics has been accepted.
- Respond to privacy, correction, accessibility, support or business enquiries.
- Meet legal obligations and establish, exercise or defend legal claims when necessary.
Service providers and other recipients
| Recipient or category | Why information may be disclosed |
|---|---|
| Hosting and infrastructure providers | Deliver the site, process requests, store application data and protect the service. |
| Open Charge Map | Provides charging-location data displayed by PlugSphere. |
| CARTO and OpenStreetMap | Provide map tiles and geographic data; tile requests reveal normal connection data such as IP address and user agent to the tile provider. |
| Google Analytics | Measures site use only if an Analytics ID is configured and you allow Analytics. |
| Advertising or affiliate partners | Only if monetization is introduced, subject to the displayed disclosure, applicable consent and vendor controls. |
| Authorities or transaction parties | When required by law, needed to protect rights or safety, or connected to a legitimate reorganisation or transfer of the service. |
Advertising and Google services
PlugSphere may introduce advertising after the required technical and consent controls are configured. Google and other advertising vendors may then use cookies, web beacons, IP addresses or device identifiers to deliver, measure and limit advertising, including ads based on previous visits where permitted.
If Google advertising is enabled, Google may receive and use information from this site as described in its partner-sites notice. Advertising consent requirements vary by region, and a Google-certified consent platform is required for relevant AdSense traffic in the EEA, United Kingdom and Switzerland.
Retention and security
Information is kept only as long as reasonably needed for the purposes described above, including security, troubleshooting, legal and record-keeping needs. Retention differs by data type and provider. The consent record lasts up to 180 days unless you change it sooner, the preloader flag lasts for the browser tab, and the normal application session lifetime is configured for about two hours of inactivity.
Reasonable administrative and technical safeguards are used, but no internet service can promise absolute security. Avoid sending sensitive information that is not necessary for a request.
International processing
PlugSphere is available worldwide. Service providers may process information in countries other than the one where you live. Where required, the operator and providers should use recognised safeguards for international transfers. Provider-specific details are available in their own privacy notices.
Your privacy choices and rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, restrict or object to certain processing, receive a portable copy, withdraw consent, opt out of certain advertising uses, or appeal a decision. You may also complain to the privacy regulator in your jurisdiction.
Use Cookie preferences to change optional analytics or advertising choices. PlugSphere treats an enabled Global Privacy Control signal as an opt-out of the Advertising category. This does not erase information already processed.
Children
PlugSphere is a general-audience driving and charging resource and is not directed to children. Do not submit personal information through a contact channel if you are not old enough to do so under the law where you live.
Policy changes
This policy may be updated when the service, vendors or legal requirements change. The date shown at the top identifies the current version. Material changes should be highlighted through the site or consent interface when appropriate.