radio communication path 34 confirmation of the interlocking is received in the charging station in the microprocessor 12 once the interlocking has been confirmed the microprocessor 12 controls the control means 10 in such a way that the control means releases the charging current via the charge controller 8 to this end a connection between the energy supply network 4 and the charging cable 6 is created then the microprocessor 12 monitors how long the charging process lasts if the charging time has elapsed without any user input then an unlocking signal is transmitted to the vehicle 30 via the microprocessor 12 transmission takes place in the same way as transmission of the interlocking signal the unlocking signal causes the connector 6 a in the interlocking device 40 to be released a release of the connector 6 a can be signalled visually at the charging station 2 on the other hand it is possible that the connector 6 a either remains locked in the interlocking device 40 beyond the charging time and must be released or that the user wishes to unlock the charging cable 6 during the charging time in this case the user approaches the charging station 2 and inputs a second release code via the pin pad 20 the user has preferably retained the receipt 28 and can thus read from this the first release code previously output and.