Abstract: A charging device and method for electrically charging an electric vehicle includes a first coupling element connectable to a second coupling element arranged on the electric vehicle to produce an electrical connection. The the charging device includes a base, which can be at least partially sunk into the ground, and a movement apparatus, which connects the first coupling element to the base to be controllably moved relative to the base. The base includes a through-opening and a cover that closes the through-opening, so that, in a usage state, the first coupling element, with the cover open, is movable through the through-opening from a non-charging position sunk into the ground using the movement apparatus, to guide the first coupling element to the second coupling element to a charging position.