A person holds a card at a charging station for electric vehicles.

No app, no additional cards: Standardised payment system for charging stations for electric vehicles

06. June 2024   |   Read time: approx. 5 minutes

Electromobility is experiencing an enormous upswing, but it faces a challenge: the variety of payment methods at charging stations for electric cars. Almost every manufacturer has its own payment system or app, which causes confusion among users. It is often difficult for users to find a charging station that accepts their preferred payment method or with whose app the user is already registered. This fragmentation makes the use of electric vehicles more difficult. 

 In this context, a pioneering project is being launched with the aim of integrating open payment terminals into charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) throughout Europe. 

A pioneering project 

Developed by leading technology providers, the project has the potential to fundamentally change the way electric vehicles are charged and paid for.  

 The introduction of open payment terminals will enable users to charge their electric vehicles at charging stations and at the same time pay for the charging process conveniently and securely without having to use different payment cards or apps from different providers. The technology behind these open payment terminals enables seamless integration into existing charging infrastructures and offers a variety of payment options, including contactless payments, credit cards, mobile payment services and more. The project also attaches great importance to safety and data protection in order to guarantee the trustworthiness and integrity of the payment process. 

 

 Improved user-friendliness and accessibility 

The introduction of open payment terminals at charging stations for electric vehicles not only improves user-friendliness and accessibility for users, but also promotes the acceptance and spread of electric vehicles. This pioneering project is thus making an important contribution to the further development and spread of electromobility in Europe. 

 The open payment terminals offer numerous advantages for electric vehicle users and charging station operators: 

 For users, this means improved flexibility and convenience when charging their vehicle, as they no longer need special payment cards or apps. 

  • Open payment terminals open up new opportunities for charging station operators to monetise their infrastructure. 
  • By integrating payment options directly into the charging stations, operators can generate additional revenue and at the same time increase the attractiveness of their charging stations for electric vehicle users. 

 In addition, the introduction of open payment terminals helps to reduce the fragmentation of the market for electric vehicle charging stations. By offering a uniform and standardised payment method for all charging stations, the open payment terminals make charging electric vehicles easier and more transparent for users. 

 

Outlook 

Overall, the project of open payment terminals for electric vehicle charging stations is an important step towards more sustainable and efficient electromobility. It shows how innovative technologies and cross-industry partnerships can help tackle the challenges of electromobility and shape the future of mobility. 

 Stay tuned for more information on this groundbreaking project and the latest developments in the electromobility industry.