EV Charging

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Payments in EV Charging

Card payments in EV charging have become the new standard across the UK and Europe, driven by regulation, user expectations, and the need for simpler, more accessible charging experiences. Today, public EV chargers increasingly allow drivers to tap and charge using contactless debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay – removing the previous barrier of needing separate apps or network accounts.

Since November 2024 in the UK, new chargers above 8 kW and all rapid chargers (50 kW+) must legally support contactless payments, ensuring that drivers can pay on a pay as you go basis without prior registration. Similar legislation across the EU and UK has made card acceptance mandatory on new public chargers, standardising payment methods and improving interoperability across charging networks.

Benefits

  • Simpler charging experiences

    Integrated contactless payments let users simply tap a card to start charging

  • Compliance with regulations

    Adding cashless keeps sites compliant and ready for evolving requirements

  • Increase revenue

    A smoother payment experience leads directly to more regular use

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Common FAQs

Talk to our team
  • Do all public EV chargers accept card payments?

    In the UK, while many older public EV chargers originally required apps or RFID cards, new regulations are rapidly changing this. By November 24, 2024, existing public charge points with a capacity of 50 kW or more were required to be upgraded with contactless payment, and new chargers over 8 kW must have it.

    However, older, slower AC chargers (typically below 50 kW) might still be app or RFID-only if they have not been retrofitted.

  • Do card payments show price clearly before I start charging?

    Yes. UK rules require pricing to be displayed in p/kWh with estimated total cost being shown before charging begins.

  • Are card payments secure on EV chargers?

    Yes. Card transactions follow the same EMV contactless standards used in retail and public transport. The move to card payments was partly to improve the user trust and reduce fragmented, insecure proprietary systems.

  • Can I charge without downloading an app?

    Yes. UK and EU regulations ensure drivers can use tap and go card payments without needing an app or membership.