Government pressure has prompted a collaboration among multiple companies to simplify payment for fast charging by eliminating the need for special memberships or charging tray requirements, allowing users to pay for fast charging using their regular payment cards.
EV drivers can now tap their credit or debit card on a reader to start charging their vehicle with contactless payment in more charging stations, private or public. This eliminates the need to fumble with cash or cards and can help reduce queues at busy charging stations.
Contactless payments have gained popularity as a safer and more hygienic alternative to cash as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the method reduces the risk of potential transmission by eliminating the need to touch shared surfaces physically.
A survey from last year revealed that over 50 percent of consumers in the European Union prefer card payments for charging their EVs. In contrast, cash and other payment methods garnered less enthusiasm, with only 33 percent and less than 13 percent of respondents selecting them.
QR Codes Fraud
Some companies also have incorporated a digital card reader accessible by scanning a QR code on the charger using a mobile phone. This will redirect drivers to a payment page where they can input their payment details. After the payment is successfully processed, they can begin charging their EV.
With the increased popularity of this method, however, reports have emerged regarding the placement of counterfeit QR codes on fast chargers, leading unsuspecting users to fraudulent payment portals. These incidents have raised concerns among companies like IONITY, prompting them to warn about these deceptive schemes.
In order to ensure a secure payment experience, drivers are urged to exercise caution when scanning QR codes on fast chargers. Verifying the destination address linked to the code is essential to confirm its authenticity and alignment with the official payment portal.
Drivers also can use chargers with physical card readers, official apps or charging trays to stay safe. Nimbnet stations, for example, offer EV drivers various charging options, including the Virta mobile app, RFID tags, credit cards or Plug&Charge compatible vehicles.