For years, public charging meant downloading an app or ordering an RFID card before you could charge. Regulators decided that is not good enough. In the EU and the UK, many public chargers must now let drivers pay with a normal bank card, without contracts or registration. For operators, that means choosing, installing and integrating payment terminals.
- Under AFIR, new public chargers of 50 kW and above need a card reader or contactless device; existing ones on key EU corridors must be retrofitted by 1 January 2027.
- Terminals pre-authorise an amount, then capture the final price after charging.
- You can integrate a reader into each charger or use one shared terminal for several chargers.
- The CSMS links the payment to the OCPP session so the price, receipt and CDR match.
Why payment terminals are becoming mandatory
The EU's Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation requires ad-hoc payment at all new publicly accessible chargers. For new chargers with 50 kW or more, that payment must be possible with a card reader or a device with contactless functionality that at least accepts payment cards. Existing chargers of 50 kW and above on the TEN-T network and in safe and secure parking areas must be retrofitted by 1 January 2027. Read our AFIR compliance guide for the full picture. The UK has similar contactless rules under its public charge point regulations, with lower power thresholds for new chargers.
How a charging payment works
- Tap: the driver selects a connector and taps a card or phone on the reader.
- Pre-authorisation: the terminal asks the card issuer to hold an amount, for example a fixed maximum per session.
- Start: once approved, the CSMS starts the OCPP transaction on the correct connector.
- Charging: energy is metered as usual.
- Capture: after the session, the CSMS calculates the price and the terminal captures only that amount; the rest of the hold is released.
- Receipt: the driver gets a receipt, often through a QR code or a web link printed on the charger.
Pre-authorisation: the detail drivers notice
The pre-authorisation amount must cover a realistic maximum session, but a high hold frustrates drivers with low balances or debit cards. Many operators set different holds by charger power. Display the hold amount clearly, explain that it is released after charging, and make sure your capture process runs quickly so holds disappear soon.
Integrated vs shared terminals
| Aspect | Integrated per charger | Shared terminal for several chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Driver experience | Pay at the charger itself | Pay at a pole or kiosk, then select the charger |
| Hardware cost | One reader per charger | One reader per group |
| Retrofit effort | Charger must support it | Works with existing chargers |
| Failure impact | Affects one charger | Affects the whole group |
| Best for | New DC chargers, highways | Retrofits, AC parking sites |
Check with your charger manufacturer whether a factory-integrated reader is available, and check with your payment provider which terminals are certified for unattended use.
Choosing a terminal
- Certification: unattended payment terminals must meet card scheme and PCI security requirements; use certified hardware and processors.
- Outdoor durability: temperature range, sunlight-readable screens, and protection against water, dust and impact.
- Connectivity: a reliable 4G or wired connection, as payment approval fails without it.
- Accessibility: mounting height, contrast and simple instructions for all drivers.
- Languages: highway sites serve international drivers; multilingual screens reduce support calls.
- Remote management: updates and monitoring without site visits.
Integrating payments with your CSMS
A payment terminal is only half the solution. The CSMS must know which connector the driver chose, start the session, calculate the exact price with your pricing rules, and pass the final amount back for capture. It must also create the CDR and receipt, and handle edge cases: the car does not start charging, the session is stopped by the vehicle, or connectivity drops mid-session. OCPP 2.1 adds support for payment terminal scenarios, while with older OCPP versions the integration typically runs through the terminal provider's backend and the CSMS API.
Costs to plan for
- Terminal hardware and installation, or the retrofit kit for existing chargers.
- Payment processing fees per transaction, which matter for small AC sessions.
- Connectivity costs for each terminal.
- Maintenance, replacement of damaged readers and software updates.
Small sessions with high fixed fees can make card payments expensive, which is one reason some operators combine card readers with QR code payment at AC sites.
Frequently asked questions
Do AC chargers need card readers under AFIR?
New public AC chargers below 50 kW need ad-hoc payment, but it can be provided via an online solution such as a QR code. Card readers are required for new chargers of 50 kW and above.
Can drivers still use apps and RFID cards?
Yes. Card payment is added alongside contract-based charging, not instead of it. See app vs RFID vs card.
What happens if the session fails to start?
The pre-authorisation should be cancelled immediately so the driver's money is not held. Your CSMS should handle this automatically.
Üreticy supports ad-hoc payment by QR code or terminal and links every payment to its OCPP session, price and CDR. See payment features or contact us.
Security Features of EV Charging Payment Terminals
As electric vehicle (EV) charging stations become more prevalent, ensuring the security of transactions is paramount. Payment terminals designed for EV charging stations often incorporate several security features to protect both the station operators and the drivers. These features include:
- EMV Compliance: Ensuring that the payment terminal is EMV (Europay, Mastercard, Visa) compliant helps prevent card fraud. EMV technology uses a chip-and-PIN or chip-and-signature system, which is more secure than traditional magnetic stripe cards.
- Tokenization: This process replaces sensitive payment data with a unique identifier, or token, which cannot be used to access the actual payment information. Tokenization reduces the risk of data breaches and protects the cardholder's information.
- Encryption: Data transmitted between the payment terminal and the payment processor is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. This ensures that sensitive information, such as card numbers and transaction details, remains secure during transmission.
- Tamper Detection: Modern payment terminals are equipped with tamper detection mechanisms that can alert operators if the terminal has been physically compromised. This helps prevent unauthorized access to the terminal and its stored data.
- Regular Software Updates: Payment terminals should receive regular software updates to address any security vulnerabilities and to ensure compliance with the latest industry standards and regulations.
- Two-Factor Authentication: Some payment terminals offer two-factor authentication, requiring users to provide an additional form of verification (such as a one-time passcode sent to their phone) to complete a transaction. This adds an extra layer of security to the payment process.
By incorporating these security features, payment terminals for EV charging stations can provide drivers with a secure and reliable payment experience, fostering trust and encouraging the adoption of EVs.
User Experience and Design Considerations
The user experience of an EV charging payment terminal can significantly impact the adoption and satisfaction of EV drivers. A well-designed payment terminal should be intuitive, accessible, and user-friendly. Here are some key considerations:
- Ease of Use: The payment terminal should be easy to navigate, even for users who are not tech-savvy. Clear and concise instructions, along with a logical layout, can help reduce user frustration and improve the overall experience.
- Multiple Payment Options: Offering a variety of payment methods, such as contactless cards, mobile payments (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay), and QR codes, can cater to a wider range of user preferences. This flexibility enhances the convenience of the charging station for drivers.
- Accessibility: Payment terminals should be designed to accommodate users with disabilities. This includes features such as large buttons, clear text, and the option to use voice commands or audio guidance. Ensuring that the terminal is wheelchair accessible is also crucial.
- Language Support: Providing support for multiple languages can make the payment process more accessible to a diverse user base. This is particularly important in regions with a high number of international visitors or a multilingual population.
- Feedback and Confirmation: The terminal should provide clear feedback to users throughout the payment process. This includes visual and audio confirmation of successful transactions, as well as error messages that are easy to understand.
- Environmental and Aesthetic Design: The design of the payment terminal should blend well with its surroundings, contributing to the overall aesthetic of the charging station. Additionally, the terminal should be durable and resistant to environmental factors such as weather and vandalism.
By focusing on these design and usability considerations, payment terminals for EV charging stations can enhance the user experience, leading to higher customer satisfaction and increased adoption of EVs.