Payment terminals are hardware devices that enable drivers to pay for EV charging using bank cards and mobile wallets (e.g., contactless/NFC). In EV charging, terminals are typically used for ad-hoc (pay-as-you-go) access at public charge points, allowing users to start and pay for a session without a membership or app.
Terminals may be integrated directly into the charger, mounted externally on the charger, or installed as a separate kiosk for a charging hub.
Why Payment Terminals Matter in EV Charging
Payment terminals are important because they reduce friction for public users and support compliance requirements in many markets. They help operators and site owners:
– Offer walk-up charging without account creation
– Improve conversion and utilization at public sites
– Reduce reliance on roaming or app-only access
– Increase customer trust with familiar payment methods
– Support transparent receipts and dispute handling through clear transaction records
How Payment Terminals Work
A typical terminal-enabled charging flow includes:
– User selects a connector/charger and taps a card or wallet (NFC/contactless)
– The terminal sends a request to a payment gateway for authorization (often pre-authorization)
– Once authorized, the CPMS starts the charging session
– At session end, the CPMS calculates the final amount (kWh, time, fees)
– The gateway captures payment and a receipt is provided (screen, SMS/email, or web link)
Common Types of Payment Terminals
– Integrated terminals: built into the charger enclosure (clean UX, fewer components)
– External terminals: separate module attached to charger (flexible retrofits)
– Hub/kiosk terminals: one terminal serving multiple charge points (cost-efficient for multi-bay hubs)
– Unattended terminals: designed for outdoor use with high durability and security
Key Features to Consider
For EV charging, terminals are typically evaluated on:
– Contactless/NFC support (card + mobile wallets)
– Outdoor durability (IP rating, temperature range, vandal resistance)
– Secure operation (tamper detection, encrypted communications)
– Connectivity options (Ethernet, LTE modem)
– Support for pre-authorization, partial captures, and refunds
– Compatibility with CPMS and payment gateway integration
– Receipt options (screen, QR, SMS/email) and local tax/VAT requirements
Operational Considerations
– Terminals add a dependency on reliable communications; outages can stop ad-hoc charging
– Payment processing fees can affect margins, especially on low-value sessions
– Edge cases must be handled: aborted sessions, faults, offline mode, partial delivery
– Maintenance planning is needed (firmware updates, cleaning, replacement cycles)
– Customer support workflows should cover chargebacks, refunds, and disputed idle fees
Benefits
– Lower barrier to entry and higher public access
– Better utilization at destination and corridor sites
– Supports transparent pricing and consumer confidence
– Enables mixed access models (members + ad-hoc users)
Limitations and Practical Considerations
– Higher CAPEX and ongoing fees compared to RFID/app-only setups
– Certification and compliance requirements can add complexity
– Vulnerable to vandalism or environmental damage without proper hardware protection
– Requires careful tariff design (pre-auth amounts, idle fees, minimum fees)
Related Glossary Terms
Contactless Charging Payments
Ad-hoc Charging
Payment Gateway Integration
Charging Session Revenue
Idle Fee Policy
Fiscal Receipts
MID Metering
CPMS
Roaming
LTE Modem