Introducing: QR Code Payments for EV Charging Points

The electric vehicle market has already seen a huge growth in the past few years, and the forecasts show a continued boom in this industry. With generous government incentives available for EV drivers in many countries around the globe, the tide has certainly turned in favor of electric.

This growth is well-documented. Electric vehicles snatched 2.2% of the global vehicle market in the first ten months of 2019, and almost every major car brand is unveiling new electric models in 2020. And it’s not just early adopters who are buying EVs anymore; people from all walks of life are making the switch.

As the market expands, EV charging operators need to adapt to the increased demand. While the majority of EV charges do happen at home, on-the-go recharging is critical along major highways for people on long journeys, and also in shared parking locations for day-trippers and residents who don’t have their own private driveway. This infrastructure is key to the continued growth of EV ownership.

Until now, interoperability has been a massive challenge. Closed systems (i.e. subscription-based) add a barrier for the consumer, and they also prevent operators from accessing the revenue stream of ad-hoc users. CCV’s QR code solution is solving this problem.

Why QR Code Payments Make Sense for EV Charging Operators

With 280 million smartphone users in Western Europe, increased data coverage, and high internet speeds via 4G and 5G, mobile has become the new normal. As a result, mobile payments are rising in popularity and have become commonplace.

In this environment, we see web-based payments via QR code to be the barrier-free solution for EV charging operators who want to open up their existing network to new customers. While app-based payments also work, they rely on the driver downloading an app and signing up for a profile. Mobile web payments are quicker, simpler, and demand less commitment from the consumer.

QR Code Payments: The Benefits for EV Operators

When using QR codes for payment on EV charging points, there are two main options:

• A static QR code (a sticker or print)
• A dynamic QR code displayed on a screen

To prevent fraud, we favor the second option. This is feasible on a small screen, and it is often possible to integrate with the operator’s existing technology. No need for complex and expensive hardware to be fitted onto the charging point – simply a software update to allow for QR code display.

With a QR code solution and mobile website, operators can also offer something vital to drivers: price transparency. Electricity prices fluctuate, and charging costs change as a result. Furthermore, there should be incentives for people to charge EVs when there is less burden on the electricity grid.

Operators have struggled to offer this transparency to drivers – especially when upgrading closed systems to open ones. But as well as facilitating payment, our mobile website can display dynamic prices. This increases certainty for the consumer – no surprises about how much their charge will cost.

Furthermore, this mobile website can be hosted by the operator and branded with their designs, or it can be white-labeled and handled by CCV. The choice is yours – just let us know.

Keeping EV Charging Easy for the Consumer

For EV charging operators, their technology must be easy to use. In a competitive business environment, user experience can make all the difference. Our QR payment solution for EV charging is extremely simple for anybody who has a smartphone device.

The driver just needs to complete a simple 8 step procedure and so consumers are more willing than ever to pay for services using their smartphone, especially if the experience is pleasant, secure, and the cost expectations are clear. While credit and debit card payments are the most popular digital payment methods, QR codes offer a straightforward and secure alternative.

This QR code solution for EV charging operators is a low-effort and low-cost way to open up closed charging systems to new customers. Operators don’t need to worry about installing heavy new hardware because it’s just a case of adding a QR code display and setting up the web-based mobile website. This is a simple solution that makes sense for operators, and also for EV drivers.

There are multiple solutions for EV charging operators to open up their payment infrastructure. Whether you need a full-scale contactless terminal or a more agile solution to create new revenue streams, CCV will recommend the best solution for your individual needs.

Read the full article on CCV's website.

Learn more about CCV's EV Charging Payment Solutions & Systems. 

About CCV (www.ccv.eu)

CCV gives businesses new opportunities and facilities by enriching their payment process. It makes the future of payment possible today, by supporting payment everywhere and at all times: offline and online, with money or loyalty points. Not just in the Netherlands, but also in Europe, so that companies can get the most out of their business.