The UK government’s Public Charge Point Regulations mark a significant shift in the electric vehicle (EV) charging landscape. Introduced by the Secretary of State, the new rules aim to enhance the charging experience for EV drivers and encourage widespread adoption of EVs.
The regulations stipulate that all new public charge points with a capacity of 8 kW and above, installed after November 24th, 2024, as well as all public charge points of 50 kW and above, must provide contactless payment options. This requirement applies either to each individual charge point or to the entire charging site if multiple charge points are present, to ensure accessibility and convenience for users.
All public charging stations are required to accept a variety of contactless payment options, including all major credit and debit cards. These services should be accessible to users on a pay-as-you-go basis, without needing a prior agreement with the operator. Furthermore, charge point operators (CPOs) are required to enable payments via mobile apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal.
TSG’s EV Payment Solutions
TSG’s EV standalone payment terminals offer a diverse array of payment options and can connect to up to 10 chargers. They feature an optional 7” screen with vandal-resistant glass, provide digital receipts or invoices through QR codes, enable site owners to promote additional services and are easy to install, even where space is limited.
The terminal is currently in use for vehicle wash solutions across various manufacturers in the UK, and it is also employed for vending and coffee services. The terminal can be mounted freely onto existing equipment or provided with a podium.
Furthermore, a payment terminal can be simultaneously connected to both EV chargers and car washes, all managed through the 7” screen. This arrangement provides customers with the convenience of purchasing a car wash programme directly after they finish charging their vehicle.
Using the associated app, drivers can find charging stations along their route and navigate to them. It provides a real-time overview of the charging process and enables customers to view, download and share receipts.
Charging Station Management System (CSMS)
The Charging Station Management System (CSMS) allows charge point operators to access comprehensive information about connected charging stations. Operators can view real-time data on charging status, temperature, voltage and energy levels, as well as detailed logs and transaction histories. The system also supports data sharing with external platforms, such as loyalty programs, through a flexible Application Programming Interface (API).
Additionally, operators have the capability to monitor, reset, update or restart charging stations remotely, ensuring efficient management and maintenance. This functionality enhances the overall user experience and optimises the performance of the charging infrastructure.
In its simplest form, this solution provides a quick-to-market approach specifically for EV payments. It has a proven ability to rapidly integrate new Open Charge Point Protocols (OCPPs) and already supports several types of chargers. The platform is flexible enough to accommodate additional payment solutions, allowing for future expansion. Overall, this comprehensive solution opens multiple channels of opportunity for site operators, enhancing their ability to serve EV users effectively.
Author: Cheryl Ashton
