Payment Terminals for EV Charging:
The Practical Guide

Key takeaways: 

• Payment terminals are now a regulatory requirement in many markets. Under AFIR, public DC chargers (≥50 kW) deployed in the EU since April 2024 must support ad hoc card/contactless payments, while similar payment-accessibility requirements are emerging across North America.
• EV charging payment terminal involves five key players: the terminal manufacturer, payment gateway, PSP, acquiring bank, and CPMS.
• EV payment terminals work like any contactless payment – but with one key difference: because the final cost is unknown at the start, the terminal pre-authorizes a hold first, then settles the exact amount once the charging session is complete.
• There are two implementation models – charger-integrated and CPMS-integrated. The first is simpler to install; the second gives operators centralized control over pricing, reporting, and how many charge points a single terminal can serve.
• Charger-integrated terminals are simpler to install but limit your control as your network grows — pricing changes require updates across multiple separate systems, while financial data has to be reconciled manually.
• CPMS-integrated terminals deliver significant operational advantages- all tariff changes are made in one place and flow automatically across your network, while transaction data consolidates into a single report. This makes revenue sharing, auditing, and scaling significantly simpler.
• The flexibility of your payment setup depends on the platform behind it. Operators who outgrow their system often find themselves managing workarounds rather than running a network — patching pricing discrepancies, reconciling reports manually, and replacing hardware that was never built to scale.

Introduction

With the increasing trend towards digital transactions, the ability to accept cashless payments on EV chargers has become paramount for EV charging network operators to meet the evolving demands of the market.

Regulatory compliance and customer payment preferences are strong drivers of the widespread adoption of payment terminals for EV charging. Regulatory bodies often require cashless payment options to ensure accessibility and convenience for EV drivers. For example, in Europe, payment terminals are required in order to comply with regulations such as the European Union’s Payment Services Directive, which promotes secure and seamless digital payments. In California, similar payment requirements are mandated by the California pricing requirements, highlighting the need for reliable and efficient payment experiences for EV drivers.

Previously, the fragmented nature of payment systems and the need for separate apps for each charging provider acted as barriers to adoption. However, with seamless cashless payment options facilitated by terminals, EV drivers can easily pay for charging services without the need for multiple apps, simplifying the overall charging experience for EV drivers.

1. What is the role of payment terminals in EV charging?

Payment terminals in EV charging work through a collaborative effort involving five main players: payment terminal manufacturers, payment gateways, Payment Service Providers (PSPs), acquiring banks and your charge point management system (CPMS). 

The payment terminal manufacturers are responsible for building the physical devices that facilitate the payment process. These terminals are equipped with the necessary technology to securely accept and process cashless payments from EV drivers.

Payment gateways are software applications or services that securely capture and encrypt the customer’s payment data (such as credit card information) during an online transaction. The payment gateway then securely transmits this data to the payment processor.

The Payment Service Provider (PSP) is a payment processor that authorizes the transactions and transmits the transaction data to clear and settle the transactions for the charge point operator. PSPs ensure the security and reliability of payment transactions, working behind the scenes to validate and process payment requests.

The acquiring banks are the banks or financial institutions that hold the charge point operators’ accounts and handle the settlement of approved transactions. Acquiring banks work closely with the PSPs to facilitate the movement of funds from the EV driver’s account to the CPO’s account, ensuring a seamless and secure payment experience.

The charge point management system (CPMS) communicates with the charger via OCPP and collects charging data. Depending on the implementation type discussed in detail below, it may or may not control the payment terminal devices.

Access our Buyer Guide and learn how to select your charge point management system.

It’s worth noting that some market players may combine multiple roles or even encompass all roles, providing comprehensive payment solutions for EV charging operators. 

2.  How does the payment process work?

Payment terminals have brought simplicity and convenience to the forefront. Gone are the days of navigating complex payment systems to charge an EV. At a charging station equipped with a payment terminal, the EV driver simply presents their card to the terminal, the payment process is initiated, and the charging session proceeds. Here are the key steps involved in a typical cashless EV charging payment transaction with a payment terminal.

3. How can you implement payment terminals in your EV charging set-up?

There are two ways a payment terminal can operate in an EV charging setup.

Scenario 1:
Payment terminals integrated with the charge point

Physical implementation

In this case, the payment terminal is directly built-in as part of the charger itself or mounted on top of the charger. This implementation is facilitated by the charge point manufacturer, who ensures the payment terminal is physically incorporated into the charging station along with the necessary software functionalities for seamless payment processing.

Software implementation

In this configuration, the payment terminal directly communicates with the charge point. As a result, the terminal is responsible for initiating the charging sessions without the need for the Charge Point Management System (CPMS) of the charge point operator to remotely start or authorize a session after receiving successful authorization from the bank. The CPMS only receives information from the charge point, conveyed through the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), regarding the start and end of a charging session on that particular charge point.

What are the disadvantages of integrating payment terminals directly with the charge point?

This configuration presents several drawbacks for charge point operators, including dual system support, lack of tariffing flexibility, added complexity to financial reports, compatibility limitations with Payment Service Providers (PSP), and charger limitations:

Dual system support
In this setup, the charge point operator is required to support two separate systems to configure prices; the separate back-end software of the terminal and their CPMS’s backend. This adds complexity and maintenance overhead as any updates to the tariffs need to be done in two places, and if you miss updating it in one system, you will end up with discrepancies.

Lack of tariffing flexibility
The terminal software lacks the tariffing flexibility that a CPMS such as AMPECO’s EV charging management platform offers which can seriously hinder your ability to provide versatile pricing options to your customers. 

Added complexity to financial reports
Using two payment processing systems can lead to inaccurate settlement reports, especially when revenue sharing with site hosts is involved. As the data from both systems needs to be aggregated, you would not be able to take advantage of the settlement reports feature in the AMPECO system alone. 

Compatibility limitations with Payment Service Providers (PSP)
You must ensure that your chosen terminal hardware is compatible with your desired Payment Service Provider (PSP), adding an additional verification step and potential limitations to your selection process.

Charger limitation
In the integrated approach, one payment terminal is usually limited to one charger. This can increase the total cost of ownership for charge point operators.

In the integrated approach, one payment terminal is usually limited to one charger. This can increase the total cost of ownership for charge point operators.

Scenario 2:
Payment terminals integrated with the CPMS

Physical implementation

Another implementation of payment terminals in the EV charging context involves integrating them with the charge point management system (CPMS) such as AMPECO. In this setup, the payment terminal is typically part of a kiosk setup, similar to parking payment meters. The kiosk-like construction provides a designated space where the payment terminal is situated. EV drivers can approach the payment terminal at the kiosk to initiate and complete payment transactions for their charging sessions.

Software implementation

Unlike the integrated payment terminal, in this scenario, the payment terminal establishes direct communication with your Charge Point Management System (CPMS), which then communicates with the charge point. The payment terminal relies on the CPMS system to provide information regarding the tariff and the pre-authorization amount. Once the pre-authorization amount has been approved, the terminal informs the CPMS system, which subsequently initiates the charging session and notifies the terminal accordingly. After the charging session is completed, the CPMS system informs the terminal about the price of the session. The terminal then collects this amount from the EV driver and notifies the CPMS system once the payment is successfully processed.

What are the benefits of integrating payment terminals with a CPMS?

Integrating payment terminals with a Charge Point Management System (CPMS) offers significant advantages such as centralized pricing management, support for complex tariffing structures, comprehensive transaction data, automated receipt issuance, and cost reduction through shared terminal usage.

Centralized pricing management: You have centralized control over the configurations of your tariff plans, as your CPMS is the only place needed to manage all pricing.

Support for complex tariffing: You can support complex tariff structures, enabling the implementation of various pricing models, such as time-based, demand-based, or dynamic pricing.

Comprehensive transaction data: You have access to transaction costs, historical data, and other relevant information, providing insights and analytics to support financial reporting, performance analysis, and decision-making.

Automated receipt issuance: Through communication between the terminal and the CPMS, receipts can be issued automatically at the end of each charging session, ensuring a streamlined, convenient experience for EV drivers.

Cost reduction through shared terminal usage: By utilizing the communication between the payment terminal and CPMS system, a single terminal could be used for multiple charge points. With shared terminal usage, you can minimize expenses, leading to improved cost efficiency. 

4. Choosing the right payment terminal

When you  choose a payment terminal that aligns with your specific requirements and objectives, carefully evaluate these 8 factors: 

1. Compatibility with charging infrastructure and software
Thoroughly evaluate the compatibility of the payment terminals with your existing charging infrastructure and software to ensure smooth integration and minimize technical issues and disruptions. 

2. Pricing
Assess the cost and pricing models for the payment terminal, as they directly impact your business’s financials.

3. Efficient deployment
Evaluating the time required for setup and going live ensuring minimal disruptions and swift implementation. 

4. Geographical coverage
Ensure the geographical coverage of the PSP and acquirer you are considering supports your target markets. 

5. Security
Equally important is the approach to security: the payment terminal must adhere to industry standards and implement robust security measures to safeguard sensitive payment information and foster customer trust.

6. User-friendly interface
Consider payment terminals with intuitive interfaces that provide clear instructions and ease of use for your EV drivers for a positive customer experience.

7. Reliable connectivity
Ensure reliable connectivity as this facilitates real-time communication with the CPMS and enables swift payment authorization. 

8. Support multiple payment options
Cater to the preferences of a diverse user base with a payment terminal that supports multiple payment options, including credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, and other contactless payments.

Terminal	Best For	Payment Methods	Geographic Focus	Note
Payter	Compact, versatile deployments	Contactless cards, mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)	Europe [AFIR Compliant]	Compact form factor; complies with AFIR and Germany’s Eichrecht calibration law. On-terminal QR code surfaces receipts and billing info.
Worldline	Large-scale European networks	Contactless cards, mobile wallets online payments	Europe (26 countries, 21 currencies) global	Pan-European payment infrastructure with AFIR-compliant EV deployments; active large-scale rollouts across the UK and Europe.
Nayax	AC and DC charging stations	Contactless cards, mobile wallets; supports 80+ cashless methods including loyalty and corporate accounts	Global (90+ countries; HQ in Israel)	Supports a shared terminal model via the Nayax EV Kiosk, in addition to its traditional charger-attached devices.
Crane Payment Innovations	Multi-industry operators	Contactless, chip and PIN, mobile, swipe (via Alio Pro)	Global	Broad portfolio across payment environments
Windcave	Online and on-site payment integration	Mobile, online, contactless, chip and PIN	Global	Strong fraud detection (3D Secure, custom risk rules) and network tokenization features.
PAX	Technology-forward deployments	Contactless, NFC, mobile wallets	Global	Emphasis on usability, outdoor durability and software platform depth

The payment solutions below represent a cross-section of the market and are present in the AMPECO marketplace. The table compares the integration partners on: 

• their active deployment in EV charging environments
• geographic reach, 
• and compatibility with CPMS platforms.

Check AMPECO’s full list of payment integration partners.

5. Best practices for implementing payment terminals

When implementing payment terminals, follow these best practices to ensure a successful deployment. 

Firstly, carefully choose the approach that best suits your needs. Whether it’s implementing a payment terminal for a single charge point or for a location with multiple charge points, consider the specific requirements and select an approach that aligns with your goals.

Establish a maintenance schedule for routine checks to ensure optimal performance and keep payment terminals up to date with the latest firmware and software updates. Charge point operators should also conduct thorough testing and seek relevant certifications to guarantee reliability, compliance, and interoperability. This proactive approach minimizes disruptions and maximizes the reliability of the payment system.

Last but not least, proactively communicate the new payment options available to your customers. Inform them about the convenience and benefits of using the payment terminals, and provide clear instructions on how to use them effectively.

6. AMPECO supports the following payment terminal integrations

The capabilities listed below are what separate a setup that grows with your network from one you’ll have to dismantle and rebuild later.

Remote terminal management. Firmware updates, configuration changes, and diagnostics should happen from a dashboard, not a site visit. Once your network spans dozens of locations, the cost of dispatching a technician for routine terminal work compounds fast, and downtime on a payment terminal means downtime on the charger itself.

Hardware-agnostic integrations. Locking into a single terminal vendor exposes you to two risks: supply chain shortages that stall your rollout, and regional buyer preferences that vary across markets. A platform that supports multiple terminal manufacturers lets you choose the right device for each deployment instead of forcing one SKU into every environment.

Gateway flexibility across markets. A US operator processes through different PSPs than an EU operator, and a UK operator may favour different acquirers again. When your payment platform can swap gateways without rebuilding the integration, market expansion becomes a configuration change rather than an engineering project.

Centralised reconciliation across terminal types. Revenue-share agreements with site hosts depend on accurate, consolidated transaction data. If your terminals report into one system and your CPMS reports into another, you’ll spend operational time reconciling discrepancies that should never have existed. Mixed hardware deployments need a single source of financial truth.

Regulatory adaptability. AFIR applies to new DC chargers above 50 kW from April 2024, with the retrofit deadline for existing high-power stations landing on 1 January 2027. California already requires credit card acceptance on DC fast chargers. UK and APAC frameworks are still maturing. A platform that abstracts regulation from hardware lets you stay compliant without swapping terminals every time the rules shift.

AMPECO’s CPMS-integrated payment terminal approach is built around these five capabilities. Operators integrate once, manage from one dashboard, and adapt their payment stack as markets, regulations, and hardware availability change.

7. AMPECO supports the following payment terminal integrations

Payter: A leading provider of payment terminal solutions, offering compact, versatile devices that enable secure, fast transactions and support a wide range of payment methods, including contactless cards, mobile wallets, and QR code payments.

Worldline: A global leader in digital payment and transaction services with a strong presence in Europe. Worldline offers comprehensive solutions and technologies to enable secure and seamless digital payments, and its portfolio includes payment terminals and online payment solutions.

Nayax: Nayax is a leading Payment Service Provider (PSP) for both AC and DC charging stations. They offer seamless payment processing, including support for loyalty programs and corporate systems. Nayax traditionally operates on a one-terminal-per-charger model via its charger-attached devices. However, the Nayax EV Kiosk, launched in 2024, is a cloud-based terminal that supports multiple charging points from a single location, aligning with the CPMS-integrated approach described in Scenario 2. They are currently operating in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Israel.

Crane Payment Innovations: Crane Payment Innovations offer a wide range of payment devices and systems tailored to various industries. Their solutions are designed to enhance customer experiences, optimize operational efficiency, and ensure the integrity of payment transactions in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Windcave: A global leader in providing secure payment gateway and e-commerce solutions. Their technology enables EV charging operators to securely process online transactions and accept mobile and online payments. With a strong emphasis on reliability, scalability, and security, Windcave offers features like fraud detection, tokenization, and recurring billing, ensuring a seamless and secure payment experience for EV drivers.

Pax: PAX is a leading global provider of electronic payment solutions, delivering innovative payment terminals and secure payment processing services. With a strong emphasis on technology and usability, their advanced payment devices and software platforms enable businesses to streamline transactions, enhance customer engagement, and ensure seamless and secure payment experiences.

8. Optimize the payment process with AMPECO and boost your EV charging business

Implementing contactless payments offers EV charging operators a significant opportunity to alleviate payment-related challenges and deliver seamless experiences for drivers. By investing in the right payment terminal, operators can ensure:

• compatibility with their charging infrastructure
• enable flexible pricing models
• guarantee secure transactions
• gain valuable data and insights to enhance customer satisfaction
• optimize revenue generation

In the EU, charge point operators (CPOs) are now obligated to offer ad hoc payment via terminals under AFIR. For operators yet to make this transition, the integration model you choose will determine not only compliance but also how much control and flexibility you retain as their network grows.

For charge point operators seeking a reliable and efficient Charge Point Management System (CPMS) for payment terminals, AMPECO emerges as the go-to solution.

AMPECO integrates with leading terminal manufacturers and PSPs while developing our dedicated terminal app and functionality with custom features. It serves as the ideal interface for EV drivers and seamlessly connects with AMPECO’s CPMS, offering multilingual and customizable options. Moreover, AMPECO’s platform adheres to AFIR regulations, providing secure and flexible options for CPOs. 

With its extensive experience and practical expertise in implementing payment solutions for EV charging networks globally, AMPECO empowers charge point operators to unlock the full potential of payment terminals, elevate customer experience, and drive the growth of their EV charging business.