Payment terminals for EV charging made simple

Use your preferred payment terminal to manage multiple chargers, set complex tariffs and deliver a seamless EV driver experience.

illustration of person paying on ev charging terminal
laptop screen showing the setup of custom tariffs with AMPECO

centralization

Gain full control over direct payments in a single platform

Set complex tariffs, create custom user groups, set charger access restrictions, access detailed reports, generate receipts, and build your unique EV charging business model.

implementation

Set one payment terminal and manage multiple charging stations

Maximize efficiency, reduce costs, simplify your EV charging operations, and provide seamless transactions with a single payment terminal for multiple chargers.

illustration of payment terminal setup

Grow your EV charging business with a complete payment solution

AMPECO platform is integrated with leading payment terminals and service providers for EV charging

Integrate any payment terminal with our EV charging platform

Assemble your custom EV charging payment solution with your preferred payment terminal device manufacturer and payment processor.

Increase unattended sales for your EV charging business

Allow EV drivers to pay for charging sessions using any cashless payment method without needing multiple apps for different EV charging providers.

Turn your payment terminals into powerful business tools

Control tariffs, apply user groups, set custom restrictions, and have powerful reporting all in one place – your EV charging management platform.

Create a seamless payment experience for your EV drivers

Elevate your EV charging service by offering a seamless payment experience that enables direct EV charging payments, eliminating the inconvenience of using multiple apps.

Comply with local EV charging regulations

Meet regulatory requirements effortlessly by enabling convenient, cashless payment options facilitated by terminals.

How it works

Behind the scenes of a direct EV charging payment transaction

Payment terminals in EV charging work through a collaborative effort of five main players.

illustration of money flow with ampeco payment terminals
money flow payment terminals with ampeco

The Hardware Manufacturer

The manufacturers responsible for building the physical devices that facilitate and process cashless payments.

The Payment Gateway

The software application or service that securely captures and encrypts the customer’s payment data during the transaction.

The Payment Processor (PSP)

The entity that authorizes transactions, transmits transaction data to clear and settle the transactions for the CPO.

The Acquiring Bank

The bank or financial institution that settles the approved EV charging transaction between the involved bank accounts.

The Charger Management System

Depending on the set up, the CPMS may or may not control the payment terminal devices, but it communicates with the charger via OCPP and collects data.

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Get started with AMPECO

Book a 30-min introductory call with our specialists and learn more about our EV charging platform.

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Implementation options between payment terminals and charge points

Payment terminal Integrated with the charger

When a payment terminal is bundled together with the charger, 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 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 OCPP, regarding the start and end of a charging session on that particular charge point.

schema - payment terminals connected to ampeco

Payment terminal Integrated with the CPMS

The payment terminal communicates directly with the 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, which subsequently initiates the charging session and notifies the terminal accordingly. After the charging session is completed, the CPMS informs the terminal about the session’s price. The terminal then collects this amount from the EV driver and notifies the CPMS once the payment is successfully processed.

illustration payment terminal integrated with charger

Explore the industry

Handpicked resources from leading industry experts.

Payment Terminals - AMPECO platform is integrated with leading payment terminals and service providers for EV charging

The 10 features your EV charging management software must have

Understand the business-critical software features in detail and how you can cover all EV charging strategies from one platform. Read now to set yourself up for success.

Payment Terminals - AMPECO platform is integrated with leading payment terminals and service providers for EV charging

The AMPECO Platform overview

Find out how to manage a reliable and profitable EV charging network using the EV charging software features in AMPECO’s platform.

Payment Terminals FAQs

What is a payment terminal for EV charging?

A payment terminal is a physical device that facilitates the payment process. It is equipped with the necessary technology to accept and process cashless payments from EV drivers securely. The payment terminal typically includes a user interface consisting of a touchscreen or physical buttons, allowing customers to interact with the device. It supports various payment methods, such as credit cards, mobile payments, contactless cards, and other digital wallets.

What is the difference between unattended, cashless and direct payments in EV charging?

Unattended payments involve automated systems, such as payment terminals or mobile applications, where users can initiate and complete EV charging transactions.

Cashless payments eliminate the need for physical currency and rely on digital payment methods. This includes credit or debit cards, mobile wallets, contactless payments, or other electronic payment solutions.

Direct EV charging payments allow EV drivers to pay directly at the charging station using a payment terminal. On the payment terminal, EV drivers can select the payment method they prefer, such as a credit or debit card, a mobile app, or tapping a contactless card. The payment terminal securely processes the transaction, verifying the payment details and authorizing the payment amount. At the end of the charging session, the payment terminal may provide a receipt or a transaction summary.

How does the payment process work via a payment terminal?

The process begins with the customer presenting their card to the payment terminal, which pre-authorizes an amount to start the session. The payment terminal then reads and verifies the card data, including its expiry date, card number, and cardholder name. The verified card details are sent to the payment gateway via a secure and encrypted network. The payment processor authenticates the payment details by cross-checking them with the issuing bank’s database.

Once authenticated, the payment processor requests a transaction from the cardholder’s bank to debit the payment amount. The acquiring bank verifies and approves the transaction, sending a response back to the payment processor. The response is then transmitted to the payment gateway, which processes the data and confirms the payment to the payment terminal. Finally, the payment terminal provides a receipt for the customer to sign or displays a QR code as confirmation of the payment transaction.

Can one payment terminal be used for many charge points?

Yes, it is possible to use a single payment terminal for multiple charge points. This centralized payment system streamlines the user experience, simplifies the management of payments and reduces costs for chargе point operators as it eliminates the need for individual payment terminals for each charge point.

How to select an EV charging payment terminal?

Carefully evaluating the following factors helps you choose a payment terminal that aligns with your specific requirements and objectives:

– Evaluate the compatibility of the payment terminals with your existing charging infrastructure and software to ensure smooth integration and communication to minimize technical issues and disruptions.
– Assess the cost and pricing models associated with the payment terminal as it directly impacts the financial aspects of your business.
– Gauge the time required for setup and going live, ensuring minimal disruptions and swift implementation.
– Examine the geographical coverage of the PSP and acquirer to ensure support in your target markets.
– Review the approach to security, as the payment terminal must adhere to industry standards and implement robust security measures, safeguarding sensitive payment information
– Consider payment terminals with intuitive interfaces that provide clear instructions and ease of use for your EV drivers.
– Determine the reliability of the connectivity to facilitate real-time communication with the CPMS and enable swift payment authorisation.

What do I need to start accepting cashless/unattended/direct payment for my charge points?

To start accepting direct payment on your charge points, you will need three key components: a payment terminal, a payment service provider (PSP), and an acquiring bank. The payment terminal is a physical device that enables customers to make payments for charging services. The PSP serves as the intermediary between your charging system and the customer’s payment method, securely processing the transaction. Lastly, an acquiring bank is required to facilitate the transfer of funds from the customer’s account to your business account.

Some market players may combine multiple roles or even encompass all roles, providing comprehensive payment solutions for EV charging operators.

Can I manage my payment terminal from my CPMS?

Yes, you can manage your payment terminal from your charge point management system (CPMS). The payment terminal establishes direct communication with the CPMS, enabling it to receive information about tariffs, pre-authorization amounts, initiate charging sessions, collect payments from EV drivers, and notify the CPMS about successful payment processing.

Do payment terminals facilitate ad hoc charging?

EV drivers can initiate ad hoc charging by presenting their cards to the payment terminal. However, ad hoc EV charging is possible without a payment terminal if alternative payment methods are available. For example, certain charging stations or networks may offer mobile payment options through mobile apps or RFID cards. These methods allow EV drivers to initiate and pay for charging sessions directly through their mobile devices or RFID cards, bypassing the need for a payment terminal.

Book EV Charging Consultation

Our e-mobility experts are ready to answer all your questions about EV charging software and hardware.

Let’s talk about your business case, software features you are curious about, or how we can help you start and grow your EV business.

Payment Terminals - AMPECO platform is integrated with leading payment terminals and service providers for EV charging