Improving the Public EV Charging Experience via New Payment Options and Integrations

The U.S. electric vehicle (EV) charging market experienced strong growth in 2025, driven by expansion across public, fleet, and residential segments. Public charging infrastructure scaled rapidly, with record deployments of DC fast chargers along major corridors, in urban areas, and at retail destinations.

According to the US EV Fast Charging — Full Year 2025 report from charging-analytics firm Paren, America’s fast-charging network expanded at a record pace last year, with more than 18,000 new DC fast-charging ports installed nationwide. That represents the largest single-year buildout in U.S. history and a 30% increase over 2024.

At the same time, fleet charging grew as delivery companies, transit agencies, and corporate operators invested in depot-based infrastructure to lower operating costs. Residential charging also continued to expand, with more homeowners and multifamily properties installing Level 2 chargers to support daily charging needs. Together, these investments improved access, reliability, and convenience, reinforcing the foundation for the continued fast growth of EV adoption nationwide.

Most EV charging stations support a wide range of payment methods to maximize convenience and interoperability. As electric vehicle adoption continues to expand, the mechanisms drivers use to authenticate and complete payment at charging stations are becoming just as critical as the charging hardware itself. Mobile apps, RFID cards, and traditional credit card payments each present distinct operational benefits and limitations, depending on the use case, user profile, and charging environment.

Nayax Partnered With Autel Energy for EV Charging Payments

Nayax Ltd. announced a strategic partnership with Autel Energy in August 2025. Nayax is a global commerce enablement and payments platform that helps merchants scale by simplifying transactions and strengthening customer loyalty. Autel Energy is a leading innovator in electric vehicle (EV) charging technology with a presence in 35 major markets across North America and Europe.

Autel is one of the fastest-growing global suppliers of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and a recognized leader in smart energy. In 2024, the company’s new energy charging business delivered 53% year-over-year revenue growth. Through this collaboration, Nayax and Autel aim to meet surging global demand for seamless, scalable EV charging infrastructure by combining Autel’s high-performance AC and DC chargers, cloud-based management platform, and global service network with Nayax’s flexible, embedded payment solutions, streamlining deployment for operators while delivering a more convenient, frictionless payment experience for drivers.

As part of the agreement, Autel will integrate Nayax payment technology directly into approximately 100,000 EV chargers scheduled for deployment across North America and Europe by the end of 2026.

EV Roadway Partnered With Autel

In January, EV Roadway opened its flagship EV charging hub at the Vintage Oaks Shopping Center in Novato, California, expanding its footprint in Northern California. Strategically located near Highway 101 and Highway 37 in Marin County, the site serves both regional commuters and local shoppers in one of the highest EV adoption areas in the country.

Situated alongside major retailers such as Nordstrom Rack, Costco, and Target, the hub allows drivers to charge while completing everyday errands. The installation includes a combination of Level 2 and DC fast chargers, including ultra-fast 400kW DC chargers from Autel Energy. Designed with full lighting, safety-focused infrastructure, renewable energy support, and smart-grid integration, the site reflects EV Roadway’s focus on high-performance, community-centered charging solutions aligned with local sustainability goals.

Types of EV Charging Payment Methods Supported by Most Stations

Electric vehicle (EV) charging supports a growing range of payment methods, reflecting the need for convenience, accessibility, and regulatory compliance. The most common methods include:

Credit and debit cards
Tap-to-pay (NFC) and chip-and-PIN card readers are increasingly standard at public chargers, allowing drivers to pay without creating an account. This method is favored by casual or first-time users.

Mobile apps
Many charging networks require or offer payment through a dedicated smartphone app. Users link a credit/debit card or digital wallet, start and stop charging remotely, and access features like pricing, receipts, and charger availability.

RFID cards or key fobs
Frequent users and fleet drivers often use RFID cards tied to a network account. These provide fast authentication and are common in enterprise, workplace, and fleet environments.

Digital wallets
Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other mobile wallets are supported at chargers equipped with NFC readers, offering a quick, contactless checkout experience.

Plug & Charge (ISO 15118)
This emerging method automatically authenticates the vehicle and processes payment when the driver plugs in, with billing handled through a contract stored in the vehicle. It delivers the most frictionless experience but requires compatible vehicles and chargers.

Fleet and enterprise billing
Commercial and fleet operators may use centralized billing, invoicing, or subscription-based payment models rather than per-session payments at the charger.

Prepaid accounts and subscriptions
Some networks offer prepaid balances, monthly memberships, or discounted subscription plans that bundle charging sessions or reduce per-kWh pricing.

Roaming and interoperability payments
Through roaming agreements, drivers can pay across multiple networks using a single app, RFID card, or account, with settlement handled between providers.

AmpUp’s Access Control Automates Different Rates for Tenants, Visitors, and Fleet Vehicles in Real-Time

While hardware integrations from leaders like Nayax and Payter solve the physical challenge of accepting a “tap,” one key value for site hosts lies in the policy layer that sits above the transaction. Software platforms like AmpUp act as the intelligent “Operating System” for these terminals, ensuring that a simple credit card swipe or RFID tap aligns with complex site rules. For example, a retail host can use a Nayax or Payter terminal to collect public revenue while simultaneously using AmpUp’s Access Control to grant employees or fleet drivers discounted or free charging via the same hardware. This “Logic Layer” prevents site hosts from being locked into a one-size-fits-all pricing model, allowing them to automate different rates for tenants, visitors, and fleet vehicles in real-time.

For the driver, this means the end of “app fatigue” without losing the benefits of a managed network. While casual travelers enjoy a frictionless, guest-checkout experience via the terminal, power users and fleet operators can leverage AmpUp’s advanced authentication, including ISO 15118 (Plug & Charge) and integrated RFID fleet cards. By reconciling high-performance hardware from Autel with universal payment terminals and smart management software, site hosts can finally bridge the gap between “Open-Loop” public access and the “Closed-Loop” security required for private workplace and depot charging.

Pros and Cons of EV Charging Payment Methods Across Key Use Cases

As EV adoption accelerates, the way drivers authenticate and pay for charging is becoming as important as the chargers themselves. Mobile apps, RFID cards, and credit cards each offer distinct advantages and tradeoffs depending on the environment. Below is a breakdown of how these payment methods perform across four common use cases: workplace, fleet, hospitality, and public DC fast charging.

Workplace Charging

Mobile Apps
Pros: Apps allow employers to manage access, set pricing or subsidies, track usage, and generate reports. They are flexible and easy to update as workplace policies evolve.
Cons: App downloads and account creation can be a barrier for occasional users or visitors.

RFID Cards
Pros: RFID badges integrate well with corporate access systems and provide fast, reliable authentication for employees. They are simple for daily use.
Cons: Card issuance and replacement add administrative overhead, especially for larger organizations.

Credit Cards
Pros: Ideal for guests or contractors who need occasional access without setup.
Cons: Limited control over user permissions and less suitable for employee-only or subsidized charging programs.

Hospitality (Hotels, Resorts, Parking)

Mobile Apps
Pros: Apps support reservations, pricing tiers, time limits, and guest notifications. They integrate well with loyalty programs and longer dwell times.
Cons: Guests may be reluctant to download an app for a short stay.

RFID Cards
Pros: Can be linked to room keys or loyalty accounts for a seamless guest experience.
Cons: Less flexible for transient users and non-guests.

Credit Cards
Pros: The most intuitive option for guests to tap, charge, and go. No setup required and well suited for occasional use.
Cons: Fewer options for bundling charging with room rates or promotions without additional system integration.

Public DC Fast Charging

Mobile Apps
Pros: Enable advanced features such as charger availability, pricing transparency, route planning, and receipts. Popular with frequent EV drivers.
Cons: App fatigue remains a challenge, especially for first-time or infrequent users.

RFID Cards
Pros: Fast and reliable for repeat users and roaming across networks.
Cons: Not accessible to new or occasional drivers without prior registration.

Credit Cards
Pros: Increasingly considered essential. Credit card tap-to-pay offers the lowest friction and aligns with regulatory requirements in many regions.
Cons: Higher transaction fees and less opportunity for customer engagement compared to app-based experiences.

Fleet Charging

Mobile Apps
Pros: Apps provide real-time monitoring, usage data, and remote management across multiple depots. Useful for mixed fleets and drivers using shared vehicles.
Cons: Less practical for high-throughput operations where speed and simplicity are critical.

RFID Cards
Pros: The preferred option for fleets. RFID enables fast driver authentication, clear vehicle-to-driver attribution, and centralized billing. Works well even in low-connectivity environments.
Cons: Requires ongoing card management as drivers or vehicles change.

Credit Cards
Pros: Useful as a backup payment method for public or emergency charging.
Cons: Poor fit for depot charging due to lack of cost controls, reporting, and centralized invoicing.

Upgraded WEX Fleet Card With EV Payment Capabilities

WEX launched an upgraded WEX Fleet card with EV payment capabilities in January 2026, becoming the first fuel card provider to combine traditional fuel and public EV charging into one card, one account, and one invoice across its proprietary closed loop network. WEX is a global commerce platform that simplifies operations for businesses.

The card works at more than 175,000 public charging ports and at over 90 percent of U.S. gas stations that accept WEX, allowing fleets operating mixed ICE, hybrid, and electric vehicles to consolidate payments and reporting. The solution addresses common fleet challenges such as fragmented payment systems, multiple cards or apps, and complex reconciliation.

“Fleets don’t want more cards, more systems, or more reconciliation,” said Carlos Carriedo, chief operating officer, Americas Payments & Mobility. “Our customers want one solution that works everywhere, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering with EV payments built directly into this new WEX Fleet card. It’s simplicity at scale for mixed-energy operations.”

The upgraded card includes embedded RFID tap to charge functionality, removing the need for a separate EV card or mobile app. Fleet managers retain unified reporting, purchase controls through the DriverDash app, and a single credit line for both fueling and charging transactions. Because the system runs on WEX’s closed loop network rather than general purpose open loop card networks, it provides enhanced transaction control, security, and fleet specific data visibility.

EV capabilities can be enabled immediately, during new card orders, or at renewal. The product is available now to eligible fleet customers and supports WEX’s broader En Route EV suite, which includes real time charger availability, remote session initiation, and detailed transaction insights.