Information
Definition
Contactless payment allows users to pay for charging using a bank card, phone or compatible contactless payment method. It is normally assessed alongside measurement accuracy, payment records, tariffs, transaction data and legal metrology requirements.
Why it matters
It is a key UK public charging requirement for many public charge points and improves ad-hoc access without membership or apps. For UK users, it affects tariff accuracy, payment transparency, customer trust and whether the charging record is suitable for commercial use.
References
Standards and regulations
Public Charge Point Regulations 2023
The Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 are UK regulations for public EV charge points covering contactless payment, payment roaming, price transparency, open data, helplines and rapid charge point reliability. They apply to relevant public charging provision across the UK.
Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation
The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) sets requirements for public alternative fuels infrastructure, including EV charging access, consumer information, payment and infrastructure deployment. For UK audiences, it should be read with both the EU AFIR framework and the UK Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulations that still influence public charging terminology.