Charging? Preferably with a credit card. (Part 2: But contactless)

Interestingly, there's only black and white – no shades of gray. Either the payment via normal credit card was consistently rejected in votes, fought against and underscored with amusing insults. The funniest one was: “Credit card with ‘K’ as in you cow-Swiss people.” Here, I would like to proudly emphasize that my beloved grandfather Wilhelm was German (with ‘D’ like the debit card payment, which should also be integrated).

Or – and these are likely the drivers, the users, the consumers – the necessity was emphasized that we should finally lower the hurdles for e-mobility. All proponents agreed that a simple and ubiquitous means of payment is a top priority.

Interestingly, there were related inquiries about the technical implementation. Therefore, here are five clarifications on how credit card payment (with ‘K,’ as you know ...) should be implemented to ensure a pleasurable user experience:

First, charging station manufacturers should exclusively use contactless card readers. This simplifies operation and avoids failures caused by broken insertion motors or vandalized card slots.

Second, this naturally requires a keypad or display to easily enter the code repeatedly demanded for small-amount NFC payment as a fraud prevention measure.

Third, the station needs a display to clearly show prices from the first moment and a proper receipt at the end – which can not only be photographed with a phone but hopefully also be sent as an SMS or email via touch input.

Fourth, a payment point should be available at every charging spot, so you don't have to walk halfway across the parking lot only to discover back at the car that the activation failed.

And fifth, there needs to be smart software that automatically calculates the exact amount to the cent immediately upon unplugging at the car. Without needing to present a card again or input, cancel, or reclaim anything via an app.

It’s all quite logical. Simple payment with existing means. With ‘Z’ as in future.