A new study from USCALE reveals that payment methods at public EV charging stations remain a significant pain point for drivers, despite improvements in charging infrastructure and vehicle range over the past decade. The Charging Payment Study 2026 surveyed 1,510 EV drivers in Germany and found a substantial gap between preferred and actual payment behavior.
Highlights
- Plug & Charge preferred but underused — 40% of drivers prefer this method, yet only 49% use it due to limited availability and high roaming surcharges
- Apps and cards dominate despite low preference — Charging apps are used by 77% of respondents but preferred by just 17%
- No single payment method satisfies users — Each option has trade-offs in simplicity, cost control, transparency, and convenience
- Payment friction affects EV adoption — Complex payment systems deter potential buyers from switching to electric vehicles
Wide Gap Between Preferences and Reality
EV drivers typically use two to three payment methods at public charging stations. However, their actual behavior often diverges from their preferences.
Plug & Charge and direct ad-hoc payment rank as the most preferred options at 40% and 29% respectively. Yet charging cards and apps dominate actual usage at 70% and 77%, despite being preferred by only 13% and 17% of respondents.
Limited Availability Drives the Disconnect
Several factors explain why drivers cannot use their preferred payment methods:
- Plug & Charge inconsistency — Even at DC fast chargers, this option lacks universal availability
- Single-contract vehicle limitations — Most vehicles store only one Plug & Charge contract, triggering roaming fees at other networks
- Cumbersome ad-hoc processes — Direct payment, where available, often involves unintuitive steps that frustrate users
No Clear Winner Among Payment Options
The study concludes that no established payment method fully meets user expectations. Each option presents specific trade-offs.
“There is no shortage of payment options, but none of them is truly convincing,” said Dr. Axel Sprenger, Managing Director of USCALE. “Our data show that payment has become a key factor in the choice of a charging service and also influences the pace of EV adoption.”
The growing number of options has not increased satisfaction. Many drivers consider the current payment ecosystem in urgent need of improvement.
Implications for the Industry
The findings carry significant weight for charging point operators, automakers, and energy companies entering the EV charging market. As Sprenger noted, payment complexity does not just frustrate current EV owners—it also deters potential adopters from making the switch.
USCALE’s study provides detailed analysis of closed-loop and open-loop payment methods, payment personas, innovative approaches, and invoicing preferences.
Further documentation is available on the USCALE website.
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