To avoid payment failures at electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, follow these best practices:
1. Ensure Reliable Payment Methods
- Diversify Payment Options: Offer multiple payment methods such as credit card readers, NFC, RFID, smartphone apps, Plug & Charge, and SMS to provide customers with flexibility and backup options if one method fails.
- Plug & Charge: Ensure that Plug & Charge is consistently implemented to minimize authorization issues for compatible vehicles.
2. Regular Maintenance
- Scheduled Checks: Regularly inspect charging stations for both hardware and network connectivity issues to prevent unforeseen failures.
- Component Checks: Include routine checks for components like filters, fans, fuses/breakers, and power supplies, adhering to manufacturer schedules.
3. Customer Preparation
- Pre-Trip Planning: Plan routes in advance and create accounts with different charging networks to avoid compatibility issues.
- App Management: Ensure that the correct app is used and that payment information is updated and correctly inputted.
4. User Interface and Education
- Clear Instructions: Ensure that customer interfaces are user-friendly and provide clear instructions on payment methods to reduce confusion.
- Education: Educate customers on available payment options and troubleshooting steps to handle common issues.
5. Network Reliability
- Cellular Connectivity: Conduct site surveys to ensure robust cellular connectivity, which is crucial for most payment methods.
- Network Health Checks: Regularly perform network health checks during maintenance to prevent connectivity issues.
By implementing these strategies, payment failures can be minimized, ensuring a smoother experience for users of EV charging stations.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-best-practices-for-avoiding-payment-failures-at-ev-charging-stations/
