Price on the spot: Why transparency is crucial when charging electric vehicles

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Price on the spot: Why transparency is crucial when charging electric vehicles

Electric mobility is growing rapidly. With the increasing number of electric vehicles, the importance of clear pricing for charging is also growing.
Many users ask themselves: “How much does it actually cost to charge my vehicle?”
Until now, the answer to this question has not always been clear. Different tariffs, payment methods, and operators have led to a confusing price landscape.

New Europe-wide regulations are set to change this. The AFIR Regulation (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation) requires operators of public charging points to be more transparent in their pricing.

Consistent pricing builds trust

The AFIR regulation stipulates that prices for charging electric vehicles must be presented clearly and comparably.
Customers should be able to see what costs they will incur, for example per kilowatt-hour or per minute, before they start charging.

This creates fair competition and strengthens confidence in e-mobility. For operators, this means providing price information in a uniform, up-to-date, and easily accessible manner.

Transparency regarding price differences between direct payment and charging cards is also important. These differences are permitted, but must be clearly communicated.

Transparency as a quality feature

Price transparency is not only a regulatory requirement, but also a key quality feature. Operators who communicate openly build trust and promote a positive charging experience.

Customers appreciate clear pricing because it allows them to plan ahead with certainty. Currently, in many places, customers, especially charging card holders, can only see how much each charge actually cost them when they receive their monthly bill.
With price transparency in practice, they can immediately see how the price is calculated and can consciously start the charging process. Transparent pricing fosters customer loyalty, enhances satisfaction, and provides a clear competitive advantage.

Digital receipts for greater clarity

In addition to price labeling, digital receipt generation is also gaining in importance.
The more environmentally friendly option, which does not require environmentally harmful thermal paper, ensures that users can simply receive their receipt on their smartphone after charging. With FINETELLIGENCE, this is possible by scanning a QR code that is displayed on the payment terminal after the charging process.

This ensures:

  • Legally compliant documentation of the transaction
  • Less maintenance required due to elimination of paper documents
  • More clarity for customers

Digital receipts perfectly complement price transparency. They make the entire payment process even more modern and easier.

Transparent solutions with FINETELLIGENCE

With its E-nfinity direct payment software, FINETELLIGENCE supports charging infrastructure operators in implementing these requirements.

The software enables:

  • Clear and up-to-date price display directly at the terminal
  • Digital, legally compliant document creation via QR code scan
  • Easy integration into existing systems
  • Consistent user experience across all locations

Operators benefit from a legally compliant, scalable solution that reduces administrative effort while strengthening customer confidence.

Conclusion

Transparency is the basis for trust in electric mobility.
The new EU regulations, which are currently being implemented, create the conditions for fair and transparent charging processes. Find out more about AFIR here.

With the E-nfinity Solution, operators can meet these requirements easily and efficiently.
Prices and receipts are displayed digitally, clearly, and in compliance with legal requirements—for a charging experience that inspires confidence.

SIMPLY FLEXIBLE

Our solution is particularly flexible and supports both the direct integration of a terminal into a charging station and a decentralized kiosk for operating several charging stations. You can therefore design your charging park entirely according to your wishes. Our Direct Payment works independently of your charging station management system (CPMS) and allows you to integrate various charging station manufacturers into your portfolio, while you only need one payment software.

SIMPLY TRANSPARENT

Our software offers transparent prices and enables quick and easy integration. We think outside the box and therefore support numerous protocols. Direct contracts with acquirers mean there are no hidden costs for CPOs. This enables attractive pricing for the end user. The existing CPMS remains usable, even in the event of future changes. Our solution guarantees even more future security, as it can continue to be used in the event of a backend change.

SIMPLY LEGALLY COMPLIANT

Our payment solutions are legally compliant and take account of national tax laws - including AFIR, of course. Read more about AFIR here Our solutions are already being used successfully for charging parks in various countries. Thanks to our sister company RetailForce, we offer in-house expertise in tax-compliant document creation that has proven itself in practice. Our solution is internationally scalable and enables simple payment with innovative payment methods.

SIMPLY INDIVIDUAL

With more than two decades of experience, we are true payment experts. Our payment solution is already in daily use in many countries. This means that it is not only mature and proven, but also ready to use. During the payment process, your customers can use a QR code to transfer their receipt to their mobile phone.

SIMPLY PROVEN IN PRACTISE

With more than two decades of experience, we are true payment experts. Our payment solution is already in daily use in many countries. This means that it is not only mature and proven, but also ready to use. During the payment process, your customers can use a QR code to transfer their receipt to their mobile phone.