As of 1 July 2023, all new EV charge points in Germany must offer open-loop payments, allowing drivers to pay with debit and credit cards. Given the notorious inconvenience of closed-loop payments, it’s fair to assume that when an open-loop charge point appears, it will quickly draw business away from nearby closed-loop facilities.
If CPOs want to remain relevant, they must upgrade their existing infrastructure to offer open-loop payments.
And it’s in their long-term interest to do so. By adopting open-loop payments, CPOs encourage a steady supply of new customers, since car buyers are more likely to go electric if they know recharging is as easy as refuelling.
