Rapid EV chargers should have card payment by 2020 says OLEV Rapid units should have easier access from next year By Spring 2020, all new rapid EV charge points should offer card payment access for pay-as-you-go usage, as part of the UK Government’s Road to Zero strategy. As part of a roaming solution to allow easier access to EV chargers, the Office for Low Emission Vehicles is encouraging the use of bank card compatibility, to enable EV drivers to use the units without first needing to register with a card or app. The majority of charge points are likely to offer contactless bank card access, allowing drivers to ues and pay for the charge point as they would pay for shopping at a supermarket for example. It brings the process in line with how drivers fill up at a petrol station, with no need for them to sign up with oil companies first. It is a common complaint amongst both those that drive electric vehicles, and those that have looked into buying one, that access to UK charging infrastructure is a limiting factor in EV uptake. Future of Mobility Minister, Michael Ellis, said: “The government’s vision is for the UK to have one of the best electric vehicle charging networks in the world, but we know the variety of payment methods at the moment is a source of frustration for drivers. “It is crucial there are easy payment methods available to improve electric vehicle drivers’ experiences and give drivers choice. This will help even more people enjoy the benefits electric vehicles bring and speed up our journey to a zero-emission future. Business and Industry Minister Andrew Stephenson said: “Initiatives like this are essential as we move towards a net zero economy, making it easier than ever for people to own and use electric vehicles. “Investing in batteries, technology and infrastructure through our modern Industrial Strategy and Faraday battery challenge will ensure the UK leads the world in the global transition away from fossil fuels while supporting the future of our automotive industry.” The announcement comes on the same day as Polar revealed it is adding contactless bank card payment to all new rapid and ultra-rapid chargers going forward, plus retro-fitting existing rapids with the technology. Some networks, including InstaVolt and Engenie, already offer contactless bank card payment on all their rapid charge points.
Origin: Rapid EV chargers should have card payment by 2020 says OLEV
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Electric vehicle chargepoints should offer card payment by 2020
All new public charging points should offer contactless payment via credit or debit card by spring next year, the Government has stipulated, as it seeks to address a key issue surrounding electric-vehicle usage. While the requirement is not mandatory, the Government announced today that it “expects industry to develop a roaming solution across the charging network, allowing electric vehicle drivers to use any public chargepoint through a single payment method without needing multiple smartphone apps or membership cards”. It added that if the market is too slow to deliver improvements across the (charging point) network, it is “prepared to intervene to ensure a good deal for consumers by using powers in the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act”. With more than 50 charging point providers in the UK, the variety of payment methods required to be able to use a range of charging points has become a major source of frustration for EV drivers. The announcement comes as BP Chargemaster, operator of one of the UK’s largest public charging networks, published plans to introduce contactless card payment to all new 50kW and 150kW chargers. It will also retrofit existing rapid chargers over the next 12 months. However, the firm stated that contactless payment would be for “occasional users” to its charging points, and added that it will “continue to lead with its Polar Plus subscription” service. A BP Chargemaster spokesman told Autocar: “The benefit of contactless payment will mostly be realised by those charging infrequently, who may not have used our network before. Today, the majority of usage on our network is from subscribers, and that market will grow with higher utilisation from fleets and businesses, particularly with the introduction of the BP Fuel Charge card – the UK’s first combined fuel card for liquid fuels and EV charging.” When asked about the comparative costs of contactless payment versus a subscription, he said: “The Polar Plus subscription costs £7.85 per month (with three months free for new users), with the benefits being a usage tariff that is half the price of using contactless, as well as RFID card access, which remains the quickest way to activate a charge point on our network.” The Government’s announcement did not mention pricing or its expectations regarding contactless payments costing the same as existing offerings. Future of Mobility Minister, Michael Ellis, commented: “It is crucial there are easy payment methods available to improve electric vehicle drivers’ experiences and give drivers choice. This will help even more people enjoy the benefits electric vehicles bring and speed up our journey to a zero-emission
Origin: Electric vehicle chargepoints should offer card payment by 2020
BMW demands payment on financed M4 after owner’s mods
A Youtuber got a firsthand lesson in why you should always read the fine print after BMW came calling for the full payment on his financed M4 Competition, claiming he violated conditions by modifying the vehicle, including jacking the output up to over 700 horsepower. Rickardo Senior (aka Ricky) from the Youtube channel LivingLifeFast says he bought the Bimmer for an “epic deal” of just over £60,000 ($100,000) back in December, and things were going great. He’d taken it down to Belgium to spice it up a bit, adding a hybrid turbo, methanol injection, an upgraded exhaust and more. All the work resulted in an increase of 276 horsepower, pushing Ricky’s M4 up to 720 horsepower from the standard 444, which is undeniably cool but also, according to BMW, a breach of contract. The brand has given him a week to pay up or face having the car repossessed. Ricky says BMW gave him two reasons for the ultimatum. One is that he’s “altered the vehicle without (its) consent” and the other has to do with the company’s doubts that he’ll be able to make the payments on the Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) plan. Ouch. Within the PCP contract, the customer gives a deposit and multiple payments including a final instalment based on the value of the car as it exists at the time. If the buyer decides they don’t want the vehicle at that point, they’re free to return it without making the final payment. When cars are modified, however, their value diminishes, potentially leaving the brand with a car that’s worth less than it would be if it were unmodified. “Based on these two breaches, BMW are demanding the full amount for this car by next week,” Ricky tells the camera in his BMW PSA. “If I don’t make the payment for this car by next week, they’re threatening to recover the vehicle and probably auction the car off and bill me for the remainder of what’s left of the debt.” Ouch. Not nice, BMW. Through it all, Ricky seems to be staying pretty cool, saying he’s not out to throw shade at BMW. “The only reason I’m making this video is because I think it could be educational,” he says. The top comment on the video reveals the potential solution for others looking to modify a vehicle they don’t entirely own yet. “Should’ve financed through a bank if you were gonna mod
Origin: BMW demands payment on financed M4 after owner’s mods
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