Contactless card payment now possible across the entire SMATRICS EnBW fast charging network in Austria
SMATRICS EnBW equips HPC charging network with Direct Payment Terminals within a year – significantly exceeding EU requirements.
One year after the EU's Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) came into force and just in time for the start of the holiday season, SMATRICS EnBW has equipped almost the entire Austrian network of high-power chargers (HPC) with direct payment terminals (DPT). The e-mobility provider thus already meets the requirements for existing HPC charging infrastructure that will only become mandatory on January 1, 2027, according to the regulation.
Existing locations with over 150 kW charging capacity modernized
“Ease of use and price transparency are crucial for the acceptance of electric mobility. We have therefore made a conscious decision not to wait until the legal deadline, but to offer customers convenient, contactless payment at all ultra-fast charging stations now – whether at newly built locations or those already in operation,” emphasizes Thomas Landsbek, CEO of SMATRICS EnBW.
The operator of Austria's largest fast-charging network continues to rely on the Direct Payment Terminal solution developed by SMATRICS. The AFIR-compliant Direct Payment Terminal for payment and billing at e-charging stations is hardware-independent and cloud-based, focusing on reliability and convenience for both operators and e-mobility users.
The SMATRICS EnBW fast-charging network currently has almost 500 ultra-fast charging points throughout Austria. "Almost all HPC charging stations with a charging capacity of more than 150 kW have already been equipped with their own DPT. This means that e-mobility users throughout Austria have access to a fast-charging network that is almost entirely direct payment-enabled. Payment can be made easily and directly at the charging station using credit, debit, or NFC-based mobile payment solutions—in addition to the existing options via charging card or app," says Hauke Hinrichs, COO of SMATRICS EnBW.
Forward-looking strategy: consistent customer focus and intelligent charging infrastructure
SMATRICS EnBW sees itself as a driver of innovation in the field of public charging infrastructure. The rapid rollout of direct payment terminals is part of SMATRICS EnBW's comprehensive strategy for the future, which goes far beyond simply meeting legal requirements. The focus is on making electric mobility easy and accessible for all users, thereby actively contributing to the mobility transition.
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