Streamlining EV Charging: One Kiosk for Multiple Station

The rapid growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market demands more efficient, flexible, and scalable charging infrastructure. For Charge Point Operators (CPOs), managing payments and ensuring a seamless user experience across multiple EV chargers can be a challenge. Industries like Petrol and Parking manage this by providing kiosk-based payment solutions so users can pay at a central location for the service. So why not do the same for EV charging?

This innovative solution not only saves money but also simplifies payment management and enhances flexibility for both new deployments and retrofits. Dive deeper into how kiosk-based payment systems can transform EV charging operations and the benefits they offer in our blog.

The Kiosk Concept: Centralized Payments for Multiple EV Chargers

In traditional EV charging setups, each charger typically has its own payment terminal. While this might work for smaller installations, larger charging hubs, such as those in parking garages or service stations, can benefit significantly from a kiosk solution. A kiosk terminal centralizes payment processing for one or more chargers, offering users a single, intuitive interface to start their charging session and complete payments.

This solution is particularly valuable for AC- or slow-charging locations where often hardware-cost is under high pressure. Users can easily select a charger, initiate a session, and pay, all through a single point, just like they do for parking spaces.

Flexibility and Scalability for Charge Point Operators

One of the biggest advantages of kiosk solutions is their flexibility, especially when the set-up is done in combination with an OCPI-based solution such as Cloud-Connect. Whether you're working on a new deployment or retrofitting to existing infrastructure, this setup can drastically simplify both installation and operation. A single payment terminal can control multiple chargers, reducing the need for redundant hardware, and lowering operational costs.

Key benefits of this approach include:

Hardware independence: A kiosk solution can work with a variety of EV charger brands, allowing CPOs (Charge Point Operators) to mix and match charging stations based on their needs.
Support for multiple charging points: From one to several chargers, a single kiosk solution can manage payments for all.
Compact and versatile design options: Whether you’re installing the kiosk at a large public charging hub or a smaller location, the compact size of modern payment terminals fits seamlessly into various environments.

Easy Installation and Connectivity

Installing a kiosk terminal doesn’t need to be a complicated process. Modern solutions like the CCV IM series payment terminals offer a variety of connectivity options including Ethernet, WiFi, and 4G, making it easy to integrate into existing or new networks. This flexibility means fewer limitations based on the location of the kiosk, reducing setup times and keeping installation costs down. By integrating the CCV payment terminals using Cloud-Connect, Charge Point Manufacturers and Operators and CPMS providers can reduce operational friction, increase payment acceptance, and deliver a better charging experience to end-users.

Kiosk terminals with PIN-on-glass functionality, like the CCV IM15 and CCV IM30 series, provide a streamlined solution for high-value transactions. In the UK, transactions over £100, or those triggered by card issuer requirements, need PIN entry for security. In Europe, this threshold is even lower at €50. By offering PIN-on-glass, the IM series significantly boosts card acceptance rates without the added cost or space of traditional PIN pads, ensuring compliance and convenience.

Compliance with Legislation and Customer Expectations

A successful EV charging setup isn’t just about ease of payment; it also needs to comply with both local legislation and customer expectations. Modern kiosk solutions are designed with these compliance needs in mind. They allow for:

Ad-hoc payments: Enabling users to easily pay as they go, without needing long-term contracts or subscriptions.
Pricing and session cost display: Offering transparency in pricing, which is essential for customer trust and meeting legal requirements.
E-receipt generation: A digital receipt can be sent directly to the user’s device, offering convenience and a seamless payment experience.

This combination of compliance and customer-focused design ensures that CPOs can meet regulations while delivering a top-tier user experience.

The Role of CCV IM15 and IM30 in Kiosk Solutions

When it comes to powering your kiosk solution, the CCV IM15 series and the Android-based CCV IM30 terminals offer unparalleled flexibility and reliability. These terminals are designed specifically for unattended markets like EV charging and support PIN-on-glass technology, ensuring secure and compliant payment processing.

The CCV IM15 series:

Compact, robust, and perfect for both front-mounted (Edge IM15) and flush-mounted (Frame IM15) installations. This terminal provides CPOs with a multi-brand solution that integrates seamlessly with various charging hardware.

The Android-based CCV IM30:

A powerful, next-gen terminal offering future-proof technology. With its advanced interface, the IM30 is particularly well-suited for high-traffic locations where user experience is a priority. Its cloud-based capabilities mean easy updates and ongoing scalability.

th terminals support a variety of connectivity, making them adaptable to a wide range of installation sites. They also provide the necessary infrastructure to handle real-time session data, pricing transparency, and ad-hoc payments, ensuring full compliance with customer and regulatory demands.

Why Kiosk Solutions Make Sense for CPOs and CPMS Providers

For CPOs and CPMS providers, the kiosk solution offers a cost-effective way to scale up charging infrastructure while maintaining a smooth payment process. Key advantages include:

Simplified payment integration: A single payment terminal can handle multiple chargers, reducing hardware costs and maintenance.
Future-proof technology: The ability to adapt to various charging hardware and scale the solution as demand grows.
Reduced setup time: Thanks to cloud-based communication and easy-to-install hardware like the IM15 and IM30, CPOs can quickly roll out kiosk solutions at new or existing locations.

By investing in a kiosk-based EV charging solution, you not only improve customer experience but also streamline operations and future-proof your infrastructure.