Ionity has introduced a new centralized payment solution for its charging network, utilizing terminals shaped like birdhouses. These units are mounted on lampposts at select charging parks to facilitate ad-hoc payments, allowing the company to avoid retrofitting individual charging stations with card readers.
The process requires users selecting the ad-hoc rate of €0.69 per kWh to initiate their session at the charger and then complete the payment at the central birdhouse terminal before plugging in their vehicle. This change does not affect users paying via charging cards or apps, who can continue to manage sessions directly at the charger.
Felix Sold, Head of Marketing, Brand and Communications at Ionity, stated that the terminals are being installed to comply with AFIR requirements. The rollout covers 464 locations across 22 countries. In Germany, the birdhouse terminals are already operational at more than 60 sites, including Gruibingen Sud, Riedener Wald West, and Haidt Sud.
