> the new rules also mandate simpler charger payments. As-is, some networks require subscriptions or app downloads. But under these rules, customers must be able to pay with cards or contactless devices, and prices must be displayed to the customer.
I completely agree that chargers need to have simple payment methods, but doesn't the largest public network (Electrify America) already work this way? Yes they have an app, and you can get cheaper prices if you pay their subscription, but you don't need to use it. You can just pay with no account using the card swiper on every charge point, I'm pretty sure.
If your concern is trackability, then I'm pretty sure you can buy pre-loaded credit cards that are as anonymous as cash.
If you are concerned about convenience, it sure seems to me that swiping a card is easier than buying gas with cash is.
-edit- Oh you mean the Tesla thing. That's a nah from me dawg. I don't mind having the option, but having that as the _only_ method of payment is _incredibly_ anti-user.
Nah. When I am taking a road trip, the last thing I want to do register an account for some random charging network I'm never going to use again (because I'm in a different part of the world). I just want to pay for my power and move on, just like I can pay for food or anything else on the trip.
When I am at home, I plug my car in and it goes on my monthly power bill. This is where the convenience matters.
If it's an international network, you'll probably use it again and it's probably not "some random" charging network. Agree about home convenience though.