What happens within the first 60 seconds in front of a charge point shapes the user’s perception of the entire eMobility ecosystem. And it is precisely at that moment that payment methods have become central to the experience.
In the early days of electric mobility, the operator’s app was practically the only entry point. But as the sector has matured—and with the arrival of the AFIR regulation—more universal alternatives have emerged.
Sitting in that middle ground is the QR code, a tool that, according to chargecloud Spain’s Country Manager, Joel Martín, delivers on a very clear principle: simplicity.
“We don’t want users to download yet another app. QR is the cheapest, most universal and most transparent way to start a charging session without adding complexity,” he says.
Physical, on-site solutions such as payment terminals still hold value, although their cost and maintenance remain a challenge for operators, especially on AC units. Meanwhile, technologies like Plug & Charge continue to advance—but still depend on full compatibility across vehicles, software and hardware to deliver a truly seamless experience.
As payment options multiply, so does the pace of infrastructure rollout.
Spain’s public charging network has reached a new milestone: according to AEDIVE, as of 1 November 2025 the country hosts 48,907 operational charge points, a 7.77% increase compared with the end of 2024.
Growth is now concentrated in high power: 50–250 kW chargers have risen by 83.63%, and units above 250 kW by 53.33%. This shift is no coincidence—it reflects rising demand for faster charging, more intuitive processes and user experiences that increasingly mirror those of conventional refuelling.
For Martín, this transition is consistent with how drivers behave and with the need to remove friction at every stage.
“If someone arrives at a fast charger, they want the experience to be fast as well. It makes no sense to ask them to go through extra steps. That’s why the simplicity of the payment method is just as important as the charger’s power,” he explains.
A middle-ground solution: no obligatory app, no costly hardware
QR payment blends the best of the digital environment with the immediacy of the physical charge point. For occasional users or foreign drivers, it removes the barrier of downloading a new app. For the CPO, it provides a functional, secure and extremely low-cost payment method.
Martín expands on this:
“When you install an AC charger that costs around €4,000, adding another €1,000–€2,000 for a payment terminal simply isn’t feasible. A QR code, on the other hand, costs just a few cents and unlocks the same digital experience, with modern payment gateways and a higher level of security.”
chargecloud does not use flat, printed QR stickers.
Their codes are custom-designed, embossed, resin-coated and tamper-resistant, adding a physical verification element for the user. They also include NFC technology, allowing drivers to simply tap their phone to open a secure payment session.
Available payment methods include Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and manual card entry—stored in encrypted form for future use.
AEDIVE warns of fraud: the problem is not QR, but fake stickers
As the market expands, AEDIVE has warned about fraudulent stickers appearing on public charge points in several regions. These contain fake QR codes or WhatsApp numbers redirecting users to illegitimate payments.
The association stresses that these scams are not linked to operators and advises drivers to distrust any irregular adhesive placed on a charge point.
The guidance is straightforward: only use the QR code displayed on the charger’s official screen or interface—never an external sticker.
Spain’s National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) also recommends checking the URL, ensuring the website uses HTTPS, and avoiding payments through suspicious links or unmanaged phone numbers.
Martín shares this view:
“The issue isn’t QR. The issue is a poorly made QR—flat, taped on, with no digital validation. Our codes are physical, robust and routed to a certified payment gateway. Security lies in the implementation.”
This distinction matters: while isolated fraud cases attract media attention, professional solutions like chargecloud’s reinforce confidence in QR as a legitimate tool.
Where QR makes the most sense: the AC use case and cost reduction
QR payments are becoming standard especially in:
- AC chargers in hotels, retail, hospitality and car parks
- tourist locations
- high-turnover urban areas
- sites where CPOs must balance investment and profitability from day one
On DC chargers above 150 kW, physical payment terminals still see demand, but many operators now combine both options to offer maximum flexibility.
Complementary standards: chargecloud’s view
While QR adoption grows, Plug & Charge—based on ISO 15118—continues to expand across Europe. It allows the vehicle and the charger to authenticate using digital certificates, without the driver interacting with the charger or their phone.
For Martín, these approaches are not rivals but companions:
“QR addresses an immediate need: simplicity, universality and low cost. Plug & Charge is the next step in the evolution of the experience. There’s no need to choose—they will coexist.”
The expansion of public infrastructure and the demand for transparent payment methods are accelerating the consolidation of QR as a standard tool.
Its flexibility and extremely low cost make it especially attractive for CPOs in Spain, where investments are growing in parallel with demand.
As the ecosystem moves towards increasingly integrated solutions, QR is emerging as a key component of the charging journey: a simple, universal and EU-aligned technology that enables frictionless charging for users and efficient scaling for operators.
Discover Mobility Portal Data
Discover Mobility Portal Data, a new, exclusive market-intelligence platform offering reliable datasets and essential reports to support informed decision-making across the automotive sector—from combustion and electric vehicles to charging infrastructure.
Research, trend analysis and well-organised statistics, presented with clarity and precision, together with up-to-date insights—all just one click away. With Mobility Portal Data, better decisions are within reach.
READ MORE
-
Chargecloud Day: visibilidad, fiabilidad y rentabilidad, los grandes insights del encuentro eMobility
Operadores, fabricantes y empresas tecnológicas se reunieron en el Chargecloud Day para analizar cómo optimizar redes de recarga, mejorar la visibilidad de los puntos de carga y convertir la fiabilidad operativa en un factor clave de rentabilidad para los CPOs.
-
AEDIVE-AORU y una carta a Von der Leyen: “La industria europea necesita señales claras, estables y consecuentes”
Las asociaciones del sector de la electromovilidad apoyan la carta enviada por Pedro Sánchez a la Comisión Europea y reclaman un reglamento ambicioso para la electrificación de las flotas corporativas, en la antesala del nuevo Automotive Package.
-
EU Grids Package puts EV charging on the fast track, but Italy warns the job isn’t done
The European Commission’s new Grids Package promises faster permitting and simpler grid connections for EV chargers, but Motus-E warns that Italy still needs broader reforms to unlock a truly competitive charging network.
