Do what Portugal does and have there be a single nationwide network (that doesn’t require a national address to register, so tourists can do it too) so then you only need one app. While sometimes you can get a discount using other apps, you’ve always got the one that let’s you charge anywhere.
Ideally yes, but there are very good reasons for the app. Mostly because charging can be a relatively long excercise, apps let you monitor the process while you go eat or walk or whatever. The apps also let you check in advance if the chargers are working or occupied, avoiding the need to stop if you know its not available (or stop earlier if there is another option).
Getting charging down to a 5min process would solve both of those usecases somewhat, but there is still the broken charger issue.
You can setup an rfid card to do the paynent, but thats just linking a card to your app account. One card can support multiple networks though.
Is there any kind of pricing regulation? One network sounds like it would mean no pricing competition.
We have 4 charging networks that im aware of, but only 2 are needed to get 99% of places. But especially for small towns, there is only one charger, so no real choice (or competition).
There are lots of different operators who charge their own rates, they just all have to use the same network for payment. And the (only?) good part about it being via app or keyfob or autocharge is that it doesn’t have to use Visa/MasterCard. But it would also be fine by me if they accepted MBWay/SIBS (which is our local payment network) right at the charger.
Do what Portugal does and have there be a single nationwide network (that doesn’t require a national address to register, so tourists can do it too) so then you only need one app. While sometimes you can get a discount using other apps, you’ve always got the one that let’s you charge anywhere.
I mean, ideally you shouldn’t need an app at all.
Like I don’t need an app to pay at a grocery store or gas station or restaurant now. Why should I for charging a car?
Ideally yes, but there are very good reasons for the app. Mostly because charging can be a relatively long excercise, apps let you monitor the process while you go eat or walk or whatever. The apps also let you check in advance if the chargers are working or occupied, avoiding the need to stop if you know its not available (or stop earlier if there is another option).
Getting charging down to a 5min process would solve both of those usecases somewhat, but there is still the broken charger issue.
You can setup an rfid card to do the paynent, but thats just linking a card to your app account. One card can support multiple networks though.
Is there any kind of pricing regulation? One network sounds like it would mean no pricing competition.
We have 4 charging networks that im aware of, but only 2 are needed to get 99% of places. But especially for small towns, there is only one charger, so no real choice (or competition).
There are lots of different operators who charge their own rates, they just all have to use the same network for payment. And the (only?) good part about it being via app or keyfob or autocharge is that it doesn’t have to use Visa/MasterCard. But it would also be fine by me if they accepted MBWay/SIBS (which is our local payment network) right at the charger.