Electrify America is making significant changes to its payment system for electric vehicle (EV) charging. The company will transition from app-based prepaid accounts to a more straightforward direct card payment model for each charging session.
Shift to Direct Card Payments
This new approach simplifies the user experience. Instead of preloading funds into an account, customers will now pay directly with their credit or debit cards. At the start of each session, Electrify America will place a temporary hold of $20 on the payment card. After charging, users will be billed only for the energy consumed.
Overview of Electrify America
- Founded to provide a robust DC fast charging network for electric vehicles.
- Operates over 5,600 DC fast chargers across 1,080 locations in the United States and Canada.
- Charges can reach up to 350 kW, making it accessible for high-demand consumers.
- Currently, it ranks second in North America behind Tesla, which has over 33,000 Supercharger ports.
Benefits of the New Payment System
The previous payment model resembled a transit card, creating more steps for users. While existing account balances will still apply to upcoming sessions, the change drastically reduces barriers for occasional EV drivers. This shift is particularly beneficial for users who may only charge infrequently or those renting EVs.
After the balance is depleted, customers will be charged per session. This adjustment makes it easier for businesses managing corporate expenses, eliminating the need for pre-funding accounts.
Making Charging More Convenient
Electrify America’s latest payment overhaul aligns its approach more closely with Tesla’s existing system. It provides a convenience baseline that the company acknowledges should have been implemented earlier.
Notably, the change will not affect Electrify America’s discounted digital pass subscriptions, ensuring that regular customers can continue enjoying benefits while simplifying the charging process for all users.
