Open-loop payments arrive in Germany with SMART/LAB and Switchio

Imagine pulling up to an electric vehicle (EV) charging station and paying for your charge with a simple tap of your bank card. No apps, no registrations, just hassle-free convenience. Thanks to an exciting partnership between smartlab Innovationsgesellschaft mbH and Switchio, this seamless charging experience is now a reality in Germany.
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What is open-loop payment, and why does it matter?

Open-loop payment systems allow EV drivers to pay for charging using any EMV bank card, providing a universal, app-free, account-free solution. This straightforward approach ensures that charging your EV is as easy as tapping your card. Beyond convenience, open-loop payments are quickly becoming a necessity.

The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) mandates that all newly deployed public EV chargers in the EU with a capacity of 50 kW or more must support open-loop payments by April 2024.

“Open-loop payments are about removing barriers and creating a charging experience that works for everyone, said Ales Popelka”, Executive Director Mobility. “With this partnership, we’re delivering not just convenience but also compliance with the standards shaping the future of e-mobility”.

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First stop in Sulzemoos, Bavaria

The journey towards more convenient and accessible EV charging begins in Sulzemoos, Bavaria.

Featuring Ingenico SELF 2000 terminals connected to Switchio’s cloud-based EV Core platform, the station offers secure, seamless, contactless payment options.

“At SmartLab, we focus on making backend solutions as seamless as possible for operators while providing flexibility for the future,” said Dr. Mark Steffen Walcher, Managing Director of SmartLab. “This partnership simplifies EV charging for drivers and aligns with EU regulations.”

And this is just the beginning. Additional stations operated by ESB and Thüga Aktiengesellschaft are already planned for rollout.

What’s next?

With over 150 Ingenico SELF 2000 terminals currently being deployed, SMART/LAB and Switchio are actively working towards expanding this technology to 20,000 EV charging points across Germany and beyond. Their ultimate vision is to create a smarter, more connected charging network.

The Sulzemoos project demonstrates how technology can enhance the driver experience while helping operators future-proof their systems. It’s a win-win for everyone.

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