Norwegian CPOs slow to implement payment requirements at DC chargers

Since last year, Norwegian charge point operators have had to offer card payments at DC chargers. However, the installation of fast-chargers with card readers is progressing slowly, as many CPOs make use of an exemption provided for in the regulation.

The exemption states that ‘old’ charging stations may be installed without card payment options if they were ordered before the regulation came into force. That was the case in July 2023. But since, only 25 per cent of DC chargers have the required card reader.

According to a newly published overview, Tesla has “ignored” the regulation altogether and has not installed a single charger with a card reader in Norway. And that, even though the carmaker has more than 2,000 Superchargers in the country. However, Tesla is not the only company to not offer card payment at any of its DC chargers. Companies like eviny does not offer the option either, and there is no data for the 360 Ionity stations in the country.

“Our patience is over. I expect that electric car drivers will already be able to find the first fast chargers at Tesla and Eviny that offer card payment in the autumn holidays,” says general secretary Christina Bu of the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association.

But there are also positive examples: according to the overview, CPOs Uno X and Ragde give customers the option to pay by card at all of its fast-chargers. However, the companies only operate 300 and 46 DC chargers in Norway, respectively.

elbil.no