What is ad hoc charging – and how does it differ from contract-based charging?

Ad hoc charging refers to usage-based electricity supply at public charging points, which is handled spontaneously without an existing contractual relationship. It is therefore a key component in making electric mobility barrier-free and accessible to all.

In contrast, contract-based charging via an e-mobility provider (EMP) is often subject to a fee. EV drivers sign a contract, often including a charging card or app, and benefit from stable prices, customer services and loyalty programmes. For EMPs, this model offers advantages such as more reliable utilisation, direct access to customer data and stronger customer loyalty.

Ad hoc charging, on the other hand, is anonymous, flexible and will in future also offer spontaneous access throughout Europe without eRoaming – but often at higher prices, as there is no long-term customer relationship. Nevertheless, it opens up opportunities for CPOs: They can set their own end customer prices directly without having to build a complete EMP product.

However, it should also be borne in mind that ad hoc charging accounts for only a small proportion of charging processes – in 2025, the current annual average share is around 4.4% of public charging at charging points where ad hoc charging is possible. This shows that e-car drivers tend to view it as a backup, an alternative when other options are not available. Charging points are now increasingly being equipped with modern payment terminals that make payment even easier – perhaps this will also change the charging behaviour of e-car drivers a little. Only time will tell.

AFIR and the new requirements

With AFIR (EU 2023/1804), the EU has set clear guidelines for ad hoc charging. Among other things, since April 2024, all publicly accessible fast charging points via 50 kW must offer at least one credit or debit card terminal. The aim is to ensure non-discriminatory access – everyone should be able to charge their vehicle, regardless of app, provider or membership.

Here is an overview of the new obligations that apply to charging infrastructure operators under the new regulation:

• Card payment at DC charging points ≥ 50 kW
  All newly installed fast charging points above 50 kW must allow payment with standard debit or credit cards. This can be done either via an integrated terminal at the charging station or via a central payment terminal at the location.
• Web-based payment at AC charging points < 50 kW
  Alternative digital payment methods are also permitted for lower-power charging points (e.g. AC charging points). A typical example here is a QR code that leads to a secure payment page. The transaction must be PSD2-compliant, i.e. with strong customer authentication (e.g. biometric or via device lock).
• Price transparency 
  For charging points above 50 kW, the price must be displayed directly at the charging point. Below 50 kW, clear, easily accessible information is sufficient – for example, in an app or on a website.
• Security and legibility
  QR codes must be tamper-proof and clearly legible. In practice, chargecloud has found that doming stickers – i.e. 3D stickers filled with gel – have proven effective in protecting codes from scratches and being covered up. The payment page itself must also meet the highest security standards and be accessible in accordance with the Accessibility Enhancement Act (BFSG) of 28 June 2025.

AFIR is therefore an important step towards greater user-friendliness and market transparency. For operators, however, it entails additional requirements in the technical implementation and operation of their charging infrastructure, e.g.:

• Hardware retrofitting for older charging points if no terminal is yet available
• Higher investment costs due to additional equipment and its maintenance
• Greater process diversity, as QR code-based solutions can also be used in parallel
• Tariff complexity: Different specifications from manufacturers for payment terminals, accounting systems and receipt servers quickly lead to confusion.

At the same time, AFIR creates opportunities: Operators can use ad hoc charging as a supplementary sales channel to reach new customers, enable spontaneous use and test flexible pricing strategies.

QR code vs. payment terminal – two ways to charge spontaneously

Two methods of access have currently established themselves for ad hoc charging:

• QR code scanning: Users scan a QR code directly at the charging station with their smartphone, are redirected to a secure payment page and start the charging process – in the worst case, an app must be installed. This solution is fast, inexpensive and can be implemented without additional hardware.
  Advantage via chargecloud: Drivers can view their consumption and costs in real time via a receipt portal while charging.
• Payment terminal: For many users, payment by debit or credit card is the usual standard. Terminals – such as those from Payter – enable this process directly at the charging station.

Digression: Quishing

One aspect that is becoming increasingly important is the security of QR codes. ‘Quishing’ – the deliberate placement of fake codes – poses a real threat. chargecloud relies on forgery-proof 3D QR codes that reliably protect drivers.

Other providers use QR codes that are displayed directly on the screen. However, this solution has disadvantages: additional hardware, problems with scanning in bright light, and the risk of vandalism. The chargecloud stickers overcome these hurdles with a supplementary NFC function.

It is also exciting that QR codes are not only gaining importance for charging: this technology is also becoming increasingly prevalent in parking meters. For users, this creates a familiar, everyday experience.

chargecloud receipt portal: transparency for electric vehicle drivers

Whether via QR code or payment terminal, chargecloud gives electric vehicle drivers access to the same receipt portal. Even while charging, they can see live in their browser how much electricity they are using and what the costs are. At the end, the portal provides a clear invoice with all transaction, consumption, and calibration data. This means that customers always have a complete overview – without having to worry about different payment methods or systems.

In practice, this means:

• Full transparency: Drivers always have an overview via energy flow and price – even during the charging process.
• Legally compliant billing: All data relevant to calibration law is documented in a tamper-proof manner.
• Barrier-free access: No app download, no registration – everything runs via the standard browser on the smartphone.

In this way, chargecloud supports CPOs in offering their customers a trustworthy charging experience – without any additional hurdles.

Advantages for CPOs – full control

For CPOs, ad hoc charging is much more than just fulfilling a legal requirement. With chargecloud's white label offering, operators retain full control over their prices and can set tariffs independently, without intermediaries interfering in pricing.

Three points are particularly important:

• Direct pricing authority
  Pricing is entirely up to the CPO. chargecloud only provides the technical basis for displaying these tariffs transparently and in compliance with calibration law.
• 100% white label 
  There is no reference to chargecloud on invoices, bookings or in the receipt portal – CPOs have full control over the branding.
• Flexible pricing
  Tariffs can be flexibly adjusted at any time via the platform. This allows CPOs to test pricing strategies and respond to energy costs.
• Anonymity and flexibility
  Ad hoc charging remains an additional sales channel that enables anonymous charging for end customers. For CPOs, however, it remains only one channel alongside contract-based charging, which is intended to ensure customer loyalty with more attractive prices. 

Ad hoc charging thus represents a balance between flexibility and economic efficiency: spontaneous access for users on the one hand, clear economic control for CPOs on the other.

Digression: open questions

When it comes to spontaneous payments at public charging points, there are a few issues that may become important for CPOs and other parties involved in the future.

• Is a separate invoice required for each charging process via different CPO portals? This can be cumbersome, especially for company cars – particularly if the invoice is incorrect.
• How can payment for fleets without a company credit card be made easier?
• QR codes often require data to be re-entered – isn't there a quicker way?
• PayPal is popular, but incurs higher transaction costs for operators – are there any alternatives?
• Should tariffs change constantly, or would fixed prices, e.g. in the form of a subscription, be more practical for frequent drivers?

We are open to discussion – because only when all players and stakeholders in e-mobility are truly listened to and an open exchange is possible can we achieve our common goal: comprehensive, uncomplicated e-mobility with barrier-free access for all!

The role of chargecloud – enabler for all e-mobility use cases

When it comes to ad hoc charging, there is often a perception that CPOs cannot set their own prices or that their margins are reduced by aggregators. This is not the case with the chargecloud model.

chargecloud provides the software basis for all e-mobility use cases, enabling CPOs to manage their business independently and transparently. The goal: maximum utilisation of charging points while allowing drivers to charge at any time. The platform offers flexible solution options: eRoaming – managed or self-managed –, an EMP offering (white label or COBRA) and ad hoc charging via QR code or terminal.

• White label ad hoc charging – whether via QR code or terminal, the end customer prices are always defined by the CPO.
• Fair fee structure – only for chargeable charging processes is there a small, fixed transaction fee of 1 to 2 pence/kWh, no percentage surcharges on the kWh price and no transaction fees on the blocking fee.
• COBRA – if desired, CPOs can even act as EMPs themselves: either independently or with the help of our co-branding product COBRA – without having to build their own complex product, without intermediaries and with full control over the client.

This makes it clear that pricing and customer relations remain entirely in the hands of the operators. chargecloud therefore acts as an enabler – not as an intermediary.

Conclusion

Ad hoc charging has long been more than just a regulatory requirement. It is a key access channel to electric mobility and is characterised by its spontaneous and barrier-free use. For CPOs, it offers the opportunity to set prices independently, be flexible with tariff structures and offer customers a transparent charging experience even without a contract.

At the same time, ad hoc charging does not replace contract-based models, but rather complements them. While subscription and loyalty programmes ensure price stability and customer loyalty, ad hoc charging opens up space for spontaneity and flexibility or emergency charging.

With solutions such as the receipt portal, dynamic pricing and COBRA, chargecloud supports CPOs in combining both worlds – without complicated structures, but with full control.

Ultimately, it's not about who claims which margin. It's about how charging can be made fair, secure and sustainable for everyone. This is exactly where chargecloud comes in – as a partner that provides CPOs with the tools for sustainable success in a dynamic market.