ZAP-MAP has launched Zap-Pay. It’s a new service that will allow EV drivers to use a single app to pay for charging across different networks.
Launched today (07 September 2020) by the leading electric vehicle (EV) mapping service Zap-Map, Engenie will be the first network available on Zap-Pay.
Zap-Map says that further networks will join in the autumn, including ESB EV Solutions, LiFe and Hubsta.
Drivers currently need to use multiple apps and cards to pay for charging on different networks. Zap-Map says that with the addition of Zap-Pay, drivers will now be able to search, plan and pay for charging services, all in one app – a UK first.
Rachel Maclean, the UK Government Transport Minister, said:
It should be as easy for drivers to charge their vehicles at public charge points as it is to pay for petrol or diesel. This is why I have made services, such as the one launched today, a personal priority as we transition to zero emission vehicles.
Rachel Maclean, Government Transport Minister
“As the EV market continues to go from strength to strength,” she continued, “journey planning and paying with one app or membership card must also follow – Zap-Pay will help do just that, propelling us towards cleaner towns and cities and a zero emission future.”
In July 2019, the government announced it wanted all newly installed rapid and higher power chargepoints to provide debit or credit card payment functionality by spring 2020.
At the time, BP Chargemaster said it was committed to introducing card payment on all new 50kW and 150kW chargers and would retrofit its existing UK-made rapid chargers with the technology over the next 12 months.
Ben Lane, CTO and joint managing director at Zap-Map added:
“More people than ever are buying an EV, but providing a seamless charging experience is essential to accelerate this shift, cut carbon emissions and clean our air.
“We already buy much of our shopping with the tap of a finger – Zap-Pay means that EV charging is now the same. No one should need dozens of accounts, apps and cards to charge their car. With one simple app, drivers can now simply plug in and the app manages the rest.”
Initially, Zap-Pay is live on 10 Engenie charge points across four locations – Stratford, Gloucester, Chepstow and Bristol – and the roll out will be completed across the entire network of 150+ rapid charge points by the end of September.
Zap-Pay also provides live status updates, charging history, PDF VAT receipts and 24/7 customer support.
Ralph Morton is the leading journalist in the leasing broker sector and editor of Broker News, the website which provides information and news for BVRLA-registered leasing brokers. He also writes extensively on the fleet and leasing market in both the UK and Europe.
