[Question] Do charging stations generally accept credit/debit cards? - eviltoast

Sorry if this is a dumb question. I currently drive a hybrid and am looking to upgrade in the next 1- 2 years to either PHEV or full EV. In either scenario, I envision most of my charging will be done at home. However, if I go full EV, I will eventually need to charge in public.

I’ve read it varies from charging network to charging network, so I figure I’d ask EV owners what their experiences are like. I really don’t like the idea of relying on an app or monthly subscription or anything like that.

So, is a debit card more or less guaranteed to be accepted, and if so, are the rates significantly higher than some kind of membership option?

Edit: In the US if it matters.

  • Admiral Patrick@dubvee.orgOPEnglish
    4·
    10 months ago

    So an option here might be to get an old smartphone and load it with the apps over your home wifi, then hook them up to your credit/debit card or bank account. Put the phone in your glovebox or someplace when you’re taking a longer trip. When you need to charge the car, plug the smartphone into the phone charger in your car, turn it on, use wifi / Bluetooth / NFC to connect to the car charger, and have the appropriate app deduct from your bank account / credit / debit card, then turn it off again.

    Thanks for the detailed reply, but yeah, lol, I’m not doing that. I really want to go full EV, but not that badly. I’m with the Boomers on this one. I already have a payment method with me that’s linked to my bank account, and it doesn’t require any of that hoopla.