The expansion of charging infrastructure is progressing rapidly in Germany and throughout Europe. With AFIR and the Charging Station Ordinance, uniform rules have recently been introduced, which create clear obligations for operators.
Particularly important: Anonymous customers must also be able to charge and pay, completely without an app or registration. This requires barrier-free payment options such as Girocard, credit card or QR code. At the same time, there is an obligation to issue documents — and this is exactly where classic solutions with paper printers quickly reach their limits. Digital documents are therefore becoming the key to a legally secure and at the same time smooth process at AC and DC charging stations.
Why EV charging is so important for retailers and operators
Electric mobility is no longer a niche topic. Charging points are now part of the basic equipment of modern locations — whether at the supermarket, at the gas station or in the company car park. For operators, this means implementing new regulations while ensuring a positive customer experience. The GEIG in particular is creating additional pressure, as charging points must be planned as a requirement for new buildings or renovations of buildings with parking spaces.
This is an opportunity for retailers: Anyone who offers charging points gains additional time spent at the location, which can be specifically combined with shopping.
From closed systems to open payment channels
In the early days of EV Charging, charging was often tied to apps or special customer cards. Today, the EU requires significantly more open access through the AFIR regulation. Users must be able to pay spontaneously, easily and without prior registration. Payment terminals or QR code solutions ensure this. For operators, this means new investments, as existing charging stations must be retrofitted.
This means that DC chargers with a charging capacity of 50 kW or more must provide a payment terminal. A QR code solution is not enough here. And that means that it must also issue a receipt, in such a way that it also works without paper.
Digital receipts as standard at charging points
A printer in a charging station is expensive, maintenance-intensive and prone to errors. Digital documents are therefore the obvious solution. There are several ways to make the process work for customers.
The simplest is a dynamic QR code, which is generated per charging process and is displayed directly on the display. Alternatively, a document finder with a static link can be used, taking into account the approval of the authorities here. The third option is to enter an email address directly at the charging station so that the receipt is delivered immediately.
All three routes meet legal requirements and make the charging process transparent and comprehensible for the user.
Who is active in the market and what goals they are pursuing
The operators of the charging infrastructure are the so-called CPOs. They provide charging stations at motorways, gas stations or supermarkets and take care of operation and billing. Retailers, on the other hand, have a different goal: They want to bring customers into their stores while charging and generate additional sales there.
A digital document can do more than just meet legal requirements — it becomes a marketing tool. Discounts or coupons can be linked directly to the receipt and make a stay at the location even more attractive.
Technical principles for secure integration
Legal certainty is essential when charging. The OCMF token serves as proof that a charging process has been carried out in accordance with verification laws. anybill provides this proof directly in the digital document. Communication between charging station and backend is via OCPP; protocols such as ZVT or OPI are crucial in the payment environment.
For operators, this means that a solution must fit seamlessly into existing systems without creating additional complexity.
Two typical processes — depending on the customer
For known customers who are identified via an account or Plug and Charge, the document can be linked directly to the account. The structured data goes to the API, the document is created and transferred to the customer account. The user then conveniently manages it on the web or in the app.
For anonymous customers, it works without an account. After loading, an individual document is generated and displayed as a QR code. The user scans it immediately or retrieves the document later via the document finder. To do this, he enters verified parameters such as amount, date and card details or uses a six-digit code from the display. In this way, the document can be retrieved in a comprehensible and legally secure manner at any time.
Economic significance and potential at the location
A charging station generates fewer transactions than a cash register, but the charging points are extremely important strategically. They create reach and stay time. If you charge, you usually have a few minutes left — and these can be used specifically to bring customers into the shop.
Digital receipts open up new opportunities here: They not only serve as proof, but also as advertising space for coupons and offers. In return, a discount on the receipt can also make the next charging session cheaper. This creates a cycle that combines retail and charging points in a meaningful way.
Which challenges operators must solve
The biggest hurdle is diversity in the market. Different hardware, proprietary systems, and complex integrations make uniform solutions difficult. There are also strict regulatory requirements and country-specific differences.
User experience is also an issue: Many drivers complain about a lack of price transparency or limited payment options. anybill comes in right here by standardizing document output, securing verification law and integrating it into existing interfaces.
Looking to the future
The charging infrastructure will continue to grow, not only on motorways, but also in residential complexes, companies and shopping centers. With smart charging, load management and vehicle to grid, there are additional requirements.
At the same time, new billing models are developing with dynamic prices and subscription solutions. For all of this to work, uniform interfaces and a document system that adapts flexibly are needed. Digital documents are the logical standard for this.
conclusion
EV Charging is more than just a charging point for electricity. It is a strategic topic for retailers and operators that combines regulations, technology and customer experience. The obligation to issue receipts makes digital solutions indispensable.
anybill provides the right answer: a legally secure digital document layer that integrates into existing systems, provides the OCMF token and at the same time opens up new touchpoints for marketing and customer loyalty. Anyone who uses digital documents today not only meets the requirements, but also creates a convincing experience for customers and clear added value for the location.
