Ad hoc charging explained simply - spontaneous, barrier-free and legally compliant

What is ad hoc charging?

Ad-hoc charging – also known as “direct payment” – enables spontaneous, contract-free charging at public charging points.
Since 2024, this function has been mandatory throughout the EU under the AFIR Regulation (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation): all new public charging points must offer at least one contactless payment option (e.g. bank card, smartphone or QR code).

The goal: uniform, non-discriminatory access to charging infrastructure – throughout Europe.

How does ad hoc charging work in practice?

1. 1. select a charging station: At many stations, drivers will find a QR code or NFC payment point.
2. 2. payment: Either via smartphone browser (QR code) or directly contactless with a card.
3. 3. start & charge: After authorization, the charging process starts immediately.
4. 4 Billing: After the charging process, the exact amount is automatically billed via the selected payment method.

No app, no account, no contract – just get in, charge and ride on.

Legal basis: AFIR & Charging Station Ordinance

The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) obliges all operators of public charging points to ensure barrier-free access. In Germany, it was implemented by the new Charging Point Ordinance (LSV 2023).

In concrete terms, this means

• DC charging points (> 50 kW): must offer contactless card payment (e.g. Apple Pay, EC card, credit card).

• AC charging points: must at least allow web payment via QR code.

• Price information must be transparent and clearly recognizable.

Advantages of ad hoc charging

• – Flexible & spontaneous: charging without registration or contract.

• – Legally compliant & barrier-free: mandatory for public charging points in accordance with EU regulations.

• – Attractive for operators: Taps into additional user groups – e.g. guests or travelers passing through.

• – Easy to combine: ideally complements existing eRoaming or EMP models.

reev & ad hoc store: Simply legally compliant

With the reev Software operators can implement ad-hoc payments effortlessly – securely, transparently and without additional effort.
The integrated reev Connect function, charging points are directly ad hoc-capable and meet all AFIR and LSV requirements.

Your advantages with reev:

• – Cloud-based processing of ad hoc payments

• – Simple QR- or NFC-based authentication

• – Legally compliant price and billing presentation

• – Automated processes in the reev Platform

Ad-hoc charging provides real freedom when charging – without registration, without hurdles. For operators, it means more customers, more reach and legal security. With reev Software and reev Connect, ad-hoc charging is not only possible, it’s easy.