PayByPhone parking app adds EV charging feature

Parking payment service PayByPhone has added a new EV feature allowing drivers to pay for charging through its app.

The operator recently added a chargepoint location function and has now bolstered this with the in-app payment option for tens of thousands of devices around the UK.

The system works with Plugsurfing, one of the UK’s largest consolidating charging networks, and lets drivers access mobile phone payment for more than 53,000 chargers at 19,000 locations, including 80% of the country’s rapid and ultra-rapid chargers.

Jonny Combe, CEO of PayByPhone, commented: “PayByPhone’s promise has always been to simplify the journey of our motorists so that they can focus on what matters most. We are living this promise by evolving from a simple digital parking solution into a full-service app for drivers to manage all their vehicle needs.

“The launch of EV charging payment is the latest in a host of exciting new features we’re rolling out in our app. I’m delighted to offer EV drivers this new functionality to make their driving experience a simpler one.”

There are more than 30 public charging operators around the UK and the broad range of subscription and payment methods is frequently highlighted as one of the biggest frustrations for drivers. Services such as Plugsurfing, Paua and ZapPay aim to reduce this by bringing multiple charging operators under one payment system.

PayByPhone says that as well as allowing drivers to pay for and manage charging remotely, its app will allow drivers to search for local charge points, filtering by networks, connector types, and minimum speeds, as well as compare prices, view opening hours and real-time availability, and get directions