The Hidden Costs of QR-Based EV Charging Payments
- ERHAN GUNES
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
QR codes were supposed to make EV charging easier. But in reality, they’re slowing things down — and costing operators more than they realize.
The Promise of QR: Easy Access. The Reality: High Drop-Off.
QR code payments sound simple:Scan → Pay → Charge.But the reality? Far more steps — and much more friction.
In many real-world scenarios, this is what users experience:
Scan a QR code
Get redirected to a browser
Download an app
Create an account
Add a payment method
Confirm identity
Then… maybe charging begins
According to industry data, up to 60% of users drop off before completing their first session when they face multi-step, app-based QR flows.
What Does That Drop-Off Really Cost You?
Lost Users = Lost Revenue
Every added step kills conversions — especially for:
Tourists who don’t want to install a local app
Fleet drivers needing speed
First-time EV drivers
Older or less tech-savvy users
These users often leave before they ever plug in — and may never return.
Higher Operational Load
QR platforms often mean more support tickets:
“I can’t log in”
“App didn’t work”
“Why was I charged twice?”
“It asked for too many permissions”
All of which increase your support costs and distract your team from core operations.
Damage to Brand Trust
When something feels broken, users don’t blame the app — they blame the charger.UX frustration becomes brand erosion.
Why POS-Based Charging Works Better
POS systems replace QR code confusion with real-world simplicity.They enable users to just tap their card and start charging — no downloads, no delays.
With a Voltpay-powered POS, you get:
EMV-certified Android terminals
Support for contactless, chip, PIN, and mobile wallets
Instant session activation
SMS-based e-invoice delivery
Backend integration via OCPI
No app, no account, no problem
It feels like retail checkout — but it powers infrastructure.
Lower Friction = Higher Revenue
Charging operators who switch from QR to Voltpay’s POS system report:
✅ Faster session starts (up to 45% faster)
✅ More walk-up users (especially tourists and fleets)
✅ Fewer failed transactions
✅ Drastically reduced support workload
✅ Better user satisfaction and reviews
When “Free” Isn’t Free
QR-based platforms often advertise low upfront cost — but the real cost shows up later:
Lost transactions
Abandoned sessions
Frustrated users
Support tickets
Slow adoption
Voltpay’s POS model removes that burden:
No setup fees
No hardware to purchase
No app to maintain
Revenue-share pricing: we only earn when you do
Ready to Move Past QR?
Voltpay helps you upgrade to frictionless payments — without changing your backend.
Our terminals plug directly into your OCPP-based system via OCPI, or we can provide a complete backend solution.
No more QR scanning.No more app fatigue.Just tap, charge, and go.
Let us show you how Voltpay can increase your usage, simplify your operations, and future-proof your charging network.