Ionity Installed New Central Charging Payment Terminals
Drivers can now use contactless payment at central birdhouse terminals at select Ionity charging parks.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Ionity has introduced new birdhouse-shaped payment terminals at various electric vehicle charging parks. This rollout allows drivers to process ad-hoc contactless payments at a single central hub for multiple chargers at a site.
Why it matters
The new terminal design serves as a central payment hub for older charging stations, helping the company reduce construction costs while meeting AFIR compliance requirements. This change simplifies ad-hoc charging for drivers who do not use a dedicated app or charging card.
Ionity is retrofitting 464 sites across 22 countries with new terminals, with over 60 already active in Germany. Ad-hoc charging currently costs €0.69 per kWh for users paying via contactless debit or credit card at these hubs.
The players
Ionity
An electric vehicle charging network that operates high-power charging parks across Europe.
The details
To use the new terminals, drivers must first activate their chosen charging station display. They then proceed to the central birdhouse unit to complete a contactless payment before plugging the charging cable into their vehicle. This centralized approach allows Ionity to bring older equipment into compliance with AFIR standards without needing to rebuild every individual charger.
Timeline
October 7, 2026: Article publication regarding the new terminals.
The Home Front
This rollout aligns with the European Union's AFIR requirements, which aim to standardize public charging accessibility. The shift marks a broader move toward requiring card-payment parity at fast-charging sites across the continent.
If you drive an electric vehicle, look for the central birdhouse-style kiosk when arriving at an Ionity station. Remember that if you already use a preferred charging card or mobile app, you do not need to use this terminal.
The takeaway
The addition of central payment terminals simplifies the process for drivers who rely on ad-hoc payments rather than subscriptions. Always check the station screen to confirm your charging slot before heading to the central terminal to pay.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in EV infrastructure in our Electric Vehicles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Electrive.
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