Payment at the charging station: compliant with calibration regulations, fully integrated, all from a single source
The SMATRICS Direct Payment Terminal receives type examination certificate and complies with German calibration regulations – setting new standards in integration and tariff control.
In Germany, charging and payment systems must be designed in accordance with the Measures and Verification ordinance. Many charging infrastructure operators work with third-party providers, interfaces, or separate payment systems for this purpose. What is often lost in the process are integrated, uncomplicated solutions.
The full-service provider SMATRICS from Vienna is taking a different approach with its Direct Payment Terminals (DPT): as one of the only solutions on the market, they are both compliant with calibration regulations and fully integrated into the SMATRICS system environment. “Our USP is clear: everything from a single provider. Our customers don’t need any third-party systems, middleware, or coordination with other partners. Hardware, payment, billing, and tariff control are seamlessly integrated with our system,” explains Hauke Hinrichs, CEO of SMATRICS.
The special added value lies in the interaction between hardware, payment, and software—especially with charVIS Business, SMATRICS' central charging station and charging card management software for operators and station owners. A key advantage is that the pricing for direct payment can be defined and managed directly in the familiar charVIS Business software: without the need for a separate payment platform, duplicate data maintenance, or system breaks.
100 percent transparency and traceability for e-mobility users
Sustainable mobility requires security and transparency for all users—from e-mobility professionals to occasional or first-time users. Compliance with calibration law therefore covers not only the terminal itself, but also complete traceability of the invoice—an aspect that is becoming increasingly important for e-mobility users. The process is therefore based on familiar procedures:
- Display price: Customers see the applicable price before charging begins—similar to the price per liter at a gas station.
- Unique transaction ID: When charging begins, a unique ID is generated—similar to a receipt number.
- Double check: This ID is generated again during the payment process and verified—similar to a PIN check. The charging process only starts if the IDs match.
- Verification after charging: Once the charging process is complete, all measurement and payment data is checked again.
- Full transparency on the invoice: The invoice contains a verification code and a link to the transparency software. There, customers can check the rate charged and download the verified measurement data.
Security against tampering as a quality feature
Like a sealed electricity meter, SMATRICS Direct Payment Terminals are also sealed. If a terminal is opened or damaged, an integrated protection mechanism automatically deactivates the device.
“Our aim is to reduce complexity—for operators and end customers alike. With our integrated direct payment solution, we are addressing precisely those areas where the market is still unnecessarily complicated and lacks transparency,” Hinrichs concludes.
Customers can also find the relevant certificates here.