A standard user interface and charging structure should be the keynote of a Scottish EV charging network.
a standardised charging experience should be developed, not dissimilar to what you expect at a petrol station. Payment methods should be standard and not require an account or require users to pay a lump sum in advance, even if it is more than what the customer intended to use. Those on low incomes might not afford to do this but may feel forced due to a lack of available chargers.
Furthermore, companies who hold credit in this way should not be allowed to benefit from the interest gained. As we’ve seen from retail loyalty cards this can result in substantial revenue flows, which should be returned to the customer either directly or via subsidised fees. Customers should be able to pay via contactless payment or at the charger itself, without the need to use an account to pay. This is often the case at almost every petrol station, EV chargers should be no different.
Rural areas have connectivity issues which is not conducive to signing up to a new account for a different EV charging provider. Lastly, more consideration should be made to ensure all EV chargers are disability friendly as not all chargers are accessible to those on wheelchairs or those who have mobility issues. A standard charger and charging procedure would aide in this problem.