Payments

Tesla rolls out centralized payment kiosks for charging stations

Photo: sheilaf2002 - stock.adobe.com

March 26, 2026

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Tesla appears to be quietly changing how drivers pay at some of its newest V4 Supercharger stations, according to a report on the blog site Not a Tesla App, shifting away from individual credit card readers at each stall. New reports and photos show that, at select locations, those payment terminals have been removed and replaced with a single kiosk serving multiple charging posts.

Previously, V4 Superchargers were designed with a small screen and contactless payment reader at every stall, largely to comply with regulations requiring on-site payment options for drivers who do not use mobile apps. Under the new setup, drivers who want to pay by card will instead use a standalone touchscreen kiosk. After plugging in their vehicle, users complete payment at the kiosk, which detects the connection and authorizes the charging session.

Early reports suggest that pricing at the kiosk may be significantly higher than standard Tesla charging rates. This approach mirrors broader industry practices, where non-members or app-free users pay a premium. The pricing structure appears to encourage drivers to use Tesla's app or subscription options, while still meeting regulatory requirements for alternative payment methods.

The shift to a centralized system may also address operational and cost concerns. By consolidating payment hardware into a single unit, Tesla can reduce maintenance demands and lower installation costs, while continuing to comply with payment access regulations.