Transportation electrification: electric vehicle charging stations: payment methods.

Assembly Member Irwin's transportation electrification measure expands payment options at California's electric vehicle charging stations by granting the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission broader authority to modify required payment methods in response to technological changes and cost considerations.

The legislation maintains existing prohibitions on mandatory subscription fees while allowing charging stations to offer membership-based services if they provide alternative payment options. These options must include contactless payment systems accepting major credit and debit cards, along with either an automated toll-free number or SMS capability for initiating charging sessions. Direct current fast charging stations installed after July 10, 2023 must incorporate Plug and Charge payment capabilities meeting ISO 15118 standards by July 10, 2024.

The measure requires charging station operators to disclose total fees, including network roaming charges, at the point of sale and report their locations, pricing, and payment methods to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. For major charging networks managing 100 or more public stations in California, the commission retains authority to implement interoperability standards enabling payments across different networks and automakers while preserving operators' flexibility in establishing roaming agreements.