According to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, 32,079 new battery-electric cars were registered in Ireland from January to August 2026, 55% more than in the same period of 2025.
Radius recorded a 100% increase in the volume of electricity (kilowatt-hours, kWh) supplied through its EV charge cards between August 2025 and August 2026.
EV charge cards can help businesses manage this transition. Drivers have a consistent way to pay at compatible public chargers, while fleet and finance teams gain clearer records of charging activity and costs.
What is an EV charge card?
An EV charge card is a physical card used to start and stop a charging session at a compatible public charge point. It is linked to a business account, so the company is billed rather than the driver paying personally. Some cards work with one operator, while multi-network cards use direct connections or roaming agreements to provide access to participating chargers run by different networks.
Radius One is designed for business and mixed fleets. It supports electric charging and conventional refuelling with one card, with access to more than 4,800 EV charging points and over 2,000 fuel stations across the island of Ireland. Drivers should use Radius e-route to check compatible locations before travelling.
What is an RFID card for EV charging?
RFID means radio-frequency identification. A chip in the card communicates with the RFID reader on a compatible charger. The card does not normally store money. It identifies the linked business account and allows the provider to authorise the session. The RFID reader may be separate from the contactless terminal for credit and debit cards, so drivers should follow the instructions on the charger screen.
How does an EV charge card work?
1. The business opens an account and issues cards to drivers or vehicles
2. The driver finds a compatible charger using Radius e-route
3. The driver follows the charger instructions and taps the card on the RFID reader
4. The provider checks the card and authorises the charging session
5. Thhe charger records the location, time, electricity supplied and cost
6. The transaction is added to the linked business account
7. Fleet and finance teams review activity in Radius Velocity and receive a consolidated weekly invoice
How to use an EV charge card
1. Find a compatible public charger in Radius e-route
2. Park safely and read the instructions displayed on the charger
3. Connect the cable before or after tapping, depending on the unit
4. Locate the RFID reader, which may differ from the bank-card terminal
5. Tap the charge card and wait for authorisation
6. Check that charging has started before leaving the vehicle
7. Follow the on-screen steps to stop the session and disconnect
Do businesses need EV charge cards?
A bank card may be convenient for occasional charging, but a fleet also needs to manage drivers, cards, invoices and transaction records. A business charge card can be particularly useful when employees charge company vehicles away from a depot, regularly use public networks, submit personal expense claims or need centralised records.
Expert view
“For a growing electric or mixed fleet, the value of Radius One goes beyond starting a charging session. It gives drivers a consistent way to access compatible public charging and helps fleet managers bring charging, fuel expenditure and transaction records into one managed process. That visibility makes it easier to control costs, reduce expense claims and plan the next stage of fleet electrification.” - Matt Kirby, Managing Director for EV, Radius
Why use an EV charge card instead of a credit or debit card?
Contactless bank cards provide a quick way to pay. EV charge cards provide a business process for managing regular fleet charging. Key benefits include:
- Fewer expense claims: Drivers do not need to pay personally and request reimbursement
- Centralised records: Eligible transactions are collected in one business account
- Better visibility: Fleet teams can monitor activity and manage cards through dedicated tools
- Multi-network access: One card can work across several participating charging networks
- Mixed-fleet support: Radius One covers public charging and conventional fuel purchases
- Simpler billing: Fuel and charging transactions are consolidated into one weekly invoice
How can businesses manage EV charge cards?
Radius Velocity allows authorised users to view charging and fuel transactions, monitor spend, manage or block cards, download invoices, run reports and set alerts. The service gives fleet and finance teams a clearer account-level view without relying on employee receipts or individual bank statements.
How to choose an EV charge card for your business
- Coverage: Check for compatible charge points along regular routes and near key destinations
- Management tools: Look for card controls, reports, alerts and transaction visibility
- Billing: Confirm how often consolidated invoices are issued and what tax information they contain
- Mixed-fleet use: Consider one card for fuel and charging if the fleet is transitioning gradually
- Driver support: Check how drivers find chargers and obtain help
Keep your business moving with Radius
Radius One brings public charging and fuel payments together on one secure business card. Drivers gain broad network access, while fleet teams can use Radius Velocity to manage cards, monitor transactions and access invoices.