2025 Report: Drivers Demand Seamless In-Car Payment Systems, Willing to Pay for Convenience

A groundbreaking 2025 In-Car Payments User Experience Report reveals that drivers in the U.S. and Germany are highly interested in in-car payment systems—and many are willing to pay extra for the convenience, according to Parkopedia. The study, conducted by Drive Research, highlights a strong demand for optimized, user-friendly payment solutions that enhance the driving experience and influence brand perception.

Key Findings: Drivers Want Simplicity and Integration

• 100% of U.S. drivers and 93% of German motorists said an easy-to-use in-car payment system would improve their driving experience.
• 70% of U.S. drivers and 67% of Germans would pay more upfront for a vehicle with in-car payment functionality.
• 97% of participants in both countries would use in-car payments for parking, EV charging, fuel, and tolls if the system were simple.
• 93% of German drivers and 87% of Americans want their car to notify them when in-car payments are available nearby.

Poor Enrollment Processes Hinder Adoption

A complicated registration process discourages drivers from using in-car payments:

• 77% of Germans and 70% of Americans would be less likely to sign up if enrollment is complex.
• 57% of Germans and 50% of Americans would use the system less if registration is cumbersome.
• 90% of U.S. drivers described current industry-standard enrollment as «complex.»

Drivers Prefer Integrated Solutions Over Mobile Devices

Motorists want all-in-one platforms rather than relying on external devices:

• 97% valued having multiple services (parking, charging, tolls) accessible through a single system.
• 80% of U.S. drivers would be frustrated if their car didn’t notify them of nearby payment options.
• 100% of Germans and 97% of Americans want an onscreen button for quick access to nearby services.

Better UX Leads to Higher Engagement

The study compared two systems:

• System A: A current OEM in-car payment setup.
• System B: An improved version by Parkopedia and Valtech Mobility, designed for ease of use.

Results showed a clear preference for the optimized system (B):

• Over 90% of U.S. drivers were far more likely to use System B, compared to just 20% for System A.
• 100% of U.S. and 90% of German drivers said they would use in-car payments more if the process were streamlined.

Brand Perception at Stake

A well-integrated payment system boosts brand loyalty:

• 97% of U.S. drivers said in-car payments would change their opinion of a car brand.
• 87% of Americans claimed it would increase their likelihood of buying from the same brand again.

Adam Calland, Global Marketing Director at Parkopedia, who oversaw the study, commented:

“The demand for connected car services continues to rise rapidly around the world, and this research shows that in-car payment functionality is now becoming a must-have feature for motorists who highly value convenience and are willing to pay for this.» “This is being accelerated by the global shift towards EVs, with motorists not only valuing in-car data directing them to charge points but also integrated payments within the same platform. The need to improve both awareness and UX is clear, but the upside is equally clear for automakers who get this right.”

The report underscores a significant revenue opportunity for automakers who optimize in-car payments. Drivers want seamless, intuitive systems—failure to deliver could push customers toward competitors offering better digital experiences.