Using the newest generation of Vodafone‘s Internet of Things (IoT) technology, electric cars will automatically pay for their own recharging.

Drivers no longer need to download numerous apps for each charging point network they use thanks to Vodafone’s Digital Asset Broker app. A single app on their smartphone or tablet that links with their existing mobile wallet communicates instantly with any charging point that supports Mastercard payments.

This app, which has an encrypted and authenticated digital identity attached to the SIM card and can be incorporated into vehicles, can automatically assess a charging point’s compatibility, location, pricing, and charging time. It can pay for the electricity used once allowed by the driver.

In Newbury, Berkshire, compatible charging points are now available. Vodafone has collaborated with Mastercard and Energy Web, a non-profit organization dedicated to decarbonizing energy networks, to bring this prototype of an “Economy of Things” to life, in which devices communicate with one another to pay for services.

Other potential applications for Digital Asset Broker technology include cars that automatically identify and pay for parking spaces, rental cars that automatically charge for pay-as-you-go usage, and home energy smart meters that automatically pay bills by direct debit.

Johan Wibergh, Vodafone Chief Technology Officer, said: “We are building in-house new, scaled platforms for our customers across Europe and Africa. This, our latest platform will drive the new Economy of Things where everyday objects and devices can negotiate, buy and sell services on our behalf. We are actively talking with many other companies to rapidly expand partnerships and widen the ecosystem worldwide to include other features and payment schemes.”

At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2022 in Barcelona, Vodafone unveiled the Digital Asset Broker trial. Vodafone also announced plenty of other initiatives at MWC, in collaboration with ReCommerce, to encourage customers to buy more environmentally friendly mobile phones.