EU Commission Alternative Fuels Regulation regulates charging infrastructure in Europe
Die Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) marks a turning point in the European mobility landscape. The existing Charging Station Ordinance (LSV) in Germany will probably no longer be applicable in parts with the entry into force of AFIR from April 13.
What is AFIR?
AFIR, the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation, aims to create a uniform, Europe-wide network for electric vehicle-Create charging infrastructure. This new regulation not only facilitates the expansion of electric mobility, but also sets specific standards for Charging station operators (CPO) firm.
Differences from the German Charging Station Ordinance (LSV)
Compared to the previous charging station regulation in Germany, AFIR offers a more comprehensive framework. While LSV was primarily focused on the German market, AFIR is expanding its horizons at European level and thus creating a more uniform and efficient infrastructure for alternative fuels.
That's changing with AFIR
For operators of charging stations, AFIR means adapting to new, stricter requirements regarding the availability and quality of charging infrastructure. End customers benefit from a more reliable, easily accessible and standardized charging experience across national borders.
The AFIR has specific requirements for operators of charging stations. These measures include:
Expanding infrastructure:
- By 2025, cars should travel every 60 km on Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) roads Fast charging points be built with a charging capacity of at least 150 kW.
- Charging stations of at least 350 kW should be charged every 100 km throughout the TEN-T for heavy-duty vehicles by 2025 charging capacity be set up.
- Hydrogen filling stations and the power supply at seaports for passenger or container ships are also to be expanded.
Technical equipment for charging stations:
- DC fast charger from 50 kw must be equipped with a card reader or a contactless payment option.
- Charging stations with a charging capacity of less than 50 kW require a dynamic QR code, which must be created individually for each charging process and displayed on a display.
Payment systems:
- Charging station operators must enable selective charging at publicly accessible charging points that will be set up from April 13, 2024, using a payment instrument widely used in the EU. This includes payment card readers, devices with a contactless function or, for charging stations with less than 50 kW, devices that use an Internet connection and enable a secure payment process.
- Fast chargers with 50 kW or more built along the TEN-T road network or in a secured parking lot must be retrofitted by the end of 2026 to meet the requirements of card readers or contactless payment options.
Option not to use automatic authentication:
- If Plug&Charge (automatic authentication) is offered at charging points, operators must ensure that users have the option not to use them and to pay with other means of payment instead. This option must be clearly displayed at every publicly accessible charging point.
Price transparency and non-discrimination:
- Prices at publicly accessible charging points must be reasonable, simple, clearly comparable, transparent and non-discriminatory. Different prices or conditions between end customers and other mobility service providers are not allowed, unless the differentiation is proportionate and objectively justified.
- Mobility service providers must provide end users with all applicable pricing information provide clearly and transparently, including all price components such as e-roaming costs and other charges.
Regular maintenance and repairs:
- Operators must carry out regular maintenance work on their charging stations carry out to keep them in optimal condition. This includes routine checks and any necessary repairs to ensure the integrity and safety of the charging infrastructure.
- These measures aim to improve the user-friendliness and efficiency of the charging infrastructure, which ultimately promotes the acceptance and use of electric vehicles.
Importance of AFIR for electric mobility
The introduction of AFIR is a significant step towards promoting electric mobility in Europe. Uniform guidelines and promotion of infrastructure development not only strengthen users' trust in electric vehicles, but also promote a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transport sector.
Outlook and assessment
Overall, compared to LSV, AFIR places higher and more detailed requirements on charging station operators, which requires an adjustment of the existing infrastructure. These changes aim to facilitate and promote the use of electric vehicles in Europe.
Charging station operators are now required to make short-term investments in order to comply with the AFIR. It is not yet certain which minimum requirements apply, as the interpretation is Federal Association of Consulting New Mobility e.V. (BBNM) It was ultimately a matter for the European Court of Justice. However, the implementation will entail additional costs for charging station operators for various reasons and will be difficult to implement in some cases.