The Charging Station Ordinance (Ladesäulenverordnung - LSV) is a German regulation that sets minimum technical requirements for the construction and operation of publicly accessible charging points for electrically powered vehicles. This regulation aims to ensure the technical security and interoperability of the charging infrastructure and covers various aspects such as authentication, use and payment. It defines terms such as “charging point”, “normal charging point” and “fast charging point” and sets specific technical requirements for them.
LSV will be partially governed by the EU regulation on April 13, 2024”Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR)” added or replaced.
Mandatory plug types
There will be specific plug types required for charging stations to ensure a uniform and interoperable charging infrastructure.
- For Normal charging points (AC charging): Each charging point must be connected to at least one socket or coupling of Type 2 plug be equipped. This applies to charging points where AC charging is possible and is for interoperability.
- For Fast charging points (DC charging): Charging points that allow charging with DC current must be equipped with a coupling of the Combo 2 types required.
Authentication and access in accordance with charging station regulations
LSV defines requirements for authentication and access to charging stations to ensure that they are accessible and usable by all users.
Selective charging without authentication
Operator of charging stations must allow selective charging without the need for authentication for use. This includes options:
a) The transfer of electricity without direct consideration.
b) The transfer of electricity against payment by cash in the immediate vicinity of the charging point.
Cashless payment process
It must be possible to make a cashless payment transaction at or in the immediate vicinity of every charging point. This includes:
a) The authentication required for cashless payment transactions.
b) The option of a contactless payment process, at least using a standard debit and credit card system that supports near field communication (NFC).
Web-based payment systems
In addition, payment can be made using a standard web-based system, provided that the menu navigation is available in German and English, and that at least one variant of access to a web-based payment system is provided free of charge.
Technical safety of charging stations
Measures are defined to ensure the technical safety of charging stations in order to minimize risks for users and vehicles.
- Standardised interface for data transfer: When setting up charging points, it must be ensured that a standardized interface is available. This interface is required to transfer authorization and billing data as well as dynamic data on the operational readiness and occupancy status of the charging station.
- Compliance with applicable technical safety requirements: The other applicable technical requirements, in particular the technical safety requirements of energy systems in accordance with Section 49 paragraph 1 of the Energy Industry Act, must be met. These regulations include the safety of the electrical infrastructure and charging station equipment.
Evidence and notification requirements in accordance with LSV
Charging station operators must communicate certain information to users regarding the technical data and availability of charging points.
- Notification of start-up and decommissioning: Operators of charging points must electronically notify the regulatory authority that charging points have been put into operation and decommissioning.
- Evidence of compliance with technical requirements for fast charging points: Operators of fast charging points must prove to the regulatory authority that they comply with the technical requirements in accordance with Section 3 paragraphs 2 to 5 of LSV.
- Display and proof of existing fast charging points: Operators of fast charging points that were put into operation before the regulation came into force must report their operation to the regulatory authority and prove compliance with the technical requirements in accordance with Section 3 paragraph 5 by attaching appropriate documents.
- Use by publicly available and changing operators: All requirements apply as soon as charging stations are made publicly available. In the event of changes of operator, the notification obligation also applies.
Further information can be found directly in the Charging Station Ordinance (LSV), available on the website of the Federal Network Agency.
(This article does not constitute legal advice.)