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AR On April 13, 2024, the European Union’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) officially came into effect, marking a milestone in the transition of member states toward cleaner and more sustainable transportation. AFIR aims to accelerate the deployment of EV charging stations, hydrogen refueling stations, and other alternative fuel infrastructure, while setting binding targets.
Among these, how will AFIR impact the ЭМ зарядка industry? What aspects should European public charging station operators pay attention to in order to adapt to the new policy and seize opportunities? Read on to know more about AFIR.
What is the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR)?
The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) is one of the core policies of the EU’s “Fit for 55” package. “Fit for 55” refers to reducing the EU’s emissions by 55% by 2030, while AFIR sets legally binding targets for the deployment of EV charging stations, hydrogen refueling stations, and shore-side electricity facilities along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and in urban areas. For example, it specifies details such as the number of infrastructure, power capacity, and charging fees.
Charging point operators, e-mobility service providers, and charging point owners must comply with national laws when deploying charging infrastructure to ensure that the EU’s transportation infrastructure can meet the needs of alternative fuel vehicles (such as electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles) by 2050, thereby contributing to the achievement of greenhouse gas reduction targets.
What to Know about AFIR for the EV Charging Industry?
The AFIR introduces clear requirements that will shape the future of public EV charging across Europe. These rules are designed to improve accessibility, simplify use, and ensure consistency as electric mobility expands. Here are some major clauses of the AFIR.
1. Expand the Charging Network
AFIR requires each country to increase its public charging capacity based on the number of electric vehicles in use. For battery electric vehicles, the available public charging power must be at least 1.3 kilowatts per vehicle. For plug-in hybrids, the required power is at least 0.8 kilowatts per vehicle.
In addition to overall capacity, the TEN-T core network requires at least one 150kW+ fast-charging point every 60km by 2025, with each point including a 350kW ultra-fast charger. It aims to support long-distance travel and reduce charging gaps across the region.
2. Temporary Payment Options
For public charging stations deployed from April 13, 2024, charging must be accessible to all drivers, not just those with subscriptions or through apps. Every public charging point must offer payment options that work without an account. Contactless card payments and QR code scanning are the primary solutions encouraged under AFIR.
This approach ensures that any driver can use a station at any time without needing to download an app or register with a provider.
3. Price Transparency
The regulation requires that EV charging prices are reasonable, transparent, clearly comparable, and non-discriminatory to users before charging starts. Drivers must be able to view this information on the charger itself or through digital platforms such as mobile apps and websites. The goal is to build user confidence by avoiding hidden costs or unclear pricing structures. However, price level differentiation is permissible, provided it remains moderate and objectively justified.
Plus, for public alternative fuel stations with an output power of 50 kW or higher, operators shall base their ad hoc electricity pricing on a per kWh rate for the energy supplied. Additionally, operators of these charging stations may impose a per-minute occupancy fee to discourage prolonged use. However, both the per-kilowatt-hour price and the per-minute occupancy fee must be clearly displayed.
4. Smart Charging Functions
AFIR regulations encourage charging points to integrate with smart charging features such as adjusting power delivery based on grid conditions or sustainable energy. These functions help balance demand, reduce energy waste, and support the use of renewable sources. Smart charging also allows operators to manage loads more effectively and improve efficiency across their network.
5. Interoperability
AFIR also emphasizes the interoperability of charging infrastructure, ensuring that EVs of different brands and models can charge at any station, with data sharing enabled among CPOs, EMSPs, roaming platforms, and drivers. This requires charging station operators to ensure their equipment complies with unified technical standards, supports multiple charging interfaces and communication protocols, and provides charging roaming functionality.
Consequently, electric vehicle charging solutions need to incorporate SIM card connectivity to facilitate data exchange, such as charging bills and energy consumption records.
6. Fixed Charging Cables
Public alternative fuel stations, particularly those offering DC charging, must be equipped with fixed charging cables. This removes the need for drivers to carry their own equipment and makes the process faster and more convenient. It also reduces charging interruptions caused by cable damage or loss.
7. Non-discriminatory Пractices
In addition to prohibiting discriminatory pricing between end-users and mobility service providers or among different mobility service providers, AFIR also advocates for ensuring universal access to charging infrastructure, including for individuals with mobility challenges, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. For example, ensuring accessible charging station layouts, spacious parking areas, and charging ports at appropriate heights.
This supports fair use of public infrastructure and enables smooth travel between countries within the European Union.
All these clauses define a more practical and user-centered approach to EV charging. For operators, understanding and applying these rules is not only a matter of compliance but also enhances competitiveness in a changing EV charging market.
How does EVB Help Meet AFIR Compliance?
ЭВБ’s EV charger product range is designed to comply with each of AFIR’s core provisions, helping operators expand their networks efficiently and sustainably. For example,
- Awide selection of AC and DC charging stations, ranging from 7kW to 600kW, meets AFIR’s mandated power levels with ease.
- Integrated with multiple payment options, including contactless bank card systems and QR code solutions, allowing for quick alternative fuel payment updates.
- The user interface can be customizedto display charging prices and any applicable service fees before the session starts.
- The dynamic load balancing function adjusts the charging powerof multiple DC chargers reasonably at peak times.
- Optional tethered and untethered EV charger.
- Compatiblewith the OCPP 1.6J protocol allows for data transmission and remote monitoring. Supports seamless EV roaming.
Wrapping-Up
The AFIR regulations set clear standards for reliable and accessible alternative fuel infrastructure solutions in Europe. For operators, it is a chance to meet compliance requirements and grow in a rapidly expanding market.
EVB’s certified charging solutions meet AFIR’s key provisions, offering advanced technology, smart features, and proven reliability. Partner with EVB now to enhance competitiveness and contribute to environmental goals!
Ссылки
- [1] Alternative Fuels Infrastructure. Available at: https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-themes/clean-transport/alternative-fuels-sustainable-mobility-europe/alternative-fuels-infrastructure_en(Accessed: 8 August 2025)
- [2] Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 September 2023 on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure, and repealing Directive 2014/94/EU (Text with EEA relevance). Available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32023R1804(Accessed: 8 August 2025)
