AFIR: What the new EU regulation on charging infrastructure really means

Thanks to AFIR: E-mobility is reliable and suitable for everyday use

Electric mobility continues to develop—and with it, the demands on the charging infrastructure. With the EU regulation AFIR (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation) A binding legal framework has been in force since April 2024, creating uniform standards for publicly accessible charging points across Europe. But what does this mean in concrete terms for operators?

Uniform rules – but no less complex

The aim of AFIR is to remove barriers in the European single market and improve interoperability. of charging infrastructure. At first glance, this sounds like simplification, but in practice it means: New obligations, new deadlines, new technical requirements.

The regulation applies exclusively to publicly accessible charging points. – i.e. those that can be used without individual access restrictions. Charging points in company car parks or underground car parks are only affected if they are accessible to the general public.

What operators need to know now

The AFIR entails a number of specific requirements:

  1. Ad hoc charging becomes mandatory

Users must be able to download and pay without prior registration or contractual obligation. This means:

  • Payment by card or NFC must be possible (e.g., credit card, debit card, smartphone).
  • QR code-based payments are also permitted for charging points under 50 kW.
  • Charging points with a capacity of 50 kW or more that were installed before April 13, 2024, must be retrofitted by January 1, 2027, at the latest.
  1. Minimum distances and charging capacities

Along the European TEN-T core network, charging points for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles must not be more than 60 km apart in future. In addition, graduated minimum requirements apply:

  • By the end of 2025: at least 400 kW total charging capacity per location, at least 1 charging point with 150 kW.
  • By the end of 2027: at least 600 kW per location, at least 2 charging points with 150 kW
  1. Transparent pricing

Prices must be clear, comprehensible, and comparable. Operators must ensure that users are informed of the costs before the start of charging – regardless of the payment method used.

Why AFIR is more than just regulation

AFIR is not just a bureaucratic framework. It is a Strategic signal: The EU not only wants to promote electric mobility, but also make it reliable and suitable for everyday use.. For operators, this means:

  • Planning reliability thanks to clear specifications
  • Competitive advantages for CPOs who are user-friendly from the outset
  • Greater user satisfaction thanks to simple, transparent processes

Conclusion: AFIR is the new standard – and an opportunity

The AFIR is not an optional guideline, but binding EU law.. Anyone who operates or plans charging infrastructure must now deal with the new requirements. Those who do so early on will not only avoid risks, but also Building trust and securing market share – in an increasingly European market.

SIMPLY FLEXIBLE

Our solution is particularly flexible and supports both the direct integration of a terminal into a charging station and a decentralized kiosk for operating several charging stations. You can therefore design your charging park entirely according to your wishes. Our Direct Payment works independently of your charging station management system (CPMS) and allows you to integrate various charging station manufacturers into your portfolio, while you only need one payment software.

SIMPLY TRANSPARENT

Our software offers transparent prices and enables quick and easy integration. We think outside the box and therefore support numerous protocols. Direct contracts with acquirers mean there are no hidden costs for CPOs. This enables attractive pricing for the end user. The existing CPMS remains usable, even in the event of future changes. Our solution guarantees even more future security, as it can continue to be used in the event of a backend change.

SIMPLY LEGALLY COMPLIANT

Our payment solutions are legally compliant and take account of national tax laws - including AFIR, of course. Read more about AFIR here Our solutions are already being used successfully for charging parks in various countries. Thanks to our sister company RetailForce, we offer in-house expertise in tax-compliant document creation that has proven itself in practice. Our solution is internationally scalable and enables simple payment with innovative payment methods.

SIMPLY INDIVIDUAL

With more than two decades of experience, we are true payment experts. Our payment solution is already in daily use in many countries. This means that it is not only mature and proven, but also ready to use. During the payment process, your customers can use a QR code to transfer their receipt to their mobile phone.

SIMPLY PROVEN IN PRACTISE

With more than two decades of experience, we are true payment experts. Our payment solution is already in daily use in many countries. This means that it is not only mature and proven, but also ready to use. During the payment process, your customers can use a QR code to transfer their receipt to their mobile phone.