Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR)

EV smart charging regulations serve multiple functions in advancing transportation electrification. These include supporting the growth of charging networks, boosting battery manufacturing, and providing incentives to encourage EV adoption. Although most requirements aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from the transportation sector, they each take distinct approaches to overseeing and implementing smart EV charging infrastructure.

For example, the European Union’s Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), effective in 2024, sets targets for recharging and refuelling transport infrastructure deployment. It calls for all new public EV charging stations in Europe to be digitally connected and capable of smart charging. EV charge point operators of publicly accessible stations in Europe must ensure compliance to AFIR payment regulations.

What is Europe’s Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR)?

The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation is included in the Fit for 55 package—part of the broader European Green Deal, which sets emissions goals for 2050. Fit for 55 outlines policies aimed at achieving a 55% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. AFIR specifically targets public EV charging across the EU by setting mandatory infrastructure objectives for each member state.

Overall, AFIR aims to create an adequate, fully interoperable public infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles to enable free travel across the EU while ensuring fair, transparent pricing and payment options.

What do EV charge point operators and service providers need to know about AFIR?

AFIR requires that all new public EV charging stations with 50 kW of capacity or greater in Europe must offer ad-hoc payment methods, allowing drivers to conveniently pay for their charging sessions with “widely used” options. These can include using debit, credit, and smartphones directly at charging stations. Chargers with multiple ports may use a single payment terminal.

For publicly accessible charging stations with a power output below 50 kW, operators are not required to add a card terminal. Other options that foster internet-connected, secure payments, such as a QR code, are permissible.

Additionally, AFIR mandates that prices charged by operators of publicly accessible charging points shall be “reasonable, easily and clearly comparable, transparent and non-discriminatory.” All new public EV charging stations 50 kW of capacity or more must set prices based on the price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for the electricity delivered. Operators are allowed to charge an occupancy fee as a price per minute to discourage long occupancy of the charging point but must communicate the fee before the customer begins charging. Chargers with a power output of less than 50 kW should also clearly list ad hoc pricing before charging commences.

How does AFIR expand smart EV charging?

Overall, AFIR and other EV charging regulations aim to reduce obstacles for drivers using public charging stations. To provide more interoperability and better service, chargers are increasingly required to have an internet connection to enable smart charging, which often means adding SIM cards to EV charging stations. The ability to instantly exchange data between the charging stations, the CPO’s CPMS, mobility service providers, e-roaming platforms, distribution system operators (utilities), and end drivers not only results in customer satisfaction but also increases resiliency and lowers costs.

Network operators should be ready to embrace smart charging capabilities, including real-time energy metering and communications, to ensure the stability of the grid and optimize charging for the benefit of the grid and the driver. Support for demand response and bidirectional charging for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications is also critical.

For operators that service multiple regions, it’s best to assume that jurisdictional rules will influence each other. It’s good practice to focus on meeting AFIR and other requirements for all newly built EV charging infrastructure. This involves implementing smart chargers in your network, as well as selecting an EV charging management platform that:

• Provides robust smart EV charging capabilities, including advanced algorithms for smart energy management and support for demand response, and V2G readiness
• Has established roaming network relationships and support charging network-to-charging network communications
• Enables transparent management of complex billing and payments for drivers
• Simplifies finding chargers for drivers both inside and outside of your network
• Adheres to EV charging network standards, such as OCPP, OCPI, and ISO 15118.

How Does Driivz Help Network Operators Comply with AFIR?

Driivz enables European customers to seamlessly comply with Europe’s Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation in different ways. For example, Driivz’s integration with Payter’s Apollo payment terminals offers a comprehensive payment solution for EV drivers and is in full compliance with AFIR requirements for payment options. The partnership offers charge point operators the freedom to process Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards, as well as mobile payments, giving EV drivers convenient payment options. A mobile app makes it easy for customers to find chargers and make payments.

What’s more, Driivz offers extremely flexible billing options that enable tailoring tariffs, plans, and offerings to a wide variety of subscribers. With direct roaming integrations through peer-to-peer connections (OCPI) and other major roaming hubs, monthly roaming settlements with business partners are accurate and trouble-free. Driivz also works with any OCPP-compliant charger model, providing the freedom to grow your network.

Driivz’s smart energy management capabilities enable network operators to optimize how all energy sources at a site are used to accommodate EV charging, while considering unmanaged loads and the varying costs of energy from the grid. Driivz also supports openADR and complies with ISO 15118 so that network operators can participate in demand response programs and implement V2G for additional revenue and a future-proof business.