AFIR explained: Rules for charging points

AFIR explained: what the EU regulation means for charging points

Standardised payment options, transparent prices and a better-developed charging infrastructure: with AFIR, the European Union aims to make public charging simpler and more reliable. The rules affect both charging-station operators and businesses that offer charging points at their sites. At the same time, EV drivers benefit from clearer procedures. But which rules are already in force, and why is 2027 an important year?

What is the AFIR regulation?

AFIR stands for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation. Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 has applied since 13 April 2024 and establishes binding Europe-wide rules for alternative fuels infrastructure. Alongside charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, it covers hydrogen refuelling stations and power supplies for ships and stationary aircraft, among other things.

The EU regulation is intended to ensure that sufficient, compatible and user-friendly infrastructure is developed in all member states. It replaced the previous Directive 2014/94/EU.

Which charging points are subject to AFIR requirements?

The operational requirements under Article 5 generally apply to publicly accessible charging points. Who owns the property is not the only deciding factor. A charging station in the car park of a supermarket, restaurant or shopping centre can also be publicly accessible if an unrestricted group of people is allowed to use it.

Private wallboxes available exclusively to a household or a clearly defined group of people, by contrast, are not subject to the same requirements. The rules also apply beyond charging stations along motorways or major European transport corridors. In principle, the EU regulation on charging points also covers public locations in cities and towns.

The specific obligations that apply depend, among other things, on charging power, location and the date of commissioning. Operators should therefore assess each site individually rather than treating all charging points covered by AFIR in the same way.

Pay easily and charge without a contract

A central aim of the AFIR regulation is what is known as ad hoc charging. EV drivers must be able to charge spontaneously at publicly accessible charging points without registering in advance or signing an ongoing contract with a charge point operator or mobility service provider.

For publicly accessible charging points put into operation since April 13, 2024, AFIR requires suitable electronic payment options. At charging points rated at 50 kilowatts or more, operators must offer card readers or devices with contactless payment functionality, for example. At charging points below 50 kilowatts, secure internet-based payment may also be an option, such as a QR code leading to a payment page. The transaction must be reliably protected.

An app or charging card may still offer additional benefits. However, it cannot be the only way to charge spontaneously if doing so requires registration and signing a more extensive contract.

Greater price transparency at public charging stations

Alongside payment, AFIR also regulates how prices must be displayed. Users should be able to see what a charging session will cost before it starts. Prices must be reasonable, transparent, clearly comparable and non-discriminatory.

For publicly accessible charging points of 50 kilowatts or more installed since 13 April 2024, the ad-hoc price must generally be based on the amount of energy supplied in kilowatt-hours. An additional time-based idle fee may be charged to discourage unnecessarily long stays. The price must be visible directly at the charging station, for example on a display or sticker. Merely referring customers to an external website is not sufficient.

At charging points below 50 kilowatts, different price components may be used. However, operators must present them clearly and make them easily accessible before charging begins. This EU regulation on charging stations thus makes it easier to compare prices across the public charging network.

What changes in 2027?

AFIR includes an important transitional deadline for certain older fast-charging points. From 1 January 2027, publicly accessible charging points rated at least 50 kilowatts along the Trans-European Transport Network, or TEN-T, and in safe and secure parking areas must support the prescribed electronic payment options. This also applies if the charging points were installed before 13 April 2024.

However, the deadline does not mean that every older charging station in the EU must automatically be retrofitted by 2027. Location, accessibility and power rating remain decisive. Operators should nevertheless assess their existing installations early. Technical upgrades, new payment solutions and changes to price displays often require sufficient lead time.

What AFIR compliance means for operators and drivers

AFIR compliance is about more than a card terminal. A charging point is AFIR-compliant only when all applicable requirements have been taken into account. Depending on the installation, these include ad-hoc charging, suitable payment methods, transparent prices, digital connectivity, and technical and organisational processes. Reliable provision of location, availability and pricing data is also becoming increasingly important.

For drivers, the regulation is gradually creating a more consistent charging experience: charging stations should be easier to use, display prices more clearly and allow spontaneous payments without long-term commitments. Operators and site partners also gain clear parameters for new investments in charging infrastructure.

How JOLT makes charging simple and transparent

At JOLT, we already show how flexible payment works in everyday life. At our fast-charging stations with up to 360 kilowatts, you can pay by QR code, the JOLT app or credit card, as well as through compatible charging apps and RFID cards.

We also plan, finance and operate urban fast-charging solutions together with businesses and municipalities. In doing so, we support a development that AFIR is also driving: public charging should be fast, transparent and easy to access.

Discover the JOLT charging network now and find the right fast-charging point for your next stop!