AFIR and OCPP

The AFIR regulation by the European Commission aims to promote the expansion of alternative fuels infrastructure, including electricity and hydrogen, throughout the EU. The regulation has several objectives, including ensuring uniform technical standards, promoting interoperability, enhancing user-friendliness, and transparency. AFIR comes into force as of April 13th, 2024.

Under the regulation, EU Member States are required to provide publicly accessible charging stations for electric vehicles. A certain minimum available charging power is required, related to the number of electric vehicles registered in the respective countries. The regulation also sets distance-based targets for the availability of charging stations along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), including requirements for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles.

To ensure compatibility and standardization, the regulation defines technical specifications for electric vehicle recharging points, covering aspects such as socket outlets, vehicle connectors, plug and socket types and sizes, and communication protocols. Recharging points must be compatible with common connectors and use intelligent metering systems to measure and record electricity supply.

User-friendliness and transparency are emphasized in the regulation. Charging stations must provide clear information on pricing, availability, and location, and allow ad-hoc access without a pre-existing contract. Standard payment methods like credit cards or mobile apps should be supported, and discrimination between users or service providers is prohibited.

Smart charging is also encouraged to optimize the use of renewable energy sources and encourage recharging at times of low general electricity demand and low energy prices, with benefits for the electricity system and for the end user.