If you want to operate one or more public charging stations, you must observe and implement the guidelines of the Charging Station Regulation (LSV). The LSV has been in force since 2016 and was last amended by an amendment in November 2021.
We have summarized the most important information about LSV for you.
What is LSV?
The LSV applies to operators of publicly accessible quick and normal charging points in Germany. It defines responsibilities for and requirements on public charging infrastructure.
With the implementation of “technical minimum requirements for the safe and interoperable construction and operation of publicly accessible charging points for electric vehicles”, the European requirements of Article 4 Paragraph 9 of Directive 2014/94/EU are transferred into German law.
Why is LSV so important?
With its climate protection plans, the Federal Government ensures that EU directives are implemented at the German level. At the same time, this should significantly reduce CO2 emissions in traffic and improve air quality and noise pollution in conurbations and other densely populated areas.
Electromobility plays a central role in achieving these goals. Accordingly, there should be between seven and ten million electric vehicles on Germany’s roads by 2030.
In order to implement these requirements, a comprehensive, safe and user-friendly charging infrastructure is necessary. The LSV ensures this in the public sector and thus contributes to the implementation of the climate and energy goals of the EU and Germany.
When is a charging station considered publicly accessible?
A charging point is publicly accessible if it is located either in public space or on private property with a parking space that can be accessed by an unspecified group of people or one that can only be determined based on general characteristics.
What is the content of the LSV?
Responsibility
Operators of charging stations are responsible for their operation (functionality, maintenance, repairs). The operator is whoever has a decisive influence on the operation of a charging point, taking into account the legal, economic and factual circumstances. Service providers (e.g. electromobility providers) can be used to fulfill this task.
Reporting obligation
Construction and decommissioning must be reported to the Federal Network Agency in writing or electronically no later than 2 weeks after commissioning or immediately upon dismantling.
No discrimination
The LSV prescribes non-discriminatory access to charging facilities (EU directive). When setting up charging stations, care should be taken to ensure that all users can charge independently of the provider and that no plug types are excluded in order to enable all vehicle owners of electric cars to charge.
Plug requirements
Normal and fast charging points, where AC charging is possible, must be provided with at least one type 2 connection according to the standard DIN EN 62196-2, December 2014 edition.
According to DIN EN 62196-3 standard, July 2012 edition, normal and fast charging points at which direct current charging is possible must be provided with at least one Combo 2 type connection.
Data interface
Charging points set up after March 1, 2022 must have a standardized interface that can be used to transmit authorization and billing data as well as dynamic data on operational readiness and occupancy status.
This data is intended to be used in particular for eRoaming and is thus used to network charging station operators and mobility providers.
The data interface increases the transparency of the charging process and simplifies charging for users. It also makes it possible to offer digital services related to charging.
Billing and payment
Charging at public charging stations must be possible without a permanent electricity supply contract having to be concluded. At least one of the following requirements must be implemented:
– Pay with cash or gift without authentication
– Cashless payment process with authentication (see ad hoc charging)
a) Payment via a common card-based payment system (credit or debit card) in the immediate vicinity of the charging point or
b) a mobile web-based system (QR code, app, NFC).
In order to make payment for spontaneous charging (ad hoc) easier and more transparent, all charging stations that go into operation from July 1, 2023, must enable contactless payment by credit or debit card. Existing charging stations do not have to be retrofitted. As a result of this regulation, charging stations must in the future be equipped with a PIN pad for entering the PIN for card payments.
What else do I have to consider when setting up and operating a charging infrastructure?
When setting up a charging infrastructure, various grants can be claimed.
In addition to the LSV, the following topics are relevant when setting up and operating a charging infrastructure:
- Hardware security
- Software security
- Different types of connectors and cables
- Charging and load management
- Calibration law
Last update: 12/2021