What is the AFIR regulation - and what does it mean for charging infrastructure operators?

AFIR – briefly explained

The AFIR replaces the previous EU directive AFID (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive) and sets legally binding minimum targets for all member states for the first time. It thus creates uniform framework conditions throughout Europe for the development and operation of charging and refueling infrastructure for alternative fuels. This includes charging solutions for cars, commercial vehicles and trucks, as well as refueling infrastructure for hydrogen, natural gas and shore power.

New requirements since April 2024

With the AFIR, clear guidelines came into force across the EU to simplify the use of electromobility and standardize access to charging points. Users can now charge their electric vehicles without having to sign a contract with a provider beforehand. Every new public charging station must also offer the option of contactless payment by debit or credit card. Furthermore, prices must be displayed clearly and transparently before the charging process starts.

These measures make charging electric vehicles simpler, more transparent and more customer-friendly – a decisive step towards establishing electric mobility throughout the EU.

AFIR and the European Green Deal

The AFIR is a core instrument of the Green Deal and supports the transformation to emission-free mobility.
The European Union obliges its member states to consistently coordinate the expansion of charging infrastructure with the ramp-up of electromobility. In future, fast-charging points are to be available at regular intervals along the most important European transport routes, at least every 60 kilometers. In addition, hydrogen filling stations must be set up at least every 150 kilometers in order to promote alternative drive technologies.

The regulation also stipulates that all new public charging points must enable contactless payment. Users should be able to charge and pay for their vehicle throughout the EU regardless of the operator or country – quickly, securely and without long-term contracts.

These Europe-wide uniform standards form the basis for a reliable and accessible charging infrastructure and make a significant contribution to achieving the climate targets.

Challenges for operators – and the right solution

For operators, the AFIR primarily means new requirements for payment processes and user-friendliness.

Here the reev Payment Terminal offers a ready-to-use solution: It enables contactless payment at public charging points and is fully integrated into the reev Platform platform. This allows operators to manage ad-hoc payments, user group management and billing centrally via one system – AFIR-compliant, secure and future-proof.

Intelligent charging and grid integration

Another focus of the AFIR is “smart charging”. This aims to reduce the load on electricity grids and use renewable energies more efficiently. The reev energy management system distributes the available energy according to demand, prevents peak loads and ensures a stable grid – all in the spirit of a sustainable, digital energy future.

Conclusion: AFIR as an opportunity for operators and users

The AFIR is more than just regulation – it is an important step towards making electromobility standardized, accessible and future-proof across Europe. Operators who opt for AFIR-compliant solutions at an early stage benefit twice over: they meet legal requirements and increase customer satisfaction and efficiency at the same time.  With reev, you get all the tools you need to effortlessly meet the requirements of AFIR – from intelligent control and energy management to simple payment.