Questions and answers on the regulation on the deployment of alternative fuels Infrastructure (EU 2023/1804)

Is bi-directional communication with the grid equivalent to bi-directional recharging? Can you clarify the meaning of ‘to measure electricity flows’ under Article 2(17)

• Bi-directional communication and bi-directional recharging refer to different aspects:
  • Bi-directional communication with the grid means that the recharging point can exchange information in both directions with the electricity grid. In the case of bi-directional communication with the vehicle, it means the recharging point can exchange information in both directions with the vehicle. 
  • Bidirectional recharging refers to a smart recharging operation where the direction of the electricity flow can be reversed (see definition in Art 2(11). 
• ‘to measure electricity flows’ means the capability to quantify how much electric power is circulating through the recharging point. 

The definition only explains the term “digitally connected recharging point” while Article 5(7) stipulates that the operators of recharging points shall ensure that all publicly accessible recharging points have to be digitally connected by 14 October 2024. AFIR does not introduce a right for DSOs/TSOs to have accessibility to real time electricity flows from the recharging infrastructure. AFIR also does not grant the general right that DSOs/TSOs can “start and stop” a recharging session at any time.

It follows from the definition of “operator of a recharging point” (Art 2(39) that it is the operator who is responsible for the management and operation of the recharging point.

The recharging service is provided by the operator of a recharging point. In case of contract-based payment, the recharging service is provided by the operator of a recharging point on behalf of a mobility service provider.  

The definition introduces the concept of e-roaming and refers to the roles of operators of recharging and refuelling points and mobility service providers. The operator of a recharging point and a mobility service provider may or may not be affiliated.  

A limited and determinate group of persons is a group of identified persons that  are specifically authorised by the owner or tenant of the property on which the recharging point is located to access that property for other purposes than using the parking area or the recharging infrastructure. Members of the group have to be identifiable for this purpose. Such a limited and determinate group of persons could for example be residents of an apartment building or employees at an office building.

The opening hours are irrelevant when determining if a recharging point is accessible to the public. Only where the access to the property on which the recharging point is located is reserved for a ”limited and determinate group of persons” [with a specific authorisation relating to other purpose than just parking or using the recharging infrastructure,] can the recharging point be considered as non-publicly accessible.

Limiting a parking area where recharging points are located to a limited and determinate group of persons requires that the parking area is not accessible to non-authorised users (see also answer to question 2.7). This includes cases where there is a legal prohibition to park (e.g. for bus or taxi stops).

An example of a “limited and determinate group of persons” are employees, as they are individually known to their employer and associated owner/tenant of the parking area and have received a specific long-term authorisation to use the parking area of that property. However, a general group of persons that can become customers at any moment cannot be considered a “limited and determinate group of persons”.

There are no limitations in terms of time availability. Limiting the operating hours (for example on supermarket parking areas that can only be used during the opening hours of the supermarket) does not affect the classifications of recharging points as “publicly accessible”.

The concept of public accessibility refers to the possibility to have access to the parking area where the recharging or refuelling point is located. If that parking area is accessible to the general public and is not reserved to a “limited and determinate group of persons”, the recharging or refuelling point is therefore considered to be publicly accessible.

As follows from Article 2(45), a recharging point that is located at a site (such as parking area) which is open to the general public qualifies as a publicly accessible recharging point, irrespective of any limitations or conditions that may be imposed in terms of access to the site.

As long as the parking area is accessible to the general public, all recharging points located within this parking area are publicly accessible recharging points. Putting a sign has no influence on the assessment if the recharging point is accessible to the public in the meaning of the AFIR.

As long as the parking spot can be used by the general public, recharging points situated at this parking spot are always publicly accessible. Only when the curbside parking spot is restricted for the use of specific vehicles or a limited and determinate group of users can the recharging points be considered non publicly accessible, for example when the curbside parking is reserved for public transport vehicles, taxis, police cars or car sharing vehicles.

A recharging point is publicly accessible if the parking area where the recharging station is located is accessible to the general public. It is irrelevant if a parking fee has to be paid for entering the parking area for assessing if a recharging station is publicly accessible or not.

Recharging points that are located in areas of a larger parking lot that can only be used by a “limited and determinate group of persons” (e.g. employees of the company renting that parking spot) are not publicly accessible. This is independent of the existence of any physical separation of the private parking area from parking areas for the public.

In general, parking spaces (indoor and outdoor) of a residential property are reserved to the owners/tenants (i.e. a limited and determinate group of persons) of the property and cannot be used by the general public. Therefore, recharging points located on such properties are not considered to be publicly accessible unless the owner makes the parking spaces accessible to the general public.

As long as the parking area from where the recharging points can be used is reserved for employees only (i.e. a limited and determinate group of persons), the recharging points are not considered to be publicly accessible.

The parking areas on the premises of restaurant, shops, or similar entities offering goods or services are usually open to the public that intends to become a customer. As provided for in recital 11 of the Regulation, a recharging or refuelling point located on private property that is accessible to the public should be considered to be publicly accessible also in cases where access is restricted to a certain general group of users, for example to clients.

(*) Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1012 of 7 April 2022 supplementing Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to the establishment of standards detailing the level of service and security of safe and secure parking areas and to the procedures for their certification

Articles 4(1)(e) and (f) clearly stipulate that publicly accessible recharging points need to be deployed in safe and secure parking areas. Those recharging points therefore have to meet all requirements applicable to publicly accessible recharging points.

Furthermore, and more generally, when a parking area is available to any member of the public that intends to become a customer of the parking and/or recharging or refuelling services, requirements for pre-booking and identification at the gate do not in themselves determine the existence of a “limited and determinate group of persons” with exclusive right to access that parking area. Safe and secure parking areas are accessible to any operator  intending to make use of their services (and therefore not to a limited and determinate group of persons), and are therefore considered publicly accessible, irrespective of any requirement to book in advance or to identify at the gate.

(*) Directive (EU) 2018/844 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 amending Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings and Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency

AFIR does not include obligations to deploy recharging stations at specific locations. Recharging points at supermarkets are considered publicly accessible under AFIR and therefore have to meet the corresponding provisions under Article 5 of AFIR and can be counted towards the targets under Article 3(1) of AFIR. EPBD introduces targets for recharging points in certain buildings. If those recharging points are considered to be publicly accessible, they have to meet the corresponding requirements and can be counted towards the targets under Article 3(1) of AFIR.

Bus stops are not sites open to the general public. They are only accessible to vehicles that are authorised to use the bus stop. Therefore, recharging points installed to serve vehicles parked at a bus stop are not publicly accessible.

the applicable use conditions of the alternative fuels infrastructure in the context of Article 2(45) can relate to all aspects of the exact operation of the infrastructure, for example the available power output, price structure or payment methods offered. The logic here is that an operator cannot apply certain conditions for the use of the infrastructure and thereby affect the categorisation as a publicly accessible recharging point.

Recital 10 describes in detail the relations between, “recharging point”, “recharging station” and “recharging pool”.

A recharging station is a physical installation that includes one or more recharging points.

A recharging pool refers to a "cluster" with one or more recharging stations at a specific location. A recharging pool can consist of recharging stations operated by different operators as long as they are located at the same specific location, for example at a single motorway service station or rest area.

There are no clear rules defined as to the maximum distance between recharging stations that can be considered as one recharging pool. Normally, all recharging stations of a recharging pool would be located within one service or parking area. In any case, all recharging stations belonging to a recharging pool need to be located at a maximum distance of 3 km from the nearest exit as specified in Article 2(3)(a) in order to count towards the targets specified in Articles 3(4) and 4(1).

To which extent recharging stations that are not located within a clearly confined area, e.g. a service area, can be counted in meeting the requirements for one recharging pool will have to be decided on a case by case analysis.

Article 2(48) explicitly includes mobile and off grid recharging points into the definition of recharging points. Therefore, those recharging points – provided they fall under the definition of recharging point in Article 2(48) - and their operation fall under the scope of AFIR.

The operator of a mobile recharging point remains an operator of a recharging point in the meaning of AFIR. However, in addition, he can also be a mobility service provider within the meaning of Article 5(5) of AFIR.

The total aggregated power output provided by publicly accessible recharging stations in a Member State is calculated by adding the power output of each publicly accessible recharging station deployed in a Member State. The data has to be reported by each Member State following the provisions in Article 18 of AFIR. AFIR does not prescribe the data sources to be used for this reporting.

As stipulated in the definitions (Article 2(52), a recharging station can consist of one or more recharging points. A recharging station with a total power output of 150 kW can therefore consist of two recharging points of 150 kW. A recharging point with a power output of 150 kW means that a vehicle can charge at this recharging point with a power output of up to 150 kW. However, AFIR does not require that each recharging point needs to provide its maximum power at all times.

In the case described in the question, each recharging point has a power output of 150 kW, and the recharging station also has a power output of 150 kW. In this case the recharging station determines the maximum power output provided by the two recharging points when used simultaneously. A more detailed explanation of how the power output of a recharging station is determined is provided in question 3.4.

Article 2(44) defines that “‘power output’ means the theoretical maximum power, expressed in kW, that a recharging point, station or pool, or a shore-side electricity supply installation can provide to vehicles or vessels connected to that recharging point, station, pool or installation”.

For the recharging station this is to be understood as the theoretical maximum power expressed in kW when all recharging points of that recharging station are used.

This follows from recital (10) that states “A recharging station is a physical installation for the recharging of electric vehicles. Every recharging station has a theoretical maximum power output, expressed in kW, and has at least one recharging point that can serve only one vehicle at a time. The number of recharging points at a recharging station determines the number of vehicles that can be recharged at that station at any given time. Where more than one vehicle recharges at a recharging station at a given time, the maximum power output is distributed to the different recharging points in such a way that the power provided at each individual recharging point is lower than the power output of that recharging station.”

This means for example that a recharging station with a theoretical maximum of 200 kW that can only provide 200 kW at any given moment when all recharging points are occupied counts as a recharging station with a power output of 200 kW; even if this station has two recharging points of a power output of 150 kW.

Article 3(1) clearly stipulates that the power output per registered electric vehicle must be provided through publicly accessible recharging stations. The fleet-based target must therefore be calculated on the basis of the cumulated power output of the publicly accessible recharging stations deployed in each Member State.

The AFIR provisions are limited to the total aggregated power output of the recharging stations within each recharging pool. The AFIR does not require a specific connected or contracted grid capacity in relation to the aggregated power output of the recharging stations.

The AFIR does not address the design of the recharging pools. It does not require that the recharging points or stations must be able to provide their maximum rated power at every moment in time or for a specific period.

(...) Are plug-in hybrid vehicles counted towards reaching this 15% share? What could be an example of the “adverse effects” referred to in this article?

Article 3 (2) refers exclusively to battery electric vehicles, which are defined in Article 2 (10) as “an electric vehicle that runs exclusively on the electric motor, with no secondary source of propulsion”. Plug-in hybrid vehicles do therefore not count towards the 15% threshold referred to in Article 3 (2).

“Adverse effects” are not defined in AFIR. It is up to the Member State applying for authorisation to describe and appropriately demonstrate the existence of such adverse effects, and their negative impacts in terms of discouraging private investment. The Commission will assess the reasoned request and take an appropriate decision, taking into account the demonstration of the adverse effects provided by the Member State, and verifying that the share of battery electric vehicles represents at least 15% of the total fleet of light-duty vehicles registered in that Member State.

The same infrastructure can contribute to more than one of these targets, provided that it meets all the relevant requirements for each of the targets. For example, a recharging pool deployed in a safe and secure parking area along the TEN-T core road network in 2027 can contribute to both the targets set under Article 4(1) points (b) and (e), provided that it offers a power output of at least 2,800 kW and it includes at least two recharging points with an individual power output of at least 350 kW.

Article 3 (11) and Article 4(9) aim to prevent a situation where maximum distances are respected within the territory of individual Member States, but not in cross-border sections; an example of this would be the following:

• A section of the TEN-T road network crosses the border between Member State A and Member State B;
• The last recharging pool on the territory of Member State A is 50 km away from the border, and the first recharging pool in Member State B is also 50 km away from that border; In this example, both MSs meet the respective requirements (there is no section of the TEN-T road on their territory with more than 60km between recharging pools), but the total distance between the two successive recharging pools along the same TEN-T section is 100 km. Article 3 (11) requires the two Member States to prevent this and ensure that this cross-border section also respects the relevant maximum distances.

These provisions are not relevant for motorway sections that do not reach the Member State’s border: these remain subject to the normal rules about maximum distance and minimum power output set out in paragraph 4 of Article 3 and paragraph 1 of Article 4 respectively.

Question 4.3: Will a Member State making use of derogations under Articles 3 (7), 3 (8), 3 (9), 4(4), 4(5), 4(6) and 6(4) need to stop using the derogation if the relevant annual average daily traffic changes?

Articles 3(7), 3(8), 4(4), 4(5) and 6(4) allow Member States to make use of certain derogations from the provisions setting maximum distances and minimum power output or hydrogen capacity, provided that two conditions are satisfied: the relevant average daily traffic is below the threshold specified in the respective article, and the deployment of infrastructure cannot be justified in socio-economic cost-benefit terms. Both conditions need to be met in order for the derogation to be applied. It is up to the Member State wishing to apply this derogation to demonstrate that both conditions are met.

Article 3 and Article 4 refer to publicly accessible recharging infrastructure dedicated respectively to LDVs and HDVs. Recharging infrastructure dedicated to LDVs cannot be counted for the HDV targets, and vice-versa.

In most cases, especially in service areas along highways, physical limitations, safety requirements and operational needs prevent the same infrastructure from being used by both LDVs and HDVs. In those cases when the same infrastructure is accessible to and effectively serves both vehicle categories, and meets all relevant requirements in terms e.g. of power output, location, maximum distances, etc., so that it could be counted for either LDV or HDV targets, Member States can decide for which target (LDV or HDV) it is counted. However, the Member State cannot count the infrastructure for both targets.

If a recharging pool dedicated to HDVs or a hydrogen refuelling station is located along the TEN-T road network – i.e. within a driving distance of respectively 3km and 10km from the nearest exit – as well as within an urban node, and it meets the relevant requirements, it can be counted towards the targets for both the TEN-T road network and the target for urban nodes.

No. As long as it meets the minimum capacity or power output requirement for the TEN-T – which are higher than those for urban nodes – it can be counted for both the TEN-T and urban node targets. If it meets the relevant requirements for infrastructure in urban nodes, but not for that on TEN-T, it can be counted for the urban nodes target, but not for the TEN-T target.

In order to be counted towards the targets in Article 4(1) AFIR, a recharging pool needs to be deployed “along the TEN-T road network”, meaning that it has to be on the TEN-T road network or within 3 km driving distance from the nearest exit of a TEN-T road; for hydrogen refuelling stations, the driving distance from the nearest exit of a TEN-T road can be up to 10km. These distances are provided for under the definition of “along the TEN-T road network”, in Article 2 (3).

The distance is calculated starting from the beginning of the road exit, i.e. the point where the exit ramp separates from the TEN-T road.

The driving distances set in article 2 (3) refer to the one-way travel from the TEN-T exit to the recharging point or hydrogen refuelling station. A hydrogen refuelling station located at 9km driving distance from the nearest TEN-T exit (thus requiring 18km total driving to get from the TEN-T exit to the refuelling station and then back on the TEN-T road) is “along the TEN-T road network”.

In line with Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, the targets set for the comprehensive network under Article 3 (4) (b) AFIR are additional to the targets set for the core network under 3 (4) (a) AFIR. In the example presented above, by 31 December 2027 the Member State in question is required to ensure full coverage of the TEN-T core network in accordance with article 3 (4) (a) (ii) and in addition a coverage of 50% of the TEN-T comprehensive network which excludes the TEN-T core network in accordance with article 3 (4) (b) (i).

When setting targets for shares of the total TEN-T core and comprehensive network together, as is the case for HDV recharging infrastructure targets under Article 4 (1) (a) and (4) (1) (b), the AFIR refers to “the length of the TEN-T road network” which includes the TEN-T core and the TEN-T comprehensive network.

The targets under paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) of Article 4 (1) are set for “the length of the TEN-T road network”, including both core and comprehensive network. When a share of that network is mentioned, as is the case under paragraphs (a) and (b), this is calculated based on the total length of the network, without distinction between core and comprehensive. In the example above, therefore, the target is met if 1 500 km of the network comply with the relevant requirements, irrespective of whether they are part of the core or comprehensive network.

This is without prejudice to the fact that the requirements that a given segment of the network has to comply with for this purpose can be different depending on whether the segment is part of the core or comprehensive network; in particular, Article 4 (1) (b), sets different power output requirements for publicly accessible recharging pools on the core or comprehensive network.

For the calculation of the percentages of the length of the TEN-T network referred to in Article 3 and Article 4, the length of the network in both directions of travel should be used for both the numerator and the denominator (E.g. a TEN-T road with a length of 100 km in each direction would count as 200 km). The numerator can be calculated by dividing the network in segments, each one delimited by a recharging pool and/or by the beginning/end of the network. All segments between two recharging pools, or between a recharging pool and the beginning/end of the network, where the distance between the two is up to the specified maximum distance (60km for the purpose of article 3 (5), or 120 km for the purpose of Article 4 (2)) are counted for the numerator, for each direction of travel for which these conditions are met. Segments where the relevant maximum distance is exceeded are not counted. No segment can be counted more than once per direction of travel, so that the section of a road preceding a junction will only be counted once even though the recharging point will be used to calculate the distances along both arms of the junction.

A practical example of how the calculation can be performed is provided below.

Assuming that each recharging pool in this example meets the relevant requirements in terms of minimum power output, the calculation can be performed in this way:

• The total length of the network in the example is 490 km in each direction, so the denominator is 980 (490 x 2)
• For the calculation of the numerator, the different sections are counted as follows:
  • The section between point 1 and recharging pool A is not to be counted, as the distance between the beginning/end of the network and the first recharging pool is more than 60km
  • The sections between recharging pool A and E (through junction 6), between point 2 and recharging pool D and between recharging pool E and F, F and H (through junction 7), and H and I are all served by recharging pools serving both directions, with a maximum distance of up to 60km between recharging pools and/or the beginning/end of the network; therefore they are all to be counted twice (once per direction of travel). The section between recharging pool H and junction 7 is shared between sections F-H and H-I, and will only be counted once; the section between recharging pool A and junction 6 is also shared (see point below) Sections to be counted: A-6 = 40km x2 = 80; 6-E = 20km x2 = 40; 2-D = 10km x 2 = 20; E-F = 40km x2 = 80; F-7 = 10 km x2 = 20; H-7 = 10 km x2 = 20; 7-I = 40km x2 = 80. Total = 340
  • The sections between recharging pool D and recharging pool B, between recharging pool B and recharging pool A (through junction 6), and between recharging pool A and recharging pool C (through junction 6) all meet the requirements in one direction of travel; however, when driving in the direction from C to D, this is a section of more than 60km not served by a recharging pool; the section from C to D should therefore not be counted for that direction of travel. Sections to be counted: D-B = 50km; B-6 = 20km (6-A = 40km, already counted as part of A-E above) 6-C = 10km (A-6 = 40km, already counted as part of A-E above). Total = 80
  • The section between point 3 and recharging pool H is served by recharging pool G, which is 2 km driving distance from the nearest exit of the TEN-T road, and is therefore considered to be “along the TEN-T network”. The sections between point 3 and recharging pool G, and between recharging pools G and H are therefore both shorter than 60km and served by recharging pools in both directions. The section between point 3 and recharging pool H is therefore to be counted twice (once per direction of travel): 3-H= 70km x 2 = 140
  • The section between recharging pool I and point 5 is 60km and served by a recharging pool in both directions, and is to be counted; however, the section between recharging pool I and point 4 is longer than 60 km. The section between point 4 and junction 8 should therefore not be counted, while the sections between recharging pool I and junction 8, and between junction 8 and point 5 should be counted for both directions of travel: I-8 = 30km x 2 = 60; 8-5 = 30km x2 = 60. Total = 120
• The numerator is therefore 680, while the denominator is 980; the percentage of the network for the purposes of Article 3 AFIR is 680/980 = 69.3%

The example above is based on the provisions of Article 3 AFIR, for recharging pools dedicated to light-duty vehicles; the same approach can be used for the calculation of network percentages served by recharging pools dedicated to heavy-duty vehicles under Article 4 AFIR, provided that the maximum distance of 120 km (instead of 60km) and the relevant requirements in terms of minimum power output are applied.

The driving distance between the recharging pool or hydrogen refuelling station and the nearest exit of the TEN-T road network is part of the distance between two recharging or refuelling stations, and therefore has to be taken into account. This is illustrated in the example below:

In this example, recharging pools A and F are located on the TEN-T network; recharging pools B, C and D are located within the maximum allowed driving distance from the nearest TEN-T exit, while recharging pool E is farther away (more than 3km driving distance from the nearest exit).

In this case, assuming that each recharging pool in this example meets the relevant requirements in terms of minimum power output, the maximum distance of 60km between recharging pools is respected by the segment between recharging pools A and B (20 km distance between A and the exit, 2km between the exit and B, for a total of 22 km), and between recharging pool C and D (2km driving distance between C and the exit, 30km between the two exits, 2km between the exit and D, for a total of 34 km). The distance between recharging pools B and C is 64 km (2km driving distance between B and the exit, 60km between the two exits, 2km between the exit and C, for a total of 64km), therefore this segment does not respect the maximum distance.

Finally, because recharging pool E is located at a driving distance of 4km from the nearest exit, it is not considered to be located along the TEN-T road network; the distance to be considered is therefore between recharging points D and F – since this is 72km (2km distance between D and the exit, 70 km distance between the exit and F), this segment does not respect the maximum distance.

The numerator in this example is therefore 100, while the denominator is 360; the percentage of the network for the purposes of article 3 is 100/360 = 27,8%

Yes. When the AFIR requires a minimum number of recharging points, each with a minimum individual power output, this requirement can be met with the same number of recharging points, each one providing the minimum individual power output required or a higher individual power output.

The mapping of safe and secure parking areas will be performed in the context of the TEN-T Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1679). Recharging points installed in those areas will be mapped in the context of AFIR, in the same way as other recharging points.

Articles 4 and 6 set targets for the deployment of recharging and refuelling infrastructure in urban nodes. This applies to all urban nodes identified in the TEN-T Regulation in force at the time of application of the respective target. Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 repealed Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 with effect from 18 July 2024 and therefore all AFIR targets with regards to urban nodes apply to the urban nodes identified in Regulation (EU) 2024/1679.

(...) Is the distance from the TEN-T road network to the recharging pool included in the maximum distance of 60 km between the recharging pools?

The maximum distance between recharging pools along the TEN-T road network is set in Article 3(4)(a) and (b) AFIR for LDV recharging infrastructure, and Article 4(1), (c) and (d) AFIR for HDV recharging infrastructure. In accordance with those articles, the driving distance between two consecutive recharging pools must not exceed 60km (or 100 km in case of recharging pools for HDV along the TEN-T comprehensive network). This should be calculated including the segments of up to 3 km between the recharging pool and the nearest exit of a TEN-T road that are allowed under the definition of “along the TEN-T road network” in Article 2(3) (a) AFIR.

Articles 3(5)(b) and 4(2)(b) AFIR also refer to the allowed maximum distance between recharging pools, to determine whether a given segment of the TEN-T network should be included in the numerator for the purpose of calculating the percentage of the TEN-T network that meets the requirements set out in Articles 3(4) and 4(1) AFIR respectively:

• When the distance between two recharging pools is up to 60 km (or 120 km for HDVs under article 4(2)(b) AFIR), including also the segments of up to 3 km between each recharging pool and the nearest exit of a TEN-T road, the corresponding segment of the TEN-T road network should be included in the numerator.
• When the distance between two consecutive recharging pools (including also the segments between each recharging pool and the nearest exit of a TEN-T road) is more than 60 km (or 120 km for HDVs under art. 4(2)(b) AFIR), the corresponding TEN-T road segment should be excluded from the numerator.

In all these cases, the TEN-T road segment will be shorter than the actual distance between the two recharging pools. While the distance between the two recharging pools is to be used to determine whether the segment in question meets the requirements, the value to be added to calculate the cumulated length of the sections of the TEN-T road network meeting the requirements is the length of the TEN-T road segment in question.

The requirements laid down in Article 5 apply to all publicly accessible recharging points, except where explicitly stated otherwise, for example Article 5(1), third sub paragraph only applies to recharging points above 50 kW deployed along the TEN-T network.

’Payment instrument’ is defined in Article 4(14) of the Directive (EU) 2015/2366 of the European Parliament and of the Council as “a personalised device(s) and/or set of procedures agreed between the payment service user and the payment service provider and used in order to initiate a payment order”. ‘Payment service provider’ is defined in Article 4, point (11) of Directive (EU) 2015/2366 as “a body [as] referred to in Article 1(1) [of that Directive] or a natural or legal person benefiting from an exemption pursuant to Article 32 or 33 [of that Directive]. According to Union legislation, and in particular Directive (EU) 2015/2366 and Directive 2009/110/CE, only credit institutions, payment institutions, and e-money institutions can issue payment instruments. The European Banking Authority (EBA) maintains an exhaustive list of payment institutions and e-money institutions.

Examples of widely used payment instruments are debit cards, widely used credit cards and cash. A payment instrument can be considered “widely used in the Union” for the purposes of AFIR if it is used by a significant share of Union citizens that are of legal age for driving a vehicle. The payment instrument should moreover be supported in most, if not all Union Member States.

The term ‘payment card’ was not defined in AFIR, as it was considered to be a commonly understood notion. Payment cards include for example debit and credit cards.

If end users can only pay in cash for an ad hoc recharging session, this would not meet the requirements of Article 5(1).

Article 5(1) requires that operators of recharging points shall accept electronic payments through terminals and devices used for payment services.

Article 5(1) then lists different types of terminals and devices that operators of recharging points can choose from, depending on the power output of the recharging point.

Operators of recharging points are at liberty to provide additional payment options to end users, including but not limited to the possibility to pay in cash.

The purpose and functionalities of the terminals and devices referred to in Article 5(1) (a) and Article 5.1 (b) are essentially the same: they allow for payments to take place. Their main difference lies in the way they function.

A ‘payment card reader’ is a terminal or device that uses the chip embedded in a debit or credit card to exchange data and enable payments.

A ‘device with a contactless functionality that is at least able to read payment cards’, or Near Field Communication (NFC) reader, by contrast uses short-range wireless communication to exchange data and enable payments.

A ‘payment card reader’ will always require a physical payment card with a chip (debit or credit card) to enable payments, while a ‘device with a contactless functionality that is at least able to read payment cards’ could equally read physical payments cards but also communicate with other payment instruments such as a digital wallet on a mobile phone to enable payments.

The distinction between a “payment card reader” and a “device with a contactless functionality” has no relevance for the question whether such a terminal or device for payment services should be equipped with a PIN pad. Whether the presence of a PIN pad is required depends on the payment instrument that is used for the payment transaction, and the consumer authentication requirements applicable to that payment instrument.

The regulation does not specifically require that the device reads physical payment cards meaning that a device that reads payment cards embedded in digital apps (e.g. a mobile wallet application) is equally sufficient to meet the requirement as long as other requirements of Article 5(1) are being met in particular with regards to the payment instrument being used and the requirements related to ad hoc recharging. Typically, current devices in the market with a contactless functionality are capable of reading both physical and digitally embedded payment cards.

However, the above explanation refers to payments through a digital wallet or mobile phone application issued for example by a credit institution, payment institution or e-money institution that in general is used for payment services. In contrast, devices that only accept a smartphone application of an operator of recharging point or a mobility service provider, even if it had a credit card embedded in it, would not appear to meet the requirements of Article 5(1). According to Recital 36 and Article 2(47) of AFIR ad hoc recharging must be possible without the need to enter into a contract with the operator of the recharging or a mobility service provider that goes beyond the mere purchase of the recharging service. An application operated by mobility service provider (MSP) or a charge point operator (CPO) would always require the registration of the end user and the acceptance of the terms of use which means a contract is being established between the end user and the CPO or MSP that goes beyond the mere purchase of a recharging service.

Article 5(1) of AFIR stipulates that the operator must accept electronic payment through devices using an internet connection and allowing for secure payment transactions. That includes all devices that meet those requirements, including those built into the recharging station as well as mobile devices of the end user.

In principle a static or dynamic QR code referring the user to a website through which secure payment transactions are carried out through a mobile phone could be in line with this provision. However, no matter which technical solution is adopted it must ensure a secure payment transaction. Therefore, a static QR code could be in line with AFIR as long as it is readable and the security of the payment transaction is ensured.

Payments via Plug and Charge (communication through ISO 15118-2 or -20) are not relevant in the context of Article 5(1), as this Article relates to ‘recharging on an ad hoc basis’. Plug and Charge, by contrast, is a technology to enable automatic authentication and authorisation of a recharging session based on a contract-based payment established between an end user and a mobility service provider.

AFIR does not provide specific thresholds or criteria for assessing if prices charged are reasonable, easily and clearly comparable, transparent and non-discriminatory. Compliance has to be assessed on a case by case basis and it is ultimately up to the European Court of Justice to assess compliance with this provision.

Article 5(3) addresses the operators of publicly accessible recharging points and their price setting towards the end user (B2C level) and towards different mobility service providers (B2B level).

Article 5(4) clearly specifies that “the ad hoc price charged by the operator shall be based on the price per kWh for the electricity delivered”. The ad hoc price is the price charged by operators of recharging stations to end users to allow them to recharge on an ad hoc basis. The obligation in the first sentence of the first subparagraph of Article 5(4), to base the ad hoc price on the price per kWh for the electricity delivered, is therefore only applicable to transactions concerning ad hoc recharging.

(...) parking lot (i.e. a parking lot equipped with a recharging point, EVPL)?

Article 5(4) does not specify from what moment onwards an occupancy fee can be applied by the operator of a publicly accessible recharging point with a power output equal to or more than 50 kW. By contrast, Article 5(4) does specify the objective of the occupancy fee that may be applied, i.e. to discourage long occupancy of the recharging point. Any fee applied pursuant to that article must be proportionate and suitable to achieve that objective.

That assessment must be carried out on a case by case basis. However, an occupancy fee that is applied from the start of a recharging session prima facie does not appear to be proportional to the objective of discouraging long occupancy of the recharging point as it would apply also to situations where the recharging point is used only for the time necessary to recharge the vehicle.

Since the co-legislators used two different terms in these sentences, it implies that they have a different meaning.

The term “show” indicates that the price has to be visibly present at the recharging station (e.g. on a screen or on a sticker). A mere reference at the recharging station that the price is available digitally is not sufficient in this case.

The expression “making the information available” is used elsewhere in the Regulation: in particular in Article 5(5) and 7(4), which both refer to the obligation to make information available “through freely available, widely supported electronic means”.

Therefore, when the terminology “make available” is used, it means that the information on prices may be made available through electronic means. In that case, “making the information available at the recharging stations” could consist in a link to the electronic means (e.g. a QR code leading to a website, or the URL code of the website with the pricing information) that should be clearly and easily available to consumers at the recharging station so that they can consult the price information before initiating their recharging session.

The first and second subparagraphs of Article 5(4) set out obligations that likely have an impact on the design of recharging stations, so the co-legislators decided that it was sensible to allow the market to adapt to these new requirements. They therefore agreed to require that these new rules should only apply to publicly accessible recharging points with a power output equal to or more than 50 kW deployed from 13 April 2024.

The obligations in the third subparagraph of Article 5(4) apply from the date of application of the Regulation (13 April 2024) to all publicly accessible recharging points with a power output of less than 50 kW.

AFIR does not address transaction fees. However, for recharging points with a power output of more than 50 kW the regulation clearly stipulates that prices must be based on kWh and that only an occupancy fee can be charged in addition. This excludes the possibility to charge transaction fees at those recharging points.

AFIR does not specifically regulates reservation services, which therefore in principle fall outside the scope of application of the regulation.

No, except if explicitly provided otherwise, all obligations in AFIR apply from the date of application of AFIR specified in Article 26, being 13 April 2024.

(...) and mandate that prices must for example be charged in kWh?

Article 5(5) of AFIR regulates the price setting of mobility service providers (MSPs). This article allows mobility service providers to apply different price components (see also Art 5(4) of possible price components), including e-roaming costs and other fees or charges applied by the mobility service provider.

The extent to which additional specific national legislation – for example by setting more stringent price requirements - may exceptionally be allowed in the absence of a specific provision empowering the Member States to do so is to be assessed on a case by case basis, and to be ultimately decided by the European Court of Justice.

(...) in this paragraph; does this refer to the same type of price components listed in Article 5(4) or does this also encompass other price elements such as CPO prices, personnel costs, taxes, profit margins, etc.?

The objective of Article 5(5) is to ensure that end users can easily compare the ad hoc price with the price that is being charged by the mobility service provider (MSP) before starting the session.

Therefore, in accordance with Article 5(5), the MSP must at least provide the following information:

• The price for the recharging service charged to the end user clearly listing all the different applicable price components charged.
• If applicable, the MSP also has to communicate additional applicable e-roaming costs as well as any other additional fees or charges it applies.

Mobile phone applications and publicly accessible websites that are freely available and can thus be downloaded and installed without cost, could be sufficient.

Recharging and refuelling infrastructure located on the airport apron within the security restricted area are considered not to be accessible to the public. They do not have to comply with provisions in Articles 5 and 7 that only apply to publicly accessible recharging and refuelling points within the meaning of Article 2(45) AFIR, i.e. an alternative fuels infrastructure which is located at a site or premises that are open to the general public. However, certain technical specifications established under AFIR apply to publicly accessible and private recharging points, including those located airside.

Captive fleets are fleets of vehicles that are operated by one private or public entity, in particular within a confined geographic area and/or according to a predictable movement pattern. The concept of captive fleets is therefore not limited to public transport operators and also includes fleets operated by airport operators.

The recital provides that not every stand needs to be equipped with a fixed or mobile ground power unit each as one power unit can serve multiple stands. However, pursuant to Article 12, every plane that is parked at a contact (from 1 January 2025) or remote stand (from 1 January 2030) used for commercial air transport operations must be enabled to connect to external electricity supply when needed.

Recital 55 provides that the Member States should, where appropriate, promote cooperation of the airport managing body with suppliers of ground-handling services, as well as, where relevant, with self-handling airport users, in particular through the Airport Users’ Committee set up pursuant to Council Directive 96/67/EC. Such cooperation does not imply any oversight or supervisory function by the Airport Users’ Committee under AFIR.

(For background, in practice, depending on the technology used, airport operators are not the only stakeholder to ensure compliance with the target. While airport operators usually provide fixed electrical ground power to aircraft, ground handling companies in most cases operate mobile Ground Power Units (GPUs) which may be leased from dedicated suppliers.)

The obligation to ensure the electricity supply to stationary aircraft is on Member States. AFIR does not prescribe which entity has to provides the service.

The provision of electricity to stationary aircraft can be done either through a fixed centralised infrastructure or mobile equipment. Electricity supply can be provided directly by the airport itself or it can be delegated to a third party. This provides for operational and organisation flexibility as to the most efficient way of discharging the obligation. The provision of electricity to stationary aircraft is not considered as a ground handling service provided to airport users at airports in the meaning of Directive 96/67. However, when a centralised infrastructure is managed by the managing body of the airport and is also used for the supply of ground handling services it is subject to Article 8 of Directive 96/67.

The requirements of the AFIR apply to the external supply of electricity to stationary aircraft. the generation of power on board of aircraft is not within the scope of the Regulation and remains at the discretion of inter alia airlines, airport management bodies and member states.