Interoperability in electric vehicle charging stations is a key issue in Europe, particularly in meeting the requirements of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive (AFIR).
In this context, France and Portugal adopted distinct approaches to ensure that users can charge their vehicles without technical or administrative barriers, regardless of the operator.
It is worth noting that both models reflect the specificities of their respective markets.
The decentralised model in France
Since 2017, interoperability at public charging stations has been a legal requirement in France.
This framework was established through a decree that obliges charge point operators (CPOs) to open their networks to other players without discrimination.
Under this decree, CPOs must provide universal access, even to drivers without their cards, through QR codes, mobile apps, or card payments.
In 2021, a new regulation was introduced, adding administrative sanctions for those who fail to comply with these rules.
This progress prompted companies such as TotalEnergies, Izivia, and MOBILYGREEN to integrate interoperable systems into their networks.
Likewise, platforms like GIREVE and Hubject played a crucial role in enabling connections between CPOs and mobility service providers (eMSPs).
What obstacles does the country encounter?
France has more than 152,887 public chargers, but faces challenges in terms of inequality in the distribution of infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
A key element in the French model is the use of the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), which ensures technical communication between stations and CPOs.
This European standard has been encouraged by the French government to improve system cohesion.
The centralised model in Portugal
In contrast, the neighbouring nation opted for a centralised approach, led by the public platform MOBI.E, managed by the government.
This platform acts as a single hub that connects all the country’s charge point operators, allowing users to access any station using a single card or application.
“From the outset, we ensured full interoperability and open access to data,” explains Luís Barroso, President of MOBI.E, in an interview with Mobility Portal Europe.
He adds: “Therefore, the AFIR’s objective of implementing this measure from next year is already a reality for us in Portugal, and represents a very positive goal.”
The Portuguese model is recognised for its simplicity and efficiency.
In 2024, the country has over 5,600 public access points, with uniform coverage in major cities and highways.
Its system ensures compatibility with the ISO 15118 protocol, which enables smart charging and allows automatic vehicle identification at charging stations.
One of the country’s greatest challenges is increasing the density of stations in rural areas and improving the fast charging infrastructure to support long-distance travel.
“In Portugal, we are installing all the necessary POS terminals to ensure interoperability and retrofitting existing chargers to adapt them to the needs,” states João Castro Pinheiro, CEO of INOV.EM, to Mobility Portal Europe.
Interoperability as a European requirement
The European Parliament and the AFIR regulation are key actors in promoting these advances.
According to this regulation, all Member States must adopt interoperable systems and ensure that users can access any compatible charging point.
Both France and Portugal are demonstrating that investing in standard protocols and fostering public-private collaboration are essential elements for the success of this resource.
“In Portugal, in fact, we are fully aligned with European projects at this moment,” asserts the CEO of INOV.EM.
In this regard, he finds certain similarities with their neighbouring country.
“As far as technical standards and working methods are concerned, we are much more aligned with France than with Spain,” he states.
The Reason? The Portuguese technical standards code has been “practically replicated from the French.”
“This means that the bureaucratic process prior to installation is simpler, but, in contrast, it is stricter in terms of the installation itself and subsequent inspection, that is, certification,” explains João Castro Pinheiro.
