In a conversation with Mobility Portal Europe, the ChargeUp Europe team explains the actions that need to be taken to ensure a rapid deployment of charging points for electric vehicles.
“We support a single market for EV charging infrastructure, whether it comes to payment methods, harmonising legislation applicable to chargers, or tackling fragmented fire safety guidelines across regions as well as disparities in the VAT treatment of charging sessions,” the organization states.
“Open market rules are key to ensure the needs of EV drivers of all types are best served. This has led us to work on topics ranging from tender processes to Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) governance, or access to in-vehicle data, where we continue to be very active,” they comment.
It is worth mentioning that the organization is involved in various initiatives aimed at accelerating the implementation of customer-centric charging infrastructure and shaping market rules that encourage a level playing field and harmonization of the zero-emission car charging landscape across the continent.
In this regard, ChargeUp Europe acknowledges, “Importantly, the market for EV charging must remain open, competitive, with an open level playing field allowing the best service to compete to meet the needs of EV drivers of all types.”
“EU and national regulatory frameworks must support flexibility and smart charging, as well as our sector’s involvement in energy markets more broadly,” they add.
They also indicate that industry standards need to be formalized to promote interoperability and a frictionless user experience.
Finally, the organization highlights the need for investments and upgrades into the grid to achieve a rapid deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
“This is important, especially so that electric heavy-duty vehicles can hit EU roads on time,” they comment.
ChargeUp Europe “pleased” with the outcome of the AFIR
“The Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) will play a key role in harmonizing EV charging infrastructure across the EU, ultimately establishing a comprehensive pan-European electric vehicle charging network,” says the organization.
According to the European Alternative Fuels Observatory (EAFO), there are already “leading” countries and others that are in the process of catching up with AFIR objectives.
However, this regulation “only sets a minimum baseline for infrastructure deployment, and private charging represents about 90% of the charging today.”
“AFIR is only one piece of the much bigger puzzle of bringing charging services to EV drivers of all types,” they explain.
This regulation stipulates, among other things, that from 2025 onwards, fast recharging stations of at least 150kW for cars and vans need to be installed every 60 km along the EU’s main transport corridors, the so-called “trans-European transport (TEN-T) network.”
Also, recharging stations for heavy-duty vehicles with a minimum output of 350kW need to be deployed every 60 km along the TEN-T core network, and every 100 km on the larger TEN-T comprehensive network from 2025 onwards, with complete network coverage by 2030.
More about ChargeUp Europe
ChargeUp Europe is the voice of the EV charging industry.
It currently has 37 members and partners who are leading companies and organizations in the sector.
“We are committed to providing a seamless charging experience for electric vehicle drivers, encouraging investment, and creating a consumer-centric open market model for charging infrastructure in Europe,” says the organization.
To achieve its goals, it seeks to eliminate market barriers related to concessions, networks, data exchange, and building codes, among other things.
ChargeUp Europe has participated in various initiatives.
For example, it has been involved in efforts to facilitate data exchange throughout the value chain, with trust and quality at its core.
It has also played a crucial role in providing technical input in various expert forums, such as the European Commission’s Sustainable Transport Forum, which shapes technical standards at the EU level for the sector.
“Our work is based on our State of the Industry Report, which examines the current state of charging infrastructure in Europe, where the industry is heading in terms of driver experience or necessary policy interventions,” they comment.
“It is a critical contribution that enables informed decision-making by policymakers and fosters a better understanding of the electric vehicle charging ecosystem,” they add.
