Portugal approves new E-Mobility framework to simplify the charging process

As part of the State Reform, the Government has approved, in the Council of Ministers, the new Legal Framework for Electric Mobility (RJME), a regime that simplifies the electric charging process by removing the requirement for contracts with electricity providers.

This allows for ad hoc charging with simple payments via bank card or QR code, ensuring greater price transparency.

The new RJME also encourages technological innovation and digitalisation within the sector, while supporting climate and energy goals in pursuit of more sustainable mobility.

“Implementing a more efficient model, with fewer intermediaries – and therefore fewer fees – is one of the key features of this new regime. The Government wants to bring greater transparency to the sector, starting with the right of users to receive a clear and comprehensible invoice when charging their vehicles,” says Miguel Pinto Luz, Minister for Infrastructure and Housing.

“The new RJME promotes the liberalisation of the sector, enabling an increase in the number of charging stations. With more competition, we can expect reduced costs and greater price transparency, particularly on motorways,” states Maria da Graça Carvalho, Minister for Environment and Energy.

With market liberalisation, the aim is to attract more players and drive down prices. Moreover, it is expected that liberalisation will lead to an increase in the number of charging points.

To ensure a smooth transition and safeguard previous investments, the Government has established a transitional period lasting until 31 December 2026.

What benefits does the new Electric Mobility Framework bring for users?

Firstly, the fees paid by users are reduced, as intermediaries are removed from the process.

Electric mobility customers, as well as providers and operators, will no longer be required to be linked to the current electric mobility management entity, MobiE.

This change brings a substantial benefit: users will no longer need a contract with an energy provider, as is currently the case.

This new framework aligns with the AFIR Regulation, which promotes free access to electric charging points and mandates systems that do not require contracts with providers.

Will users be able to pay with a debit/credit card?

This is already possible in some locations, but under the new framework, charging stations with power ratings of 50 kW or higher must offer payment by bank card.

Lower-powered stations must at least offer alternative electronic payment methods, such as QR codes.

Also, charging stations will be required to display visible pricing information, just as is done at petrol stations.

Will customers know exactly how much they are paying when charging? Yes – this is one of the key changes introduced by the new regime. From now on, users will only pay the final cost of the charging session at the time of use.

Will users have access to price information, for example, on motorways?

That is one of the expected outcomes of the new regime. With a more competitive market in operation, this is likely to happen – particularly with the introduction of the new role of the Electric Mobility Service Provider.

What changes for CPOs?

Charge Point Operators (CPOs) will gain greater autonomy in managing their infrastructure.

They will be allowed to use self-generated energy, such as from solar panels, have the freedom to define their own business models, and will no longer be obliged to be part of a single network.

READ MORE