In September 2024, the Portuguese Government proposed a regulatory reform, but according to the Association of Electric Vehicle Users (UVE) of Portugal, the sector continues to await its implementation.
“This situation is detrimental to new investments, as uncertainty is the main obstacle for investors,” states Manuel Reis, Vice President of the Board of Directors of UVE, to Mobility Portal Europe.
The organisation submitted a recommendation to improve the legal framework in line with the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR).
“Our proposal is an evolution of another one presented in 2020,” he notes.
With this, they aim to make it more flexible, while retaining key elements to ensure a good user experience, encourage healthy competition in the market, and facilitate the installation of new chargers and the creation of new Charge Point Operators (CPOs).
The delay in the publication of the new regulatory framework is causing concern in the sector, as although charging points continue to be installed, the investment decisions supporting them were made some time ago.
“We are concerned that this may compromise new investments. It is crucial that this framework is published as soon as possible,” he warns.
In this context, all parties will attempt to present their legislative initiatives on electric mobility in the National Parliament.
For example, the Iniciativa Liberal (IL) presented a specific proposal to liberalise the charging market, arguing that “the Mobi.e monopoly prevents dynamic growth.”
In its explanatory note, IL proposes the removal of the requirement for a prior contract with an Electric Mobility Energy Supplier (CEME) to install charging stations, and obliging operators to accept direct payments through bank cards or QR codes.
It is worth mentioning that, currently, the public charging system in Portugal requires a contract with a CEME to access the charging network.
Regarding the discussion of the legal framework for electric mobility, some of the proposals from the government parties were approved, although there is still little information on this matter.
On 30 January 2025, the Assembly of the Republic discussed four Resolutions and three Bills related to electric mobility.
Henrique Sánchez, Honorary President of UVE, criticised the parliamentary debate, considering that several of the presented projects reflect a lack of knowledge about the sector.
“Statements and defences were made that are truly indescribable, given the ignorance demonstrated, the absurdities stated, and the outright lies,” he expresses in a LinkedIn post.
He assures that among the points discussed, revisions were suggested that are already covered by the current Portuguese law.
“Amendments have been proposed to a law that is already in force. Absolute ignorance, a shame,” Sánchez maintains.
In this regard, he claims that there was a total lack of understanding by the parliamentarians regarding electric mobility.
The points he refutes include the claim that Portugal is the only country not complying with the European AFIR Regulation, arguing that it is actually 7.27% above the required standard.
Furthermore, he rejects the notion of a lack of competition, as there are approximately 33 CEMEs and 100 CPOs, among other aspects.
In this context, the Portuguese sector’s demand for improvements in bureaucratic processes, simplification of the licensing of new charging points, and the establishment of more effective monitoring mechanisms persists.
“What we witnessed on 30 January 2025, and what we will likely see in the 6th Committee, are clear examples of demagoguery and populism that, in this and other areas, distort the debate on ideas and proposals,” he asserts.
What are the next steps in Portugal?
According to sources consulted by Mobility Portal Europe, rumours are circulating about various structural changes being discussed both within the government and among sector actors.
However, no official information has been released on the matter so far.
