Retrofit in the spotlight for Portuguese CPOs: What trends are they looking to adopt?

Interoperability and simplified access to charging are beginning to shape the strategic decisions of charge point operators (CPOs) in Portugal.

In a country where electric vehicle (EV) registrations have already exceeded 41,757 units and there are more than 5,976 public charging stations, the challenge is not solely the expansion of the network but also its modernisation.

“The larger CPOs are already expressing interest in implementing Plug&Charge at existing facilities,” states João Castro Pinheiro, CEO of INOV.EM, in conversation with Mobility Portal Europe.

He adds: “They are even requesting the retrofit of already installed chargers to ensure their interoperability.”

According to him, the installation of all necessary point-of-sale (POS) terminals is being carried out to achieve this objective and remain aligned with European guidelines.

With the entry into force of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) on 13 April 2024, the regulatory framework requires CPOs to incorporate enhancements that facilitate usage and promote transparency.

Among these, the obligation to enable ad hoc payments via bank cards at charging stations with power outputs exceeding 50 kilowatts stands out.

This requirement has accelerated retrofit plans so that existing equipment also complies with these standards.

“We are quite aligned with European projects,” adds Pinheiro, highlighting that technological upgrades are crucial not only for regulatory compliance but also to ensure a seamless user experience.

Interoperability is also acknowledged within the regulations and becomes a competitive advantage.

The dynamics of the Portuguese electric market, where the CPO solely provides access to the charger while the mobility service provider (MSP) is responsible for the electricity supply and user relations, also allow the participation of foreign companies.

According to Manuel Reis, Vice President of the Electric Vehicle Users Association (UVE), MSPs from other countries are already operating in Portugal, either by partnering with local MSPs or registering directly.

“At present, there are no interoperability issues in the country. As long as there is a market entry channel into Portugal, access to all chargers within the network is granted,” asserts Reis.

This is facilitated by the fact that, under regulation, interoperability among MSPs is mandatory, enabling users to access the entire public network with any provider’s card.

The necessity to adapt older chargers arises from a rapidly expanding market.

In February alone, over 99,700 distinct users were recorded, and approximately 12.6 million kWh were consumed, representing a 59% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

38% of the available charging points are fast or ultra-fast chargers, exceeding a total of 2,270.

Nevertheless, regarding charger modernisation, Reis clarifies that there is no specific governmental plan in place for this purpose.

It is worth noting that the expansion of charging points is not uniform.

While in urban areas such as Lisbon and Porto, as well as on major motorways, demand justifies private investment in new high-power chargers, the situation differs in remote areas.

In these locations, where demand has yet to be firmly established, the Government intervenes with public tenders to encourage the installation of fast chargers.

What is happening on a legislative level?

Recently, the Portuguese Government approved a series of measures to liberalise and simplify the EV market in the country, making charging more accessible.

This was stated by Government spokesperson António Leitão Amaro during a press conference following a Council of Ministers meeting.

He affirmed that, henceforth, users will be able to visit a charging station, recharge their vehicle, and complete payment without the need for a prior contract with an electricity provider, as was previously required.

This measure would allow EV drivers to access any charging point without being restricted to stations linked to a specific provider contract.

The Government also seeks to promote transparency and competition by standardising charging units to ensure price comparability.

Additionally, it aims to eliminate the intermediary known as the “electric mobility trader.”

Currently, this proposal is undergoing public consultation. Mobility Portal Europe will remain attentive to further developments.

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