Regulation that ensures accessibility and fairness in charging costs has once again emerged as a key topic in eMobility discussions.
In this context, Elis Álvarez González, CEO of Smart Wallboxes, recognises that it is essential for electric vehicle charging tariffs to be transparent and fair.
But how can this be achieved?
“Mobile applications should not have a lower kilowatt-hour charging cost than payment via a POS terminal. This needs to be regulated in some way,” asserts Álvarez.
The charging business model continues to evolve as electric vehicle usage expands, bringing as many needs as active users.
The integration of smart technologies is transforming energy consumption management, with Plug&Charge emerging as one of the sector’s most promising solutions.
This system is set to revolutionise the charging process, providing vehicle owners with secure and seamless transactions.
The solution eliminates the need for multiple apps, RFID cards, or credit card payments, making the transaction as simple and secure as plugging in and driving off.
This is even more crucial for the European market following the implementation of AFIR regulations.
Ekoenergetyka is one of the manufacturers that has already introduced Plug&Charge software solutions, based on ISO 15118 standards. The availability of this feature in the company’s products is the result of years of work and testing.
Work on this technology began in 2020, in collaboration with the global organisation CharIN.
After years of announcements, automakers and charge point operators are now implementing Plug&Charge.
However, the sector still faces many key challenges.
The implementation of artificial intelligence is also seen as a potential way to improve efficiency and reduce costs, but it remains in an early stage.
“We are still at an initial stage, but as we move forward, it will become more common to see how our daily energy decisions integrate with smart solutions,” Álvarez adds.
Interoperability: Another Key Factor in the eMobility Transition
When analysing the entire equation for achieving an “ideal” transition to electric vehicles, Smart Wallboxes does not overlook fragmentation.
At present, users must download multiple applications to access different charging points, an issue that was highlighted at the beginning of this article.
“It makes no sense for someone to spend 15 minutes registering and setting up payment before they can charge their car. Clear regulations must be established to improve accessibility and prevent direct payment charge points from being more expensive than those operated via apps,” Álvarez insists.
The ideal solution to this issue is interoperability.
The Netherlands has successfully unified its infrastructure under a single government-regulated platform, with Portugal and France also following this trend.
Meanwhile, Spain continues to face obstacles due to system fragmentation, but could resolve them by adopting a model similar to those already implemented in other European countries.
Lack of Information and Clear Regulations
Lack of knowledge remains another major barrier to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
At the latest virtual summit organised by Mobility Portal Europe, this issue was one of the key discussion points.
Spain is among the markets where doubts and myths about electromobility persist, slowing down the transition.
“The problem is not just about economic investment, but also about awareness. There are still many doubts and misconceptions that this change is unnecessary or could cause inconvenience,” states the Smart Wallboxes CEO.
Although incentive programmes such as the MOVES Plan have been a step forward, their discontinuation and the uncertainty surrounding their return have not gone unnoticed.
In this regard, Álvarez highlights the need for structural regulatory changes that will facilitate charging infrastructure deployment and provide greater security.
“If we can give users a clear overview, allow them to compare options, and help them make informed decisions, the adoption of electric vehicles will be much smoother,” Álvarez concludes.
