EU AFIR: what public EV chargers must support
The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation sets EU-wide rules for public chargers: ad hoc card payment, transparent pricing, network targets and, through a 2025 delegated act, ISO 15118 communication.
- 01AFIR, Regulation (EU) 2023/1804, has applied since 13 April 2024 in all member states.
- 02Public chargers must allow ad hoc charging without a contract or app.
- 03New chargers of 50 kW and more need a payment card reader or contactless device.
- 04Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/656 adds communication standards, including ISO 15118.
- 05Exact dates and scope of the ISO 15118 requirements depend on Annex II; check the consolidated text.
A regulation, not a directive
The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1804) replaced the earlier directive and has applied directly in every EU member state since 13 April 2024. It sets deployment targets for member states and technical requirements for operators of publicly accessible charging points.
Requirements that reach the charger itself
| Topic | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Ad hoc charging | Drivers can charge and pay without a contract with the operator or a mobility provider |
| Payment | New points of 50 kW and above: payment card reader or contactless device |
| Price | The ad hoc price must be displayed clearly before the session starts |
| Connectivity | New public points must be digitally connected and able to support smart charging |
| Data | Operators share static and dynamic data (location, availability, price) through national access points |
For lower-power points, operators may use other widely used payment options such as QR-code-based payment. Industry guidance also points to a retrofit obligation for existing high-power points along the core network; confirm the date and scope in Article 5.
Network targets for member states
AFIR sets fleet-based targets — a minimum installed public power per registered electric car — and distance-based targets along the trans-European transport network (TEN-T), with charging pools of rising power at regular intervals. These targets drive demand for high-power DC chargers.
ISO 15118 and the 2025 delegated act
In 2025 the Commission adopted Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/656, which lists the standards publicly accessible infrastructure must follow. Industry summaries cite:
- ISO 15118-2 for new or renovated publicly accessible charging points from 8 January 2026.
- ISO 15118-20 from 1 January 2027.
Summaries disagree on whether the 2027 requirement covers private chargers and both AC and DC. Treat Annex II of the consolidated regulation as the reference and confirm the scope with your notified body before freezing a design.
What this means for testing
- Payment terminal integration: EMC and electrical safety of the complete charger including the card reader.
- ISO 15118 conformance and interoperability, including Plug & Charge and TLS certificate handling.
- Metering: national rules such as Germany's calibration law (Eichrecht) still apply on top of AFIR.
- CE marking: the Low Voltage, EMC and, with wireless modules, Radio Equipment Directives.
Our partner laboratory network covers ISO 15118 and DIN 70121 protocol testing, EMC and safety for CE, and PTB/Eichrecht metering conformity.
FAQ
Does AFIR apply to home chargers?
Most AFIR requirements address publicly accessible charging points. Some summaries of the 2025 delegated act extend ISO 15118-20 to private chargers; check Annex II for the exact scope.
Is a QR code enough for payment?
For new points of 50 kW and above, a payment card reader or contactless device is required. Lower-power points may use other widely used methods.
Does AFIR replace CE marking?
No. AFIR adds infrastructure requirements; CE marking under the product directives is still needed.
Sources
CertificationEU CE & TÜV Marks
CertificationGermany PTB / Eichrecht 
