AFIR Explained: The EU's New Rulebook for EV Charging Infrastructure

The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), formally known as Regulation (EU) 2023/1804, is the European Union's binding framework for the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure across all Member States. As a core element of the "Fit for 55" package, AFIR replaces the earlier AFID directive and translates EU-wide climate goals into legally enforceable, harmonised targets for EV charging, hydrogen refuelling, and shore-side electricity supply. It entered into force in April 2024, with phased milestones running through 2030.

The regulation focuses heavily on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) — Europe's main transport corridors. From 2025 onward, fast-charging stations of at least 150 kW must be installed every 60 km along the core TEN-T for passenger cars and vans, expanding to the comprehensive network by 2030. For trucks and buses, 15% of the TEN-T must be equipped with fast charging every 120 km by 2025, rising to 50% by 2027 and 100% by 2030. Member States must also provide a minimum of 1.3 kW of public charging power per registered battery electric car, and 0.8 kW per plug-in hybrid.

AFIR also introduces strict rules for user experience and price transparency. At public charging stations of 50 kW or higher, operators must display ad hoc prices per kWh, and may charge a per-minute occupancy fee — but both must be clearly shown to the user. The regulation enforces interoperability between charging networks and EV brands, requires digital connectivity for all public charging points, and mandates that stations installed after April 2024 support smart charging features such as load balancing and grid-aware power delivery.

In addition to road transport, AFIR sets requirements for hydrogen refuelling stations every 200 km along the TEN-T core network by the end of 2030, shore-side electricity supply at major maritime ports, and electricity supply for stationary aircraft at TEN-T airports. The regulation also requires DC charging stations to be equipped with fixed cables, removes discriminatory pricing between mobility service providers, and includes accessibility provisions for people with mobility challenges and the elderly.

For charging point operators, AFIR represents a clear shift from a focus on fast hardware deployment toward grid-ready, operationally disciplined networks with transparent billing and high data quality. The winners in this new environment will be the suppliers and operators who can combine reliable AC and DC charging infrastructure with smart charging, full interoperability, and compliance-ready data systems — exactly the capabilities AFIR is designed to reward.

Source: EVB — AFIR Explained

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