Updated mandates for electric-powered vehicles
The introduction of a new EV charging regime in [Country Name] has sparked debate among industry stakeholders. The European Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) serves as the overarching framework for this new regime, aiming to develop and standardize infrastructure for alternative fuels, including electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen refueling stations.
According to a report by ECO/Capital Verde, the new regime aligns with the EU-wide technical and strategic targets set by AFIR. It emphasizes the simplification of licensing procedures, the expansion of the network throughout the country, and the compliance with communication standards, such as the EN ISO 15118. This standard enables features like Plug&Charge and future bidirectional charging.
However, the new regime has not been universally accepted among the interviewed industry stakeholders. Competition and the potential impact on network growth are points of disagreement. Some stakeholders have expressed concerns about the elimination of contracts with retailers, while others question the potential impact on prices.
The new regime also introduces self-consumption at charging points and allows charging with direct payment at all public points. The provision of automatic payment terminals is included in the new regime, with the Government highlighting its role in the decarbonisation of transportation.
The approval of the new regime has been on hold since the end of the public consultation, which concluded at the end of March. Despite the ongoing debate, the Government remains committed to implementing the new regime as part of its efforts to support the EU’s climate goals under the "Fit for 55" package, targeting a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050.
[References] [1] European Commission. (2021). Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/electric-vehicles/alternative-fuels-infrastructure-regulation [2] European Commission. (2021). Fit for 55: Europe's green deal. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-green-deal_en [3] European Commission. (2021). AFIR: Guidelines for local and national public authorities. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/electric-vehicles/alternative-fuels-infrastructure-regulation/afir-guidelines-local-and-national-public-authorities [4] European Commission. (2021). AFIR: Deadlines for compliance. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12522-Alternative-Fuels-Infrastructure-Regulation-AFIR-Deadlines-for-compliance_en
- In light of the ongoing debate, some environmental science experts argue that the new EV charging regime, while aligning with EU-wide targets for alternative fuels, should also consider data-and-cloud-computing solutions to better manage and optimize the charging network for improved overall performance and reduced climate-change impact.
- Amidst discussions on the new EV charging regime, technological advancements in areas like environmental-science, such as the integration of renewable energy sources or the development of smart-grid systems, could potentially provide innovative solutions for addressing concerns about network growth, competition, and costs, contributing to the attainment of the EU's climate goals under the "Fit for 55" package.
