AFIR: Your Guide to EV Charging Regulations

Wallbox leads the charge toward AFIR compliance, offering cutting-edge charging solutions for every need. From fast chargers to semi-public options, we’ve got you covered. Now let’s dive into the EV charging regulations!

As the electric vehicle landscape continues to evolve, so do the EV charging regulations governing it. The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) is the latest milestone in the journey towards sustainable transportation. 

Wallbox is committed to staying ahead of the curve and ensuring our products meet and exceed regulatory standards.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into how Wallbox is fully compliant with AFIR, offering a range of public and semi-public chargers tailored to the needs of today’s EV drivers.

EV Charging Regulations Summary:

AFIR (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation) sets forth requirements for publicly accessible recharging points, both AC and DC, across the European Union. Effective from April 13, 2024, the EV charging regulations mandate ad-hoc payment methods and price transparency for charging services, aiming to make it as easy as possible for EV drivers to access public charging points. At Wallbox, we applaud this initiative, as it aligns with our core mission to design solutions that are centered on the user experience.

Requirements for EV Charging Regulations:

Operators must facilitate ad-hoc charging without user registration. Payment options vary based on the charging point’s power output, ensuring accessibility and ease of use for all EV drivers. Additionally, prices must be shown clearly and transparently before charging.

Wallbox AC & DC Charging Solutions for Public Charging:

Our commitment to compliance extends across our product range. Our Supernova fast charger is AFIR-ready, featuring MID meters, credit card payment terminals, and on-screen pricing information. For chargers below 50 kW, such as the eM4, equipped with power modules with MID meters, compliance is achieved through static QR code activation, providing a seamless payment experience for users.

Introducing the Wallbox Kiosk Solution for EV Charging Regulations

To further enhance our offering and ensure full compliance with AFIR, Wallbox is introducing a new Kiosk Solution designed to provide a seamless and secure payment experience for all users. This solution is particularly beneficial for AC chargers like the eM4, ensuring they are fully compliant with EV charging regulations from AFIR for public charging stations.

Key Features of the Wallbox Kiosk Solution:

• Comprehensive Payment Options: Equipped with a Payter Apollo credit card reader, the kiosk supports contactless payments, chip-and-pin transactions, and payments via secure QR codes. This ensures compliance with AFIR’s requirement for diverse ad hoc payment options.
• User-Friendly Interface: The touchscreen interface displays clear and transparent pricing information, enhancing user convenience and compliance with AFIR’s transparency mandates.
• Versatile Integration: The kiosk is designed to be hardware agnostic, meaning it is compatible with any charger brand, including Wallbox and ABL chargers. This flexibility ensures that our customers can easily integrate the kiosk with their existing infrastructure.
• Robust and Reliable: Featuring a sturdy metal structure, electrical protections, and 4G/LTE connectivity, the kiosk is built for durability and ease of installation. It provides a reliable solution for multiple charging points at a site, making it cost-efficient and effective.

Enhancing User Experience with Wallbox Solutions

The Wallbox Kiosk Solution not only meets regulatory requirements but also enhances the overall user experience by providing a seamless and intuitive payment process. Here’s how our solutions benefit different types of users:

• Registered Users: Users with Wallbox accounts can continue to enjoy the convenience of starting, stopping, and monitoring charging sessions via the Wallbox app. They benefit from automated billing, potential loyalty programs, and detailed charging history.
• Unregistered Users: For those who prefer not to register, the kiosk provides immediate access to charging services through simple and secure payment methods, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Why Choose Wallbox?

Wallbox is dedicated to making electric vehicle charging more accessible, convenient, and compliant with the latest regulations. Our new Kiosk Solution is a testament to this commitment, providing a robust and user-friendly option for ad hoc payments and transparent pricing.

By introducing this innovative solution, we not only comply with the AFIR regulation but also enhance the overall charging experience for all users. As we continue to innovate and expand our product offerings, we remain focused on delivering solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers and the regulatory landscape. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and deliver the very best EV charging solutions.

FAQ relating to EV Charging Regulations: 

When is the deadline for Non-Compliant Chargers?

AFIR affects all public installations starting from April 13, 2024, in which users are billed for the charging service. Chargers not used for public charging remain unaffected.

I have chargers in stock which will be installed after April 13, 2024. What can I do?

AC chargers in stock can be deployed using the static QR code option, and they need to be connected via internet to an OCPP backend. If they do not have an built-in MID meter, an external MID meter must be added to the installation. In the case of Supernova, our PoS solution can be retrofitted.

What are the compliance requirements for chargers deployed before the AFIR enforcement date? What is the deadline for ensuring compliance?

Operators of publicly accessible recharging points that require payment for the charging service, with a power output equal to or more than 50kW, deployed along the TEN-T road network or deployed on a safe and secure parking area, must comply with the ad-hoc payment requirements by January 1, 2027. This includes charging points deployed before 13 April, 2024.

Wallbox’s AFIR-compliant charging solutions represent our dedication to innovation and sustainability. Whether it’s AC or DC, our products offer seamless integration, user-friendly interfaces, and unparalleled reliability. 

By aligning our products with AFIR requirements, we’re not just meeting regulations; we’re setting new standards for the EV charging industry.

With Wallbox, EV drivers can charge, knowing they’re part of a greener, more accessible future.

In their latest Q&A, the European Transport Commission clarified on the use of QR codes for AFIR compliance. According to Article 5.1 of their guidance, Member States can establish additional regulations related to alternative fuels infrastructure.