The future of e-mobility:

The future of e-mobility:

Transparent payment solutions for charging station operators (CPO)

E-mobility is experiencing an unstoppable upward trend. The drivers are, on the one hand, the criteria to be met by the EU concerning the reduction of greenhouse gases – i.e. the need for climate protection – and, on the other hand, the technological advancement of e-vehicles.

In this dynamic environment, charging station operators are facing a major challenge. It is not only about expanding the infrastructure for electric vehicles but also about offering efficient and transparent payment solutions. This will simplify charging and make it more attractive.

Upward trend in e-mobility
More and more people are opting for electric vehicles. This is good for the environment. Of course, there are more reasons for this than just the environmental aspect. The operating costs of e-vehicles are often lower. In addition, government incentives through grants or subsidies, as well as local restrictions or the quieter engine noise ensure that an electric vehicle is preferred to a vehicle with a combustion engine. However, there are two sides to every coin and there are also reasons that prevent people from buying an electric vehicle. In addition to the aforementioned range anxiety, another key aspect is the lack of charging infrastructure. It is therefore important to ensure a dense, easily accessible, and transparent charging network in Europe.

The AFIR is part of the Green Deal and supports the EU target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and being climate-neutral by 2050, or “Fit for 55” for short. The AFIR was published in the official journal of the European Union on 22/09/2023 as Regulation 2023/1804 and has been fully applicable since 13/04/2024. The aim of the AFIR (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation) is to promote charging stations and refuelling stations along the so-called TEN-T road networks. The AFIR also contains requirements for operators and users of infrastructure facilities.

Targets for charging electric vehicles
The AFIR regulates detailed expansion targets. According to Art. 3 of the AFIR, certain cumulative targets for total charging capacity concerning the number of vehicles registered in each member state must be achieved in the member states from 2024, with exceptions:

  • • at least 1.3 kW for each battery-powered passenger car and each battery-powered light commercial vehicle with electric drive via publicly accessible charging stations and
  • • at least 0.80 kW for each plug-in hybrid passenger car and light plug-in hybrid commercial vehicle registered in their territory via publicly accessible charging stations

The trans-European transport networks, abbreviated TEN-T, the TEN-T core road network and the TEN-T comprehensive road network play an important role here. According to Art. 4 AFIR, additional targets apply to the member states. In particular, the road networks must have coverage with charging points at a maximum distance of 60 kilometers. There are detailed regulations on the services required in each case.

New requirements for the equipment of publicly accessible charging stations
The new requirements in Art. 5 AFIR are particularly interesting for companies that operate or plan publicly accessible charging stations. These increase the requirements for the operation of publicly accessible charging points and have been in force since mid-April 2024.

In particular, Art. 5 Para. 1 sets out requirements for “spot charging”, some of which go further than the requirements under § 4 LSV, others less far-reaching; e.g. the authorisation of QR codes instead of card payment for publicly accessible charging points below 50 kW.

Within the EU, it must be possible to charge at certain points using a widely used payment instrument. The following thresholds apply here:

  1. 1. An obligation to use a payment method applies to charging points with a charging capacity of 50 kW or more that are located along the TEN-T road network or in a safe and secure car park:
  • • For newly installed charging points with a capacity of less than 50 kWh, either payment card readers, devices with a contactless function that can at least read payment cards or a specific QR code as an electronic means of payment must be available in accordance with the ordinance.
  • • Newly installed charging points with a charging capacity of 50 kW or more must be equipped with either payment card readers or devices with a contactless function that can at least read payment cards. A QR code is not sufficient as an electronic means of payment for these charging points
  1. 2. From 1 January 2027, these obligations will also apply to infrastructure that is in a corresponding local location in the TEN-T network but was built before the AFIR came into force, i.e. before 13 April 2024. There will therefore be a retrofitting obligation for charging stations that do not fulfil the above requirements.

New requirements for pricing and labelling for electromobilityt
According to Art. 5 Para. 4 AFIR, all requirements for pricing and display at the charging station are defined and override national laws.

Direct applicability of the AFIR is mandatory:

  • • At publicly accessible charging points with a charging capacity of 50 kW or more, the price per kWh must be indicated, and a parking fee per minute is also permitted
  • • At publicly accessible charging points up to 50 kW, operators must make information on the ad hoc price with all its price components clearly and easily available.

These are the following price components:

  • Price per kWh
  • Price per minute
  • Price per charging process
  • Any other applicable price component

Targets for hydrogen refuelling stations
Auch für die Wasserstoffinfrastruktur entlang des TEN-V-Kernnetzes werden Zielvorgaben bis 31.12.2030 festgelegt: Die Mitgliedstaaten müssen dafür sorgen, dass bis zum 31. Dezember 2030 öffentlich zugängliche Wasserstofftankstellen, die für eine kumulative Kapazität von mindestens 1 t/Tag ausgelegt sind und über mindestens eine 700-bar Zapfsäule verfügen, errichtet werden. Diese dürfen im TEN-V-Kernnetz nicht mehr als 200 km voneinander entfernt sein. Darüber hinaus muss bis zum 31. Dezember 2030 an jedem städtischen Knoten mindestens eine öffentlich zugängliche Wasserstofftankstelle errichtet werde.

The AFIR also regulates some minimum requirements for publicly accessible hydrogen refuelling stations, with a focus on strengthening user-friendliness and technical specifications, see Art. 7. As with electromobility, contactless card readers, for example, are a must.

Transparent payment solutions for charging station operators
Um den Anforderungen der neuen EU-Verordnung gerecht zu werden, benötigen Ladestationsbetreiber innovative und transparente Bezahllösungen. FINETELLIGENCE bietet eine maßgeschneiderte E-Mobility Software für Ladesäulenbetreiber an, die allen rechtlichen Vorgaben nachkommt, sowie individuell anpassbar ist. Unsere E-nfinity Solution deckt zuverlässig alle Schnittstellen sowie länderspezifische Fiskalisierung ab. Das alles macht sie zum Rundum-Paket für Ladestationsbetreiber.

Kurz zusammengefasst: Die E-Mobilitätsbranche ist von einem klaren Aufwärtstrend geprägt. Die neue EU-Verordnung AFIR setzt wichtige Impulse für den Ausbau der Infrastruktur und die Transparenz der Zahlungssysteme für Ladestationen. Ladesäulenbetreiber stehen vor der Herausforderung, effiziente und transparente Paymentlösungen zu integrieren, um den aktuellen rechtlichen Vorgaben nachzukommen. FINETELLIGENCE ist ein zuverlässiger Partner. Sorgen Sie gemeinsam mit uns für ein dichtes, leicht zugängliches und transparentes Ladenetzwerk.

Are you interested?
Find out more about the customised payment solutions of FINETELLIGENCE and send us an inquiry via our contact form.

SIMPLY FLEXIBLE

Our solution is particularly flexible and supports both the direct integration of a terminal into a charging station and a decentralized kiosk for operating several charging stations. You can therefore design your charging park entirely according to your wishes. Our Direct Payment works independently of your charging station management system (CPMS) and allows you to integrate various charging station manufacturers into your portfolio, while you only need one payment software.

SIMPLY TRANSPARENT

Our software offers transparent prices and enables quick and easy integration. We think outside the box and therefore support numerous protocols. Direct contracts with acquirers mean there are no hidden costs for CPOs. This enables attractive pricing for the end user. The existing CPMS remains usable, even in the event of future changes. Our solution guarantees even more future security, as it can continue to be used in the event of a backend change.

SIMPLY LEGALLY COMPLIANT

Our payment solutions are legally compliant worldwide and take 100% account of national tax laws - including AFIR, of course. Read more about AFIR here Our solutions are already being used successfully for charging parks in various countries. Thanks to our sister company RetailForce, we offer in-house expertise in tax-compliant document creation that has proven itself in practice. Our solution is internationally scalable and enables simple payment with innovative payment methods.

SIMPLY INDIVIDUAL

With more than two decades of experience, we are true payment experts. Our payment solution is already in daily use in many countries. This means that it is not only mature and proven, but also ready to use. During the payment process, your customers can use a QR code to transfer their receipt to their mobile phone.

SIMPLY PROVEN IN PRACTISE

With more than two decades of experience, we are true payment experts. Our payment solution is already in daily use in many countries. This means that it is not only mature and proven, but also ready to use. During the payment process, your customers can use a QR code to transfer their receipt to their mobile phone.