June brought a convergence of regulatory milestones that together redefine the compliance landscape for EV charging operators. The European Commission formally published the AFIR Delegated Acts in the Official Journal on June 24, confirming the ISO 15118-2 and ISO 15118-20 implementation timelines that we’ve been tracking since the April 3 draft publication. Critical clarifications arrived on the Cyber Resilience Act and European Accessibility Act — narrowing scope in ways that offer some relief to operators while creating new obligations for specific hardware components. And the Radio Equipment Directive’s cybersecurity requirements for internet-connected chargers take effect August 1, adding another compliance layer.

But it’s not just about regulatory requirements. A €217,000 RFID fraud case in the Netherlands has exposed systemic weaknesses in charging infrastructure security, while cable theft and vandalism incidents are rising across EU Member States — raising questions about whether current standards adequately protect the billions in public investment flowing into the sector.

Meanwhile, the incentive landscape continues to expand, with the UK recognising EV charging as a strategic industrial priority, Germany launching accelerated depreciation for electric company cars, and Poland committing €1.4 billion to zero-emission trucks.

Here’s what changed in June and what it means for your operations.

Regulatory developments

AFIR delegated acts formally published with confirmed ISO 15118 timelines

On June 24, 2025, the European Commission officially published the AFIR Delegated Acts in the Official Journal, moving from the draft publication we covered in April to legally binding requirements with confirmed timelines.

The implementation schedule is now set. From January 8, 2026, all newly installed public EV charging stations must support EN ISO 15118-2, the communication interface enabling plug-and-charge functionality. From January 2027, all new public and private EV charging points must support EN ISO 15118-20, the updated version enabling bidirectional communication for V2G. Public AC and DC charging points for both light-duty and heavy-duty EVs installed or renovated from January 1, 2027 that offer automatic authentication and authorisation services must support both EN ISO 15118-2:2016 and EN ISO 15118-20:2022 standards.

What this means for operators:

  • The January 8, 2026 deadline for ISO 15118-2 is now approximately six months away — CPOs installing new public infrastructure should ensure hardware and software readiness now
  • The January 2027 ISO 15118-20 deadline applies to both public and private charging points, a broader scope than some operators may have anticipated
  • The dual-standard requirement for chargers offering plug-and-charge services means operators must support both standards simultaneously, not transition from one to the other
  • These are the confirmed, legally binding timelines — the uncertainty we flagged in earlier editions is now resolved

Cyber Resilience Act and European Accessibility Act scope clarified for EV charging

Two important scope clarifications arrived in June, providing welcome regulatory clarity for charging operators.

On the Cyber Resilience Act, the European Commission has confirmed that the regulation applies to “products with digital elements” — specifically hardware devices and their embedded software. Pure Software-as-a-Service platforms are not in scope unless the software is used to remotely process data from a physical product and is essential for its function. This means an EV charging management platform that controls core hardware functionality such as start/stop charging or load balancing may fall within the CRA’s scope, while platforms offering independent services like billing, analytics, or CRM without being essential to basic charging functionality are likely exempt. The distinction hinges on the functional dependency between software and hardware.

On the European Accessibility Act, the Commission has responded to a joint letter from ChargeUp Europe and CharIN, confirming that EVSE itself does not fall under EAA scope, nor is it considered part of passenger transport services. This is a significant clarification — our March analysis noted that while charging stations weren’t explicitly mentioned, they appeared to fall under accessibility requirements. The Commission’s response narrows this considerably. However, payment terminals and screens are within scope, with compliance required only for models placed on the market after June 28, 2025. Existing models used in chargers before that date are exempt.

What this means for operators:

  • CPMS providers should assess whether their platform’s relationship with charging hardware creates a functional dependency that brings them under CRA scope — the key question is whether the software is essential to the charger’s core operation
  • The EAA clarification that EVSE is out of scope provides significant relief, but operators should ensure any new payment terminals or screens deployed after June 28, 2025 meet accessibility requirements
  • Operators deploying new hardware after June 28 should confirm with manufacturers that payment terminal models are EAA-compliant

Radio Equipment Directive obligations take effect August 1 for internet-connected chargers

The Radio Equipment Directive’s delegated regulation introduces binding cybersecurity, data protection, and fraud prevention requirements for internet-connected radio equipment — and EV chargers with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth functionality fall squarely within scope. From August 1, 2025, all newly placed EVSE units on the EU market communicating via the internet must comply with RED Article 3(3)(d)-(f), supporting safeguards against network harm, ensuring user privacy, and preventing fraud.

CPOs must verify conformity documentation including CE marking and declarations from hardware manufacturers, coordinate secure firmware updates, and avoid deploying non-compliant units. An important nuance: CPOs who modify EVSE by adding communication modules risk being reclassified as manufacturers, inheriting full compliance obligations. CPMS providers share responsibility where software significantly influences EVSE operations, especially if embedded in the hardware.

What this means for operators:

  • August 1 is imminent — CPOs should conduct inventory audits to identify any non-compliant internet-connected chargers and ensure all new procurement meets EN 18031 standards
  • The manufacturer reclassification risk is a critical consideration for operators who customise or modify charging hardware
  • Operators should formalise lifecycle update procedures for firmware and software to maintain ongoing compliance

RFID fraud and vandalism expose systemic security gaps in public charging infrastructure

A significant case involving the Dutch transport operator RMC has brought attention to fundamental weaknesses in RFID-based access control systems. Over 16 months, unauthorised duplication of charging dongles resulted in more than 11,000 fraudulent charging sessions totalling over €217,000 in losses. The cloning of RFID tags was achieved using basic skimming techniques, exploiting a global standard designed for interoperability that lacks sufficient cryptographic protection. No alert was triggered by the backend system or hardware provider despite high-volume, geographically distributed, and temporally overlapping usage patterns.

Cable theft and vandalism at public charging stations are also increasing across EU Member States, with notable trends in Denmark and Germany. While the economic damage per incident is modest — approximately €20 to €45 in scrap value per cable — the operational disruption is considerable, affecting service reliability and uptime metrics.

The EU is allocating hundreds of millions through CEF and AFIF to accelerate charging infrastructure deployment along the TEN-T network. The parallel rise in fraud and vandalism, combined with the absence of mandated physical protection standards, raises legitimate concerns about public fund stewardship.

What this means for operators:

  • The RMC case demonstrates that RFID-based access control alone is insufficient — operators should implement real-time transaction monitoring and anomaly detection as minimum safeguards
  • CPOs should review their backend systems’ ability to flag suspicious patterns such as simultaneous usage across distant locations or abnormal session volumes from single accounts
  • The absence of EU-wide standards for documenting vandalism-related uptime exemptions creates a compliance gap — operators should proactively document incidents in case harmonised frameworks are introduced
  • Investment in physical security measures for public charging assets is increasingly justified on both commercial and regulatory grounds

ViDA confirmation from the European Commission on EV charging implications

AMPECO sought direct clarification from the European Commission regarding the ViDA package’s applicability to EV charging, and the Commission has now confirmed the key implications we outlined when ViDA was adopted in March. From January 1, 2027, B2C supplies of electricity including EV charging fall within the Union One-Stop Shop scheme, allowing cross-border operators to declare and pay VAT through a single Member State. AMPECO is in ongoing conversations with DG TAXUD on implementation details relevant to the charging sector.

California strengthens reliability mandates and permit enforcement

California is advancing its EV charging regulatory framework on multiple fronts. In March, the Attorney General issued a legal alert enforcing compliance with expedited permitting laws — despite clear mandates, over one-third of jurisdictions remain noncompliant with the requirement for streamlined, non-discretionary EV charger permitting.

Starting January 1, 2026, all networked EV chargers receiving state or ratepayer funding must meet two reliability benchmarks: 97% uptime per quarter excluding approved downtime, and 90% Successful Charge Attempt Rate measured per charging port, with sessions qualifying only if they last at least five minutes. These metrics will be reported automatically via OCPP 1.6+ integrated with California Energy Commission systems.

In parallel, the U.S. Access Board’s proposed federal accessibility rules for EV charging infrastructure — including a 1:25 ratio of accessible spaces per charger type and physical and digital accessibility requirements — remain in the regulatory pipeline following the November 2024 public comment period.

What this means for operators:

  • The January 2026 reliability deadline is approaching — operators receiving California state or ratepayer funding should align internal systems with the 97% uptime and 90% SCAR metrics now
  • The permitting enforcement signal from the Attorney General means local jurisdictions that have been slow to implement streamlined processes will face increasing legal pressure
  • Federal accessibility standards are not yet binding but will apply to new installations once finalised — operators should factor accessibility into current infrastructure design decisions

UAE establishes comprehensive EV safety and performance regulation

The United Arab Emirates has published Technical Regulation UAE.S 2698:2024, effective May 31, 2025, establishing unified safety, performance, and infrastructure standards for all battery electric vehicles exceeding 25 km/h. The regulation sets performance thresholds including maximum energy consumption of 300 Wh/km and minimum range of 200 km, aligned with UN ECE and ISO standards. Charging infrastructure must comply with ECE R100 Rev. 3, promoting standardised and safe interoperability. A 12-month compliance window applies, reinforcing the UAE’s alignment with international standards and its commitment to sustainable EV market development across the Gulf region.

Funding and incentive updates

UK Industrial Strategy recognises EV charging as strategic priority

The UK Government’s new 10-year Industrial Strategy marks a shift toward targeted intervention in eight priority sectors including Clean Energy and Advanced Manufacturing, where EV charging infrastructure is recognised as a critical enabler. The strategy introduces a Connections Accelerator Service to prioritise grid access for strategic projects and outlines new regulatory powers via the Planning Bill to reserve capacity for nationally significant infrastructure. The British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme and enhanced British Industry Supercharger aim to reduce electricity costs for energy-intensive industries, setting a precedent that strengthens the case for tariff relief in the charging sector.

In parallel, the Government has committed £15.6 billion to upgrade regional transport networks across the North, Midlands, and South West, doubling city-region transport funding by 2029/30.

Germany launches accelerated depreciation for electric company cars

Germany introduced a comprehensive incentive package featuring 75% accelerated depreciation for electric company cars in the first year of purchase, significantly improving cost-efficiency for fleet operators. EV vehicle-tax exemptions have been extended until 2035, further lowering ownership costs. While the tax write-offs are welcomed by industry, concerns remain about their limited impact on private and leasing markets that are crucial for long-term EV adoption.

Poland commits €1.4 billion to zero-emission trucks

Poland officially launched a national programme with a total budget of approximately €1.4 billion, managed by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management. The initiative provides grants for the purchase or leasing of N2 and N3 category zero-emission vehicles, with subsidies covering the cost difference between electric and diesel trucks. Incentives vary by company size — 60% for small enterprises, 50% for medium, and 30% for large. Applications remain open until June 2029 or until funds are depleted, with strict technical criteria including minimum annual mileage requirements and a cap of 6,000 km on delivery for new vehicles.

Slovakia launches tender for nationwide ultra-fast charging network

Slovakia has launched a public tender through state-owned MH Invest for 35 ultra-fast charging parks with 251 points — 219 for cars and 32 for trucks — along key highway corridors. Each point must deliver at least 300 kW for cars or 400 kW for trucks, support ad-hoc use, and accept standard electronic payments. The 16-year concession covers full lifecycle responsibility and aligns with AFIR requirements mandating fast charging infrastructure every 60 km. The tender closes June 21, 2025.

Canada boosts Ontario EV charging with CAD $92 million top-up

Ontario’s ChargeON programme received a CAD $92 million increase in the 2025-26 provincial budget, raising total public funding for EV charging infrastructure to CAD $180 million. The expanded investment targets underserved regions through competitive grants for municipalities, Indigenous communities, non-profits, and private entities, alongside government-site funding for provincial highway rest areas and park locations. Over 270 organisations have been supported to date, resulting in more than 1,300 public charging ports installed.

New York expands Truck Voucher Incentive Programme

NYSERDA announced the expansion of NYTVIP to include zero-emission agricultural, construction, rail, and warehouse non-road equipment, as well as Class 3 vehicles. Up to $53 million in new funding will be available from August, offering incentives up to $425,000 per fuel cell truck, $340,000 per battery electric truck, and 45% of base cost for non-road equipment. Bonus incentives are provided for small fleets, disadvantaged communities, and vehicle scrappage.

CALeVIP updates application window and connector requirements

The upcoming CALeVIP round of $55 million for high-power DC fast charger installations in California has been postponed to August 5 through October 29, 2025, giving applicants more time to obtain permits and final utility designs. J3400 is now an eligible connector for incentives, and applications must include a minimum of 50% CCS connectors installed per site to qualify for funding.

AMPECO leadership and advocacy

Petar Georgiev elected to Board of E-mobility Europe

Petar Georgiev, Head of Strategic Alliances and Sustainability at AMPECO, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of E-Mobility Europe. With over eight years of experience in the sector and leadership across 65+ global markets, Petar will contribute strategic insight at a critical time amid AFIR implementation, evolving CO₂ standards, and the expansion of clean transport frameworks. The appointment ensures that software-led perspectives are represented in key regulatory conversations defining the future of European mobility.

AMPECO chairs ChargeUp Europe AFIR review workshop in Brussels

On June 6, ChargeUp Europe convened its second technical workshop to prepare for the upcoming 2026 review of AFIR. Participants addressed implementation challenges around price transparency, payment methods, smart charging standards, and roaming obligations, with a core focus on avoiding regulatory overreach that could hinder innovation or impose disproportionate burdens on operators. Through breakout groups, the workshop produced actionable proposals to shape ChargeUp Europe’s advocacy ahead of the AFIR revision process.

EU Sustainable Transport Forum launches PKI ecosystem management

A meeting on June 26 marked the official launch of work on the EU PKI ecosystem management — the technical infrastructure essential for secure and interoperable EV charging across Europe. Supported by the Joint Research Centre leading the development of the EU Certificate Trust List, the session introduced a draft Implementation Plan with key milestones. The Commission announced an upcoming call for expressions of interest inviting stakeholders to contribute to governance models and technical architecture. AMPECO’s early engagement positions the company to anticipate changes, shape guidelines, and deliver compliant solutions.

Key dates and deadlines

  • August 1, 2025: Radio Equipment Directive obligations take effect for internet-connected EVSE
  • August 5 – October 29, 2025: CALeVIP application window
  • January 8, 2026: ISO 15118-2 compliance required for newly installed public chargers
  • January 1, 2026: California reliability mandates take effect (97% uptime, 90% SCAR)
  • April 14, 2026: DATEX II reporting deadline
  • January 1, 2027: ISO 15118-20 compliance required for new public and private chargers
  • January 1, 2027: ViDA Union OSS applies to B2C EV charging supplies

Need help navigating CRA/EAA compliance, ISO 15118 implementation, or security infrastructure upgrades? AMPECO’s regulatory intelligence team provides tailored guidance and technical implementation support.
Schedule a consultation →

Track funding opportunities across 15+ markets: Access the most comprehensive collection of EV charging grants, incentives, and rebate programs.
Visit the incentive tracker →

Author

Ivelina Kadiri

Policy Compliance Manager

About the author

Ivelina is a trend-seeking policy compliance manager who skillfully navigates complex regulatory landscapes and bridges the gap between sustainable transportation goals and actionable implementation.