The AFIR Compliance Guide for Charge Point Operators (CPOs)

Quick Summary 

The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR)  is now one of the most important regulatory frameworks shaping the future of public EV charging across the European Union. 

The regulation was enforced on 13 April 2024. It establishes the common rules for how charging infrastructure must be deployed, operated, accessed, and connected across all Member States. This supports Europe’s broader goals under the Fit for 55 package and the transition to climate-neutral mobility.

For Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and eMobility Service Providers (eMSPs), AFIR is more than a set of obligations. It is a roadmap for building charging networks that are reliable, interoperable, transparent, and user-friendly for EV drivers. The regulation affects the entire lifecycle of network development—from payment acceptance and pricing clarity to data sharing, digital connectivity, and smart charging capabilities.

If you are unsure of how AFIR affects you and your business, read on to uncover a practical, implementation-focused overview of what AFIR requires and how you, as a CPOs, can operationalize compliance.

In our guide, you will find up-to-date information about AFIR’s latest requirements, timelines, and expectations. At the end, you will have the key highlights of the technical and operational readiness you need to build a future-proof EV charging network in Europe.

1. What is AFIR? Overview and Importance

The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), effective since 13 April 2024, establishes the binding requirements for the roll-out, accessibility, and operation of public EV charging infrastructure across the European Union. Its purpose is to ensure EV drivers have reliable access to charging points across all Member States. This is done by removing fragmentation, improving usability, and accelerating the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure as part of Europe’s climate goals.

AFIR sets clear expectations for:

• Charging network availability across the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T)
• Payment accessibility through widely accepted electronic methods
• Transparent pricing is displayed before charging
• Interoperability and technical standards
• Data sharing requirements that support mapping, planning, and user transparency
• Smart charging and digital connectivity
  

These rules apply to all publicly accessible charging stations and impact every stakeholder across the EV charging ecosystem, especially CPOs and eMSPs.

What problem does AFIR solve?

Before AFIR, the European charging landscape was fragmented and inconsistent. Drivers faced:

• Uneven infrastructure distribution across member states and regions
• Payment barriers requiring multiple apps and subscriptions
• Lack of price transparency makes cost comparison difficult
• Interoperability challenges hare indering cross-border travel
• Inconsistent user experiences vary dramatically by location and operator

What are AFIR’s main objectives?

AFIR addresses the above-mentioned challenges through three primary objectives:

1. Decarbonizing Transport
Through the removal of infrastructure barriers to EV adoption, AFIR accelerates the transition away from fossil fuel vehicles by directly supporting the EU’s greenhouse gas reduction targets.

2. Harmonizing EV Charging Standards
AFIR establishes uniform technical and operational standards across all member states. This ensures consistent experiences regardless of location or operator.

3. Achieving EU Climate Neutrality by 2050
As part of the broader Fit for 55 package, AFIR contributes to the EU’s ambitious goal of becoming climate-neutral by mid-century.

2. What are AFIR’s key compliance requirements?

AFIR introduces a comprehensive set of requirements that apply to all public charging stations across the EU. These rules affect the following: 

• How is infrastructure deployed?
• How are payments processed?
• How is pricing information communicated?
• How is data shared with national platforms and digital mobility services?

The aim is to guarantee that EV drivers enjoy a consistent and reliable charging experience anywhere in Europe, regardless of the operator or country.

The AFIR landscape evolved significantly in 2025 with the introduction of the AFIR Delegated Acts, which established critical technical specifications and timelines shaping how CPOs and eMSPs must share data and ensure interoperability across Europe. This included new charging-station density targets, mandatory data-sharing requirements for charge point operators, and updated technical requirements for interoperability, such as ISO 15118.

The following sections outline the core compliance areas CPOs must meet.

1. TEN-T Network Charging Requirements

AFIR sets clear deployment targets for EV infrastructure along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The network comprises the EU’s most important transport corridors, ensuring consistent access to charging stations for long-distance travel across Europe.

Light-Duty Vehicles (Cars and Vans)

By December 31, 2025, member states must ensure:

• 150 kW fast chargers deployed every 60 km along the TEN-T core network
• Sufficient capacity to meet demand from battery electric vehicles registered in each member state

By December 31, 2035:

• TEN-T charging infrastructure fully enhanced with expanded capacity for light-duty 
• vehicles across both core and comprehensive networks

Heavy-Duty Vehicles (Trucks and Buses)

By December 31, 2030, member states must deploy:

• High-power charging stations of ≥350 kW every 60 km on the TEN-T core network
• 350 kW charging stations every 100 km on the TEN-T comprehensive network
• Full network coverage by 2030, capable of serving electric trucks and buses along major freight corridors
  

Together, these measures ensure a consistent rollout of fast and high-power charging. They help eliminate the infrastructure gaps previously seen across Member States.

These targets represent a fundamental shift from previous approaches that focused on the number of charging points to a capacity-based framework that ensures adequate power availability where needed most.

2. Data Reporting and Accessibility

As of April 14, 2025, AFIR requires CPOs of publicly accessible charge points to provide static and dynamic data to end-users, free of charge via their Member State’s National Access Point (NAP).

Static data must be updated at least once every 24 hours, whereas dynamic data must be refreshed at least once per minute. This ensures that mapping services, route planners, and digital mobility tools present accurate information to EV drivers. It also supports better planning and oversight by grid operators, local authorities, and regulators.

• Static data: This includes information such as location and connector type, and it must be updated within 24 hours of any change
• Dynamic data: This includes Information like real-time availability and current pricing and must be updated within one minute.
• Open access: Data must be publicly accessible without discrimination through standardized APIs. Member States are responsible for ensuring their NAPs meet accessibility and interoperability requirements under AFIR.

All data must be provided in the DATEX II format starting April 14, 2026.

3. Pricing Transparency and Payment Requirements

AFIR mandates that all public charging stations offer simple, universally accessible payment options and clear pricing information.

Ad-hoc charging and payments

AFIR mandates that EV drivers must be able to initiate charging sessions without a subscription. To support this, all public charging stations must offer widely accepted electronic payment methods and clearly display pricing information before charging begins. This strengthens user trust and ensures consistent expectations across the EU’s charging networks. 

Pricing Must Be Clear and Comparable

Prices at publicly accessible charging points must be transparent, clearly comparable and non-discriminatory. This includes displaying prices and their components (e.g price per session, per minute and per kWh) to ensure users are informed before initiating a charging session.

Below you can find a table with the required payment options all stations should have according to the type of charging point: 

Drivers must understand what they will pay before the session begins. This information can be displayed on the charger screen, the payment interface, or a nearby terminal.

4. Smart Charging and Energy Management

Smart charging capabilities are a core component of AFIR’s vision for efficient infrastructure. CPOs must support functionality that allows charging power to be monitored and controlled dynamically. This is mainly done to enable better integration with the grid and ensuring that stations can respond to changes in electricity demand. This helps maintain network stability and reduces the strain on local grids as EV adoption continues to increase.

From April 13, 2024, for newly built stations and October 14, 2024 for renovated stations, all publicly accessible charge points must support:

• Real-time power modulation: This provides the ability to adjust charging intensity based on external signals
• Grid integration: Capability to respond to load management signals from distribution system operators
• Remote control: This enables CPOs to manage charging operations from centralized platforms

5. Interoperability and communication standards

AFIR requires charging infrastructure to support standardized communication protocols. This  guarantees interoperability across different manufacturers and operators. AFIR refers to key IEC, ISO, and CEN technical standards to guarantee interoperability across Europe’s charging networks. These standards define how charging stations should communicate, how data should be exchanged, and how smart charging should be implemented.

Although AFIR does not explicitly mandate the use of the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), the protocol remains critical to implementing many AFIR-required functionalities, including:

• Remote control and monitoring
• Over-the-air firmware updates
• Real-time status reporting
• Data transfer to backend systems
• Bi-directional communication with the electricity grid and vehicles
• Smart charging and load management

ISO 15118 Standards: From January 8, 2026, all new or renovated publicly accessible charging points must support ISO 15118 (-1 through -5), enabling:

• Plug & Charge: Automatic authentication and authorization without apps or RFID cards
• Enhanced smart charging: Vehicle-to-infrastructure communication for sophisticated load management
• Secure communication: Certificate-based authentication ensuring secure data exchange

Most CPOs rely on OCPP-compliant chargers and backend systems to meet these requirements effectively.

What are the key upcoming AFIR enforcements you should know about? 

• April 14, 2026: All data must be provided in the DATEX II format starting April 14, 2026. 

Member States are responsible for ensuring their NAPs meet accessibility and interoperability requirements under AFIR. The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has officially published PD CEN/TS 16157-11:2025 on October 9, 2025, the long-awaited extension of the DATEX II standard dedicated to energy infrastructure, including EV charging networks. 

This new technical specification defines how recharging-point data must be structured and exchanged across interoperable platforms in line with AFIR and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/670. 

From 14 April 2026, all charge point operators will be required to provide this data through a DATEX II-compliant API, ensuring full transparency and cross-border accessibility. 

AMPECO has already initiated internal development work to align its platform architecture with the new specification, ensuring all customers will be fully compliant ahead of the regulatory deadlines.

• January 8, 2026: ISO 15118-2 support becomes mandatory for all new or renovated publicly accessible charging points, enabling the foundation for Plug & Charge communication
• January 1, 2027: ISO 15118-20 becomes mandatory for all new or renovated publicly accessible charging points, introducing second-generation protocols with bidirectional charging capabilities. Where Plug & Charge is offered, stations must support both ISO 15118-2 and ISO 15118-20 for interoperability
• January 1, 2027: ISO 15118-20 requirements extend to private charging infrastructure, including fleets and workplace chargers

3. AFIR Compliance Solutions for CPOs

AFIR outlines detailed expectations for how charging stations must operate, including how pricing is communicated, how payments are processed, and how data is shared. For CPOs, meeting these obligations requires aligning both hardware and software capabilities with the regulation’s technical specifications. 

The following sections outline the main compliance areas and describe how operators can satisfy them using features typically available in modern charge point management systems.

1. Payments and Ad-hoc Access

AFIR requires that every publicly accessible charging station allows EV drivers to initiate a session without a subscription. This means CPOs must support widely accepted electronic payment methods and ensure that the payment experience is straightforward and consistent across stations.

Ad-hoc payment obligations can be met through several approaches. 

• Stations above 50 kW must offer physical card-present payment, typically via an integrated or site-level payment terminal.
• Sites with chargers below 50 kW may allow ad-hoc payments via QR codes that direct drivers to a secure and compliant payment page. 

In each case, the key requirement is that drivers can start a charging session immediately using a familiar payment instrument.

A charge point management system plays an important role in enabling this functionality by managing payment workflows, integrating with certified payment processors, and ensuring transactions are correctly logged and reconciled. Reliable OCPP communication between the charger and the backend is essential to support these workflows and maintain compliance with AFIR’s accessibility requirements.

For a breakdown of different implementation models, including practical pros and cons for each approach, see 4 ways public CPOs can comply with AFIR” is a detailed look at web portals, QR codes, payment terminals, and kiosks, with examples of when each model makes sense operationally or Payment Terminals for EV Charging: The Practical Guide is a more technical guide covering hardware choices, embedded vs. standalone terminals, and integration considerations for CPOs planning AFIR-compliant payment infrastructure.

2. Pricing and Transparency

Providing transparent pricing, as provisioned by AFIR, is another way CPOs and eMSPs can improve the charging experience for EV drivers, while optimizing their revenue.

This transparency can be achieved through the station’s user interface –  a digital display on the charger, or the payment interface used during ad-hoc charging. The charge point management system must support these displays by providing accurate pricing information in real time and ensuring that any changes are immediately reflected to the driver.

CPOs should ensure that their pricing models are consistently implemented across all stations and that the backend system is configured to automatically calculate and apply the correct rates. This reduces the risk of discrepancies and helps maintain compliance with AFIR’s rules on user information and fairness.

If you want to position pricing and tariffs not just as a compliance checkbox, but as part of your strategy, explore: How AFIR Reshapes the EV Charging Business in Europe. This article connects pricing transparency, tariff models, and AFIR requirements to broader business implications for CPOs and eMSPs.

3. Data Accessibility

One of the goals of providing publicly available information – both static and dynamic data- is to contribute to frictionless EV charging and, ultimately, to a positive EV driving experience. In addition, proper data will be required for mapping and grid planning purposes. To that end, CPOs should be able to provide quality data to other systems, which can then be used to improve the infrastructure further.

To meet these obligations, CPOs must ensure that their charge point management system can generate complete, accurate datasets and export them in the required formats. Reliable OCPP communication is essential to collect dynamic data from each station, and on top of this the backend system must be able to push this information automatically to the National Access Points. Consistent data quality is crucial, as inaccuracies may result in regulatory scrutiny or user complaints.

4. Connectivity and Remote Management

Public charging stations must provide accurate and timely data, maintain high levels of availability, and support user-friendly payment experiences. These expectations make reliable connectivity and remote management essential components of compliance.

A modern charge point management system should: 

• enable CPOs to monitor chargers in real time
• detect and diagnose faults quickly
• perform remote resets
• apply firmware updates. 

Remote control capabilities, such as the ability to start or stop charging sessions are also fundamental to maintaining network reliability. 

Good connectivity also supports smoother integration with payment workflows and data-sharing requirements. By centrally tracking the performance and status of all chargers, CPOs can ensure more consistent uptime and avoid situations where compliance is jeopardized by preventable outages. 

Integrating all of these capabilities can support meeting AFIR’s transparency and accessibility standards.

To connect these operational capabilities with the broader regulatory shift, check our blog post:  What does AFIR mean for Europe’s EV charging? 

5. Smart Charging and Load Management

AFIR also includes expectations around smart charging and more efficient grid integration. This means that public charging stations must be capable of adjusting charging power dynamically, responding to signals from the grid, or following predefined rules set by the operator.

Smart charging reduces pressure on local grids, supports better energy management, and helps optimize operational costs. Most CPOs, that implement these capabilities typically use a backend system that supports:

• real-time power adjustments
• dynamic load management across multiple chargers at a site
• integration with energy management systems.

By adopting smart charging functionality, CPOs can not only meet AFIR’s requirements but also improve the overall performance and scalability of their networks. As EV adoption increases, these capabilities become even more important for maintaining stability and delivering reliable charging services to drivers.

How AFIR Reshapes the EV Charging Business in Europe highlights how smart charging and dynamic load management help CPOs meet AFIR requirements while managing grid constraints, reducing operating costs, and improving the driver experience.

4. Addressing the Risks for Charge Point Operators

As AFIR requirements come into force, CPOs must reassess their operational and financial strategies to ensure continuous compliance. 

Many challenges already present in the EV charging market, such as hardware compatibility, installation costs, and maintenance, are now amplified by regulatory obligations and stricter interoperability expectations.

To ensure long-term sustainability it is important to understand how these risks affect both day-to-day operations and future business planning.

Costs and Financial Viability

Complying with AFIR often requires substantial monetary investment. CPOs may need to purchase additional hardware, such as payment terminals or upgraded chargers, and cover the costs of new electrical installations or infrastructure retrofits. 

Integrating these components into existing systems usually involves additional software work and ongoing maintenance commitments. These expenses can create a significant financial burden, particularly for operators with large or aging networks.

How CPOs Can Mitigate Costs

To manage these costs effectively, CPOs benefit from working with reliable hardware manufacturers and software providers. Choosing solutions that are modular, interoperable, and designed for long-term upgrades helps reduce unnecessary spending and limits the risk of incompatible equipment in the future. Early assessment and careful vendor selection can prevent costly mistakes and shorten the path to a fully compliant network.

Equipment Maintenance and Operational Readiness

Another major challenge that CPOs may face is maintaining equipment that remains compliant as technology and regulations evolve. Chargers that lack modern communication features or payment capabilities may quickly become outdated. Hardware that does not support upcoming standards can also lead  to reduced network efficiency and worsen user experience.

The best way to mitigate this challenge is to prioritize equipment that supports firmware updates, modular components, and open communication standards such as OCPP. On top of this, taking into account regular maintenance cycles, timely upgrades, and proactive monitoring can help you ensure that stations operate consistently and remain aligned with AFIR expectations. 

Remember to stay informed and follow us to learn about emerging requirements allows CPOs to adjust their infrastructure before issues become critical.

Grid Integration and Load Planning

As more chargers are deployed across Europe, their impact on the grid becomes an increasingly important consideration. AFIR’s infrastructure targets mean that grid operators and CPOs must collaborate more actively to plan and manage growing energy demand. Without careful planning, new charging locations may face delays, costly grid upgrades, or potential instability.

Integrating smart charging and dynamic load management into network operations helps balance electricity demand and avoid overloading local grids. These capabilities also reduce operational costs by shifting consumption away from peak hours. Strong coordination with distribution system operators ensures smoother deployments, fewer surprises during installation, and more reliable long-term performance.

Legal and Compliance Risks

Although the European Commission does not directly fine companies for AFIR violations, Member States are responsible for enforcement. This means that penalties, legal action, or restrictions may vary by country. Individuals, companies, or consumer protection bodies may also initiate legal proceedings for non-compliance, especially where pricing transparency or accessibility is affected.

Because national interpretations of AFIR may differ, CPOs must stay informed about local legislation and any country-specific requirements that complement the EU framework. Monitoring these changes helps avoid unexpected compliance gaps and reduces exposure to legal or operational risks.

Importance of Monitoring, Data, and Centralized Management

Centralized visibility and control of the charging network are essential for meeting AFIR obligations. CPOs must be able to monitor performance in real time, access accurate session and payment data, identify faults quickly, and maintain complete audit trails. Without this operational backbone, it becomes much harder to meet AFIR’s expectations around connectivity, smart charging, and data accessibility.

A capable Charge Point Management System (CPMS) supports these needs by consolidating all operational data, managing OCPP communication, enabling remote troubleshooting, and preparing the data required for reporting to National Access Points. In many ways, centralized software is the foundation that enables true AFIR compliance—both today and as requirements evolve.

5. Conclusion

AFIR represents one of the most important regulatory shifts in Europe’s transition to sustainable mobility. By setting clear expectations for charging station availability, payment accessibility, pricing transparency, data sharing, and smart charging, the regulation aims to create a consistent and reliable charging experience for EV drivers across all Member States. For Charge Point Operators and eMobility Service Providers, this means adapting operational processes, upgrading infrastructure where necessary, and ensuring that backend systems support the full range of AFIR requirements.

While compliance introduces new obligations, it also creates opportunities. CPOs that invest early in interoperable technology, robust data management, and scalable operations will be better positioned to grow their networks, improve user satisfaction, and participate in an increasingly competitive European EV charging market. AFIR provides a clearer framework for these developments, and understanding how to work within this framework is essential for long-term success.

Staying informed about updates, delegated acts, and national interpretations of AFIR will be critical as the regulation evolves. 

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Additional Resources

Glossary of key terms

TEN-T Network: The Trans-European Transport Network where AFIR mandates charging density targets for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles.

Ad-hoc Payments: Charging sessions initiated without a subscription, requiring widely accepted electronic payment methods.

Static Data: Fixed information such as station location, connector type, and power output.

Dynamic Data: Real-time operational information including availability, pricing, and status.

Smart Charging: The capability to adjust charging power in real time based on grid needs or user-defined scheduling.

OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol): The de facto communication standard for operating charging stations and enabling interoperability.

ISO 15118: An EV-to-charger communication standard enabling features such as Plug & Charge.

Official AFIR Documentation

• Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) – Full Text – Official regulation text with all articles and requirements
• European Commission AFIR Q&A Guide – Answers to frequently asked questions about implementation
• TEN-T Network Interactive Map – Explore the Trans-European Transport Network coverage

Technical Standards

• OCPP 2.0.1 Specification – Complete protocol documentation for charging station communication
• ISO 15118 Overview – Vehicle-to-grid communication protocol standards
• IEC 61851 Charging Standards – Technical specifications for EV charging systems

Industry Resources

• CharIN Plug & Charge Implementation Guide – Best practices for ISO 15118 certificate management
• ACEA Position Papers – European automobile manufacturers’ perspectives on EV infrastructure
• Sustainable Transport Forum – EU stakeholder forum shaping technical specifications