When you ask a motorist about electric, he often replies that after the price is too high, autonomy and recharging are the main blocking points. Although manufacturers have made great efforts and the network of terminals is becoming denser day by day, certain pitfalls remain. With its new AFIR directive (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation), the EU is tackling the obstacles to the energy transition and intends to harmonize the charging process.
Pricing per kWh and payment by credit card
The majority of French terminals adopt pricing according to the quantity of energy delivered, but this is not yet the case for all stations or even all EU countries. Some charging points adopt per-minute pricing according to power, which can greatly vary the price of refueling electrons. The new AFIR regulation will oblige all terminals delivering a power of more than 50 kW to adopt pricing per kWh. In addition, the display of prices in the style of conventional gas stations is also on the table.
When paying, each charging network imposes its own terms. Some, such as Tesla Superchargers, charge to the customer account, others require a specific badge, which quickly becomes complicated for the end user who must ensure that he has the correct badge before connecting . The new directives thus want to impose a standard of payment by bank card on all terminals of more than 50 kW.
The final details of the regulation are currently being negotiated, before an upcoming adoption by the Brussels institutions and an entry into force scheduled for early 2024.