Electric car charging set to become more convenient, especially for fast chargers

Electric car drivers in Europe will as of 2025 benefit from more charging points, which to date has been a sticking point in the rollout of greener cars. Additionally, new fast chargers will always have to display transparent prices in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and make payment easy. These positive developments will come about following the agreement between the European institutions to improve the law that regulates charging infrastructure, the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation.

Regrettably, slow-chargers – which are much more numerous than fast chargers – will not have the same requirements for pricing and payment. BEUC sees this as a missed opportunity as there should be the same rules for all charging stations, including slow ones.

Monique Goyens, Director General at the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) commented:
“The move away from petrol cars is clear for all to see. To steer through this change, people must be confident that they will be able to easily charge their car wherever they go.

“The EU’s decision to legislate for more and better charging points is an excellent way to address the range anxiety anyone might have. But to get rid of this range anxiety once and for all, it’s a no-brainer that transparent pricing and easy payment should be the default at all charging points – not just newly built fast chargers.”

EU measures that will make fast charging convenient for consumers

The EU’s new Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation reflects many recommendations by the BEUC network, including:

• When charging on-the-go consumers will be able to pay by debit or credit card. In addition, but not as a substitute, charging point operators can provide their own systems (such as a QR code).

• Ad-hoc charging prices will become transparent by following the format price/kilowatt-hour (kWh), mirroring the price/litre logic people are accustomed to.

• Charging point operators will have to ensure their network is in proper condition, maintained, and swiftly repaired in case of any malfunction.  

By contrast, slow chargers (< 50 kW) have more flexibility when it comes to pricing and payment. They can offer payment by QR code only and would not have to comply with the price/kWh format.