Electric mobility represents a significant shift in the transportation sector, and its wider deployment is directly related to the creation of an accessible, widespread and efficient charging infrastructure. To support this transition, starting in April 2024, the European Union introduced the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). This regulation, an integral part of the Commission’s “Fit for 55” climate package, aims to confirm and expand the objectives already introduced by the 2016 Alternative Fuel Initiative (DAFI) Directive, providing a more effective regulatory framework for the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Objectives and impact of the AFIR Directive
The main objective of the AFIR Directive is to promote the use of alternative fuels in the transport sector, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. To do so, the new regulation requires member states to commit to very ambitious infrastructure targets.
In particular, AFIR will have an important impact for electric mobility because it provides specific guidelines for member states to follow in building a charging infrastructure that is responsive to market needs. The key requirement is the obligation to match the total capacity of publicly accessible charging stations to the number of registered electric cars.
In addition, the regulation prescribes, the obligation to have, by 2025, at least one public charging station every 60 km, and all infrastructure will have to provide at least one charging point capable of delivering 150 kW or more power. This means that in the coming years the charging network will be increasingly extensive, widespread and powerful.
AFIR also contemplates the creation of accessible and interoperable charging points throughout the EU, through the adoption of common standards for connectors and charging services provided by Mobility Service Providers (MSPs). A common approach given by a homogeneous standard is the key to face with confidence the future challenges of this sector and to contribute, also in Italy, to the realization of a charging infrastructure that is even more state-of-the-art and able to meet users’ needs.
AFIR represents a great opportunity and challenge for industry players like Ewiva, but it is above all a guarantee for the e-drivers of today and tomorrow because it ensures access to a reliable and affordable charging network. Thanks to this legislation, it will be increasingly easy to choose zero-emission mobility, which is the main tool for addressing climate change and improving the air quality of our cities.