Felix Hamer’s Post

The first summer under #AFIR, the 🇪🇺 European Union's Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation. See my previous post series for some highlights: https://lnkd.in/g3QcaJNk This AFIR regulation aims to make it easier to charge EVs across borders in Europe by ensuring that drivers know where the chargers are (both by indicating them on road signs and by making the data freely available for apps, navigation systems, etc.), what the prices are and that users can easily pay for them. For new DC fast chargers installed after 13 April 2024 this year, prices should be clearly visible at the point of use, for example on the charger's display or - increasingly and very welcome - on price displays familiar from petrol stations. Users should be able to pay for charging using a common payment method, such as bank & credit cards, without having to register. Prices charged by operators should be reasonable, easily and clearly comparable, transparent and non-discriminatory. Note that this requirement applies to all charging stations, including existing ones. I have tried to provide an overview of average ad hoc charging prices for the main networks in different European markets. The prices in this figure are (where applicable) converted to euros and apply to off-peak charging in July 2024, without the need for a free or paid subscription. Some operators offer preferential prices for bundles or for users who pay a monthly subscription fee. In Germany, different networks differentiate the price available to ad-hoc charging and Mobility Service Providers (charging subscription providers) from the price available to customers of their own Mobility Service Providers. However, as these networks explicitly do not offer their own application at the preferential price to foreigners or don't allow non-German residents to sign up for their 'free' subscription plan, they effectively discriminate against EU citizens. I checked the AFIR in the German translation, but the non-discrimination clause is there too. European EV drivers passing through Germany can easily pay €60 more for a round trip just because they're not German residents. Let this be a warning to Europeans travelling on the Autobahn this summer to stay away from certain networks. In any case, it's a good idea to check prices on different networks before you go. And keep your receipts...

The EV charging landscape is evolving rapidly and is not just about #MorePlugs anymore. As Felix Hamer, aka Electric Felix points out, the focus is shifting to #MoreUsers. What are some critical takeaways for #CPOs? • Strategic expansion in markets can help drivers on summer road trips 🔋 • 📈Some CPOs have seen that monthly subscriptions has helped them increase utilization. • Fast charging subscriptions are gaining traction unexpectedly. • Some markets (e.g.🇳🇱) now offer Tesla charging cheaper than AC charging. The EV ecosystem is maturing, and CPOs scaling strategically based on demand will see massive success in the future of electrification. This means operators must stay informed and adaptable. Listen to the full episode 👇Spotify ᯤ or wherever you get your podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gpPJKm4x #EVCharging #electricfelix #EVroadtrip #CPO #Charginginfrastructure