Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is rapidly expanding, with over 150,000 stations now available nationwide, addressing range anxiety for drivers. The government is implementing regulations to enhance pricing transparency and payment options at these stations, supported by the upcoming AFIR regulation. Compliance will be enforced by the DGCCRF, with significant fines for non-compliance. This initiative aims to improve the user experience and ensure that drivers receive clear information about charging costs and methods.
Electric Vehicle Charging: A Growing Network
While range anxiety has been a hurdle for many drivers considering the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), this concern is diminishing rapidly. Modern electric cars are not only capable of traveling longer distances on a single charge, but the charging infrastructure is also experiencing significant growth.
In the past three years, the number of charging stations has surged to over 150,000, marking a threefold increase across the nation. This expansion is set to continue, with TotalEnergies recently unveiling a new charging station in central Paris, along with several additional projects in the pipeline. However, the government is taking steps to ensure that all operators adhere to existing regulations.
Government Oversight and Consumer Protection
The responsibility for enforcing these regulations falls to the DGCCRF (General Directorate for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control), which operates under the Ministry of Economy. Concerns raised by Deputy Karl Olive highlight issues such as “lack of pricing transparency” and the “absence of accepted bank cards at numerous stations,” which complicate the charging process for drivers.
To address these challenges, major European institutions have initiated measures, including the AFIR regulation, which will come into effect in April 2024. This regulation mandates the installation of card payment terminals at new charging stations, aiming to improve the overall user experience.
To ensure compliance, the government plans to launch a “campaign of enhanced controls” starting in 2025. Inspectors will focus on ensuring that consumers receive clear information regarding pricing and simplified payment options. However, specifics on the control measures are yet to be disclosed.
According to UFC-Que Choisir, discrepancies in pricing between rapid charging operators can reach up to 400%, making it challenging for drivers to evaluate costs upfront, as prices are often not clearly displayed at stations. The government aims to rectify this situation, reinforcing that “the European regulation 2023/1804/EU, effective from September 13, 2023, has strengthened operators’ obligations regarding price transparency.”
Since last April, charging stations under 50 kW have been required to display various pricing details, including the cost per kWh, charges based on the duration of use, and any additional pricing elements. The DGCCRF’s role will be to ensure compliance with these regulations, including the mandate for card payment terminals at stations exceeding 50 kW, with a deadline set for 2026 for those under 50 kW.
Operators failing to meet these regulations will face significant repercussions, as fines could range from €15,000 to €75,000 for non-compliance with AFIR rules. This stringent approach is likely to deter companies responsible for installing public charging stations from neglecting their obligations.