The European Parliament today set out its position on the reform of the EU’s ‘alternative fuels infrastructure’ law, which sets the bloc’s regulatory ambition for electric car charging infrastructure. Parliament rightly calls for easy payment, transparent pricing, and maintenance of charging points.

Monique Goyens, Director General at The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), commented:

“All signs point to a future where driving is electric. Research shows that electric vehicles are good for people’s wallets and the environment. Consumer organisations applaud that MEPs are calling for a well-functioning charging infrastructure, transparent prices per kilowatt-hour, and easy payment by debit or credit card. We urge EU member states to echo the consumer measures proposed by Parliament, which should cure anyone’s range anxiety once and for all.”

Examples of consumer measures called for by the European Parliament:

• When charging on-the-go, consumers should be able to pay by debit or credit card, as is also possible at petrol stations. In addition, but not as a substitute, charging point operators can provide their own systems (such as a QR code).
• Charging prices should become transparent by following the format price/kWh, mirroring the price/litre logic people are accustomed to.
• Charging point operators would have to ensure their network is in proper condition, maintained, and swiftly repaired in case of any malfunction.  

Next steps

Representatives of the European Parliament will meet EU Member States (the Council) as of 27/10 to negotiate and agree on the final details of this legal reform. BEUC urges Parliament to strongly defend its position, as this would be a significant step in turning the EU’s Green Deal into reality.  

Read also

• Why it matters to consumers
• BEUC technical recommendations for the reform of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation
• An example of recent consumer research on car charging: Which? calls for improvements to charging networks as research reveals significant flaws affecting drivers
• BEUC research on the cost of electric driving, and electric cars’ sustainability credentials.