EU Agrees on Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation

Under the new regulation, EU Member States will be required to ensure the availability of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles along the core corridors of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) every 60 kilometers by 2025. By 2030, this requirement will extend to cover all smaller roads within the comprehensive TEN-T network. For trucks and buses, fast-charging stations must be equipped at a rate of 15% of the entire TEN-T by 2025, increasing to 50% by 2027, and 100% by 2030. The maximum distance between stations will be reduced to 60 kilometers in the core TEN-T and 100 kilometers in the comprehensive TEN-T by 2030.

The compromise represents a significant step forward in the EU’s commitment to fostering the adoption of alternative fuels, including electricity, hydrogen, and liquefied methane, for road vehicles, vessels, and stationary aircraft. The regulation sets binding national and EU-wide targets for the deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure and includes specific requirements for charging stations’ power output and hydrogen refueling stations’ capacity.

The regulation will now undergo formal adoption by the European Parliament and the European Council, expected to take place in late April 2023. Given the consensus reached among the co-legislators during the trialogue meetings, no further modifications or delays are anticipated.

The AFIR’s focus on road transport requirements aligns with the EU’s broader strategy to tackle climate change and transition to a greener future. By providing clear guidelines and targets, the regulation aims to accelerate the development of a robust and user-friendly alternative fuel infrastructure across the EU.

The compromise includes measures to ensure user-friendliness, such as transparent pricing information for charging and refueling services and the installation of payment card readers at fast-charging stations. Additionally, reporting requirements have been established to monitor progress and ensure data transparency, and a revision of the regulation is planned every five years.

The adoption of the EU Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation represents a significant milestone in the EU’s efforts to decarbonize the transport sector and achieve ambitious emissions reduction targets. By promoting the deployment of alternative fuel infrastructure, the EU is taking a crucial step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.