AFIR in 2025: The 60 km Rule, Contactless Payments and kWh-Based Pricing
Why this matters in 2025
If you bought or rented an EV in Europe this year, you’ve probably heard of AFIR — the EU regulation designed to make public charging simple and predictable. Below we break down what’s already applicable, what’s coming, and how to use the rules to your advantage on the road.
AFIR at a glance (driver’s version)
Coverage on TEN‑T Expect fast‑charging pools roughly every 60 km along the trans‑European road network as countries build toward AFIR targets (progressive milestones to 2030). Fewer “charging deserts”, more predictable planning.
Ad‑hoc payments Ad‑hoc possible without an account (no app required at the point of sale). Newly installed public charge points must support ad‑hoc payments via card/contactless (≥50 kW DC) or a secure web/QR flow (typically for AC <50 kW), depending on site power and deployment date. Roaming apps remain valuable for price comparison, cross‑network access, one‑bill invoicing and loyalty discounts.
Price transparency Clear, comparable prices before you start a session. ≥50 kW DC must show energy price per kWh; an idle (occupancy) fee per minute may apply after a grace period to keep bays turning.
Retrofits Older ≥50 kW sites along key corridors are being retrofitted for card/contactless with deadlines set for 2027 in EU guidance.
Tip: When you see both app and card options, compare the on‑site ad‑hoc kWh price vs any roaming/app price. On busy hubs, ad‑hoc can be cheaper.
Paying without an account: how it works (and when apps are better)
≥50 kW DC Tap your debit/credit card or phone on the terminal to start a session. Many operators also offer app/RFID options — but AFIR requires a widely used payment method for ad‑hoc use.
AC (<50 kW) Look for a dynamic QR code or a screen that leads to a secure checkout page. You confirm the tariff, authenticate and start charging; receipts are usually emailed.
Receipts & refunds Most ad‑hoc terminals place a temporary pre‑authorisation hold. Your final receipt will reflect the kWh used plus any idle fee (if triggered).
Why roaming apps still matter in 2025
- Best price, fewer surprises: Compare on‑site ad‑hoc kWh tariffs with roaming offers and loyalty discounts.
- One account, many networks: Cross‑border access without juggling multiple MSPs/RFIDs.
- Unified invoices & history: Easier expense reporting and VAT management.
- Trip tools: Live availability, congestion signals, smart stop timing; in some markets, reservations where supported by the CPO.
With evcharge.mobi we’ll let you compare ad‑hoc vs roaming before you drive and pick the cheapest/fastest option per stop.
Pricing rules
- ≥50 kW DC: the ad‑hoc energy component must be per‑kWh. Operators may add a per‑minute idle fee that starts after a grace period or after reaching target SoC.
- <50 kW AC: display of price components must be clear (typical formats include per‑kWh, per‑minute and/or per‑session).
- Before you plug in: AFIR requires that all price components are shown upfront on the charger or a linked page.
Planning smarter with AFIR
- Plan by speed tiers. Prefer ≥150 kW stops on TEN‑T corridors to minimise dwell time; the 60 km spacing makes routing more predictable.
- Compare ad‑hoc vs roaming. Use evcharge.mobi to see on‑site kWh prices next to roaming offers; at some hubs ad‑hoc wins, at others roaming with discounts is cheaper.
- Watch idle fees. Move on when you’ve reached your needed SoC to avoid occupancy charges and keep bays flowing.
- Have a backup site. AFIR improves access and payments — but always keep a secondary stop within 20–30 km on peak travel days.
For operators & site owners (quick compliance checklist)
- Payments: Ensure card/contactless on ≥50 kW DC for new installs; deploy a secure QR/web flow at AC where appropriate. Plan retrofits for legacy ≥50 kW along required corridors by 2027.
- Tariff display: Show per‑kWh energy price (≥50 kW) and any idle fee/minute clearly before session start.
- Signage & accessibility: Make pricing and ad‑hoc instructions legible; consider accessibility (height, reach, glare) and language.
- Data & uptime: Monitor failures and authorisation declines; keep a playbook for fallback ad‑hoc payments during MSP/OCPP incidents.
Quick FAQ
Do I still need multiple apps to pay? Not necessarily. New public charge points must support ad‑hoc payment with widely used instruments (card/contactless) or a secure web/QR flow, depending on power level and install date. Roaming apps (like evcharge.mobi) still add value for cross‑network access, price comparison, one‑invoice billing, usage history and—where supported—reservations.
Are per‑minute fees banned in the EU? No. For ≥50 kW DC, the energy price must be per‑kWh. Operators may add an idle (occupancy) fee per minute to discourage blocking, shown upfront.
When will every fast charger accept cards? EU guidance foresees retrofitting ≥50 kW sites along key corridors by 1 January 2027, while new sites already need ad‑hoc card/contactless acceptance.
Is the 60 km rule “live” everywhere? Member States are phasing coverage along TEN‑T with milestones to 2030. The practical effect in 2025 is more frequent fast‑charging pools and clearer spacing on major routes.
Sources / References
European Commission / EAFO — AFIR Q&A (Apr 17, 2024)
AFIR Policy Update (2023): pricing & payment reader requirements
AFIR comes into force EU‑wide; payment card reader retrofit from 1 Jan 2027