EV charging and e-roaming in Europe
Should traveling and charging an electric car be so challenging? The EU says no. EU approves an easier method of paying when recharging electric cars, as part of their work on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure directive (2014/94).
Using the EU's chosen solution, you can pay with your preferred app at all charging stations. According to the EU regulation, providers of charging services must provide "e-roaming," which entails being able to start, stop, and pay for charging at any charging station located within the EU using whatever app you want. The process of "plug and charge," in which an electric car's driver connects the charging connection to the vehicle and the system organizes the payment automatically without the driver's involvement, includes a critical stage called roaming.
Plug & Charge is a technology defined by the ISO 15118 standard that allows an electric vehicle (EV) to charge its battery using a standardized communication protocol between the EV and the charging station. It allows the EV to automatically initiate the charging process, authenticate itself, and negotiate the charging parameters with the charging station without the need for any manual intervention.
Plug & Charge technology is designed to simplify the charging process for EV drivers and reduce the risk of human error. It allows the EV to automatically initiate charging when it is connected to a compatible charging station, and it provides a secure and standardized way for the EV and the charging station to communicate and exchange information. This can help to improve the overall charging experience for EV drivers and increase the adoption of electric vehicles.
According to EU regulations, owners of alternative fuel cars must be able to pay at any publicly accessible charge point, without having to sign a contract with the operator or a mobility service provider. The client should be able to use their credit or debit card. As a result, it was determined that operators must accept electronic payments through terminals and other equipment used for payment services, including at a minimum payment card readers or equipment with contactless technology that can read payment cards.
On October 19, 2022, the EU Parliament adopted its stance. The EU states that the modifications will take effect no later than 2027. The new regulations are a part of the EU's "Fit for 55 in 2030 package," which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% from 1990 levels by 2030.
These modifications to how electric car recharging is paid for represent a significant advance in more user-friendly recharging. The recharging businesses must get ready for the shift and make space for e-roaming.