On 13/04/24, the AFIR legislation went into effect. It only applies to public charging stations (regardless of whether they are provided on public or private property).
Was the charging station at your home provided by your employer? If so, it is in private mode and therefore not subject to this legislation.
This new European legislation addresses 2 aspects:
1. Price transparency
The charging station must now provide the user with price information such as price/kWh, starting price and price/hour.
The AFIR legislation strengthens the existing Belgian regulation on consumer protection. Consequently, the price transparency aspect applies to all public charging stations, regardless of the installation date.
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Alfen Pro with display
Since June 2024, all Alfen Pro charging stations with display, managed by MobilityPlus, are in line with price transparency legislation. Thanks to a software update, consumer prices are visible on the display as follows:The indicated prices are higher than the rates (price/kWh, starting price and price/hour) set in the platform. This difference is due to the inclusion of 21% VAT on the one hand and on the other hand the transaction costs associated with conventional means of payment, the commissions that have always been associated with the extensive roaming network, as well as setting up and maintaining the IT infrastructure that enables price transparency and different means of payment. More information here
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Other brands/types of charging stations with or without display
For these charging stations your company has to take responsibility for price transparency itself. This can be done by providing a sign or a sticker near the charging stations with all price information or via a payment kiosk. MobilityPlus is in no position to facilitate an automatic price transparency solution
From 2025 on, there will be more and more targeted checks by the Economic Inspection.
2. Use of classic payment methods
Charging stations <50 kW must accept secure classic payment methods. It is no longer sufficient to only support payment via a charge card. Charging stations >50 kW must support payments via a payment terminal.
This aspect applies to all newly activated public charging stations from 13/04/24 onwards. For already installed public charging stations >50kW, a regularisation period is foreseen until 01/01/2027.
As of January 2025,, MobilityPlus offers you the following payment solutions:
1. Dynamix QR code on the display of Alfen Pro charging station
Scanning the dynamic QR code on the display of the charging station redirects the user to a secure web page.
Then the user enters his/her payment card details to start the charging session. A provision is reserved and the exact amount is settled after the charging session. Also a digital receipt can be delivered.
2. Payment kiosk
All MobilityPlus charging stations can be connected to the payment kiosk.
Ther user activates the charging session through the integrated payment terminal by selecting the desired charge point.
The charge rates are communicated (price transparency) and must be confirmed before the sessions starts. Once the payment method is validated, a provision is reserved and charging starts.
After the charging session, the exact amount is settled. A digital receipt can also be delivered.