Plugged in, priced out: how to make public charging of EVs work for consumers

**European Union Tackles Electric Vehicle Charging Inconsistencies**

The European Union is striving to enhance consumer trust in electric vehicle (EV) public charging by addressing persistent issues of transparency and accessibility. The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) mandates binding deployment targets and crucial requirements for price clarity and diverse payment methods, aiming to simplify the EV ownership experience. This regulatory push is vital for encouraging widespread adoption of electric mobility across the continent.

Despite AFIR's provisions, significant structural problems continue to plague public EV charging. Consumers face an opaque, multi-layered pricing system that impedes easy comparison, alongside billing complexities that make cost prediction challenging. Furthermore, the prevalence of local monopolies and payment methods that are not universally accessible contribute to a frustrating user experience.

To overcome these hurdles, BEUC is urging the European Commission and co-legislators to close existing regulatory gaps within AFIR. Addressing underlying market failures, including market concentration, is essential to combatting high prices and improving the usability of public charging infrastructure, ultimately fostering greater consumer confidence.