New rules. Old problems. One charger that’s already ahead.

From this year, new requirements under the EU’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) begin to apply. The regulation marks a significant step towards a harmonised European EV charging ecosystem, introducing clearer requirements for how publicly accessible AC charging points are designed, connected and operated.
“Most charging solutions are racing to retrofit and comply. DEFA Power was built for this new era from the start”, says Martin Jonsson, EVP of DEFA eMobility.

The objective is to improve the user experience, ensure interoperability across borders, and increase transparency for both users and market stakeholders.
From January 2026, newly installed publicly accessible AC charging points must:

• Support ISO 15118-2, enabling standardised and secure communication between the vehicle and the charging point
• Provide clear and transparent pricing, allowing users to see costs and conditions before charging begins
• Be non-discriminatorily accessible, regardless of payment method or user group

From 2027, the regulation is further strengthened with requirements for ISO 15118-20 support for new public and private charging points. This lays the foundation for future capabilities such as advanced Plug & Charge functionality and smart energy management.

Increased requirements will challenge parts of the market

With AFIR now in force, requirements for public charging have increased significantly. Availability, transparency, interoperability and user experience are no longer optional — they are legal requirements.

Many existing charging solutions were not designed with these requirements in mind. As a result, retrofitting compliance will be technically complex and costly for parts of the market.

DEFA doesn’t just comply — they lead

DEFA’s multiple test-winning charger, DEFA Power, was built for regulatory readiness from day one. AFIR compliance is not an add-on, but a core part of the product architecture.

“Our charging station DEFA Power has been designed with a strong focus on future EU regulations and long-term compatibility, supporting the technical and functional requirements introduced by AFIR today and in the years ahead,” says Martin Jonsson.

He adds:

“I would also like to highlight the integrated display, which provides step-by-step charging information instead of unclear indicator lights. Combined with a dynamic QR code for payment, the charging experience becomes clear, smooth and easy to understand. “The dynamic QR code also increases security; a charging station with a QR code on a sticker can be vulnerable to having another QR code placed on top of the original. This risk is eliminated when the QR code is dynamic and integrated into the display.”

Key characteristics of DEFA Power include:

• Support for established and emerging communication standards, including ISO 15118, enabling secure vehicle-to-charger communication
• An open and scalable system architecture, suitable for public, semi-public and private charging environments
• Transparent user interfaces and backend integrations, enabling clear price information (dynamic QR code) and alignment with AFIR’s user-centric requirements
• Nordic design and quality, with a strong focus on electrical safety, reliability and long service life in demanding conditions

Ready for the next phase of electrification

With AFIR, the EU delivers a much-needed reset towards a more unified European charging landscape. By combining technology, standardisation and a user-first approach, the regulation supports the continued electrification of the transport sector.

DEFA is well positioned not only to support — but to lead — this transition, helping customers deploy charging solutions that meet both today’s needs and tomorrow’s regulatory requirements.