What changes in 2027 for EV drivers and charging point operators?
In the coming months, further requirements for public charging infrastructure will take effect.
The basis: the AFIR Regulation
The main basis is the European AFIR Regulation. It is designed to drive the expansion of infrastructure along important traffic corridors and to make public charging simpler, more transparent, and more accessible across Europe.
What specifically changes
The AFIR requirements affect two groups at the same time: EV drivers who charge at public pillars, and charging point operators who must run, maintain, and upgrade those pillars.
Ad hoc payment without an app
New charging points of 50 kW and above must enable ad hoc payment by card or contactlessly, and the price must be displayed before the charging session.
Upgrades on the TEN-T network
Certain existing charging points on the TEN-T network must meet the payment requirements from 1 January 2027 and, where necessary, be retrofitted.
Higher minimum output
By the end of 2027, charging parks on the TEN-T core network must provide at least 600 kW of total output and 2 x 150 kW.
What it means for EV drivers
For EV drivers this primarily means changes to payment and access to charging points: public charging should be possible without a prior contract or registration.
At new charging points of 50 kW and above, ad hoc payment by card or contactlessly must be enabled, and the price must be displayed transparently before the charging session.
What it means for charging point operators
For charging point operators, the requirements are rising at the same time. Certain existing charging points on the TEN-T network must meet the corresponding payment requirements from 1 January 2027 and, where necessary, be retrofitted.
Minimum requirements on the TEN-T core network
Charging power will also be expanded mandatorily on major European traffic corridors. The table below summarises the specific requirements.
| Criterion | Minimum requirement | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Ad hoc payment (card / contactless) | New charging point of 50 kW and above | At commissioning |
| Transparent price display before charging | New charging point of 50 kW and above | At commissioning |
| Payment requirement compliance | Existing pillars on the TEN-T network | 1 January 2027 |
| Total output on the TEN-T core network | at least 600 kW | End of 2027 |
| Individual charging pillars (2 x) on the TEN-T core network | at least 150 kW per pillar | End of 2027 |
In summary
Public charging is thus being standardised further in stages — especially where EV drivers on long-distance journeys depend on reliable charging infrastructure.