Reflecting on AFIR implementation with Alfen | Lessons learned in the first 6 months

Earlier this year the European Union took a significant step towards the future of electric mobility by implementing the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). This ambitious European law will boost electric vehicle (EV) adoption by expanding the charging infrastructure across the continent. In the end of April, Alfen proudly launched the Twin 5 Plus, its first public EV charger that fully supports AFIR’s stringent requirements. Now, six months into the regulation, it’s time to take stock of the changes AFIR has triggered in the market and how companies like Alfen have adapted. 

Author: Chris Heineman, product manager public charging

AFIR’s primary goal is to encourage the transition to EV by ensuring that charging infrastructure is both accessible and sufficient to meet growing demand. The regulation sets binding targets for every EU member state, with specific quotas for public EV chargers by 2030. The hope is to remove one of the main barriers to EV adoption—access to reliable charging points throughout Europe. Additionally, AFIR will help the EU achieve its climate goals, reducing CO2 emissions from road transport in alignment with the European Green Deal.

Another important element of AFIR is ensuring interoperability—the seamless ability to charge an EV across different countries and networks without hassle. 

Challenges and opportunities for manufacturers

Implementing AFIR brought both challenges and opportunities for EV charging developers like Alfen. For us, one of the key hurdles has been setting up new supply chains and production lines for our new Twin 5 Plus chargers. With tight deadlines and a surge in orders, keeping up has been a race against the clock. Additionally, adapting to AFIR’s evolving technical standards, such as compliance with payment systems and interoperability, has required significant investments in research and development.

However, with these challenges come opportunities. Since AFIR was enacted, demand for AFIR-ready EV charging infrastructure has spiked, mostly in the Netherlands, but also in countries like Italy and Hungary, where Alfen’s Twin 5 Plus has sparked interest. Innovations such as dynamic QR codes—which provide enhanced security and real-time price transparency on screen – have helped Alfen stay ahead of the curve. Being one of the first to launch AFIR-compliant products has given us a crucial first-mover advantage in a fast-evolving market. 

Market changes post-AFIR

The first six months post-AFIR have seen significant shifts. In the Netherlands, Alfen’s Twin 5 Plus chargers had been selected by the three winners of the biggest tender in recent years: MRA-e (Metropolitan Region Amsterdam Electric), that will boost electric mobility in the Netherlands. This trend is mirrored in other countries, with truckloads of units sold in Italy and Hungary alone. This surge in demand points to increased confidence in the future of EV and the necessity to have a reliable charging infrastructure in place.

Yet, while demand has spiked, many of our competitors have struggled to keep up. Few manufacturers have launched products with the dynamic QR codes and integrated displays suggested under AFIR for public charging, giving Alfen an edge. The industry is also witnessing growing consumer demand for pricing transparency, with EV drivers wanting clear, upfront information on charging costs.

We’re seeing new chargers being launched in the market that have (easily spoofed) QR-code stickers in various shapes and formats, creating opportunities for hackers to steal from unsuspecting drivers. 

Alfen’s strategy and future vision

Alfen’s success lies in its ability to innovate and stay ahead of regulatory changes. By prioritising features such as dynamic QR codes and real-time price information, Alfen has enhanced both security and usability—features that have proven particularly attractive in public tenders, such as the MRA-e project, which will see thousands of units deployed.

Looking forward, Alfen remains committed to leading in technological innovation. We will continue improving interoperability, integrating chargers with renewable energy sources, and enhancing user experiences. With a reassessment of AFIR scheduled for 2025, Alfen will advocate for even tighter standards on pricing transparency and security to protect consumers and improve the overall EV charging experience.

Summary

Six months after AFIR’s introduction, it’s clear that the regulation is having a transformative impact on the European electric mobility market, although this change is evolving slowly. As consumers and businesses adapt to this new landscape, companies like Alfen are proudly playing a key role in shaping the future of EV charging. By staying ahead of the market, Alfen is well-positioned to continue driving progress in this exciting and rapidly evolving industry.