The European Union is taking the next decisive step toward modernizing and harmonizing electric vehicle charging infrastructure across Europe. Under the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), stringent technical standards are introduced governing how charging stations communicate with electric vehicles and the power grid.
Beginning on January 1, 2027, mandatory communication standards will take effect for all EV charging points that are newly installed or undergo major renovations. For homeowners, housing cooperatives (BRF), and commercial property managers planning to install charging stations, understanding these regulations is essential for choosing future-proof hardware today.
What Is the EU AFIR Regulation and Section 2.1.3 (b)?
AFIR is a directly applicable European Union regulation, meaning its provisions carry the full force of law across all EU member states without requiring domestic transposition. Its primary objective is to build a reliable, user-friendly, and interoperable charging network throughout the EU.
In the regulation's technical annexes, specifically under section 2.1.3 (b), normal-power and high-power recharging points for road vehicles must support the international communication standard EN ISO 15118-20:2022. This mandate includes key operational scopes:
- Both Public and Private Charging Points: Unlike earlier legislation that primarily addressed public motorway fast-chargers, AFIR section 2.1.3 (b) applies across both public and private environments, including single-family residential homes, residential housing cooperatives, and commercial workplaces.
- New Installations and Major Renovations: The rule applies to every EV charging station installed for the first time or undergoing comprehensive electrical and technical renovation on or after January 1, 2027.
- Two-Way Communication and Smart Grid Integration: The standard establishes advanced bidirectional digital communication between the vehicle, the charging unit, and the energy grid, laying the foundation for automated identification, dynamic load management, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) power sharing.
The EN ISO 15118-20:2022 Standard and Plug & Charge
The technical core of the AFIR requirement is the migration to the EN ISO 15118-20:2022 protocol. Traditional legacy home chargers communicate with electric cars via simple pulse-width modulation (PWM analog signaling under IEC 61851-1), which merely informs the vehicle of the maximum current allowable by the charging cable.
In contrast, ISO 15118-20 establishes secure, encrypted Internet Protocol (IP) communication directly over the charging cable:
- Plug & Charge: The vehicle and the charger authenticate each other securely and instantly when the cable is plugged in. The need for physical RFID keyfobs, smartphone apps, or manual activation steps is completely eliminated.
- Secure Metering and Billing: The system supports cryptographic certificates for billing and energy data reporting, streamlining reimbursements for company car drivers and residential tenants.
- Intelligent Grid Optimization: Chargers can receive accurate real-time data on the vehicle battery's state of charge (SoC) and modulate charging speeds according to household peak tariffs, dynamic hourly energy prices, and localized grid capacity.
Because ISO 15118-20 requires dedicated onboard hardware components, cryptographic processors, and memory architecture, older legacy chargers cannot be brought into compliance through software updates alone.
Do the Rules Apply to Already Installed EV Chargers?
It is vital to distinguish between existing installations and future deployments. If you already have an EV charger installed, such as a Zaptec Go or an Easee Charge Up, there is no cause for concern:
- No Retroactive Prohibition: AFIR contains no retroactive ban on existing chargers. Units installed before January 1, 2027, will continue to charge electric vehicles safely and normally throughout their operational lifespan.
- Ongoing Support and Cloud Services: Major hardware manufacturers will maintain cloud connectivity, mobile apps, and routine security patches for previous-generation chargers.
- No Mandatory Replacement: Neither homeowners nor property managers are required to replace functioning EV chargers installed before the January 2027 deadline.
The legal mandate applies exclusively to equipment installed or substantially renovated on or after the effective date.
What the Regulation Means for Electricians and Property Owners
For certified electrical contractors and installation companies, AFIR establishes clear statutory responsibilities. To remain fully compliant with European Union law, electrical contractors will not be permitted to install or commission charging points lacking hardware compliance with the specified standards once the transitional window closes.
As a direct consequence, prominent European manufacturers, including Zaptec, Easee, and Charge Amps, have initiated the phase-out of earlier product generations in favor of compliant next-generation platforms.
For customers commissioning charging installations today, this guidance is crucial:
- Choose Current-Generation Hardware: When installing an EV charger today, selecting hardware that already fulfills the upcoming EU criteria ensures your equipment remains compatible with next-generation electric vehicles and future utility requirements.
- Protect Residential and Commercial Investments: Housing associations (BRF) and businesses must avoid purchasing discontinued surplus inventory, ensuring long-term hardware support and maximum property valuation.
- Engage Authorized Professionals: All electrical work must be performed by a registered electrical contractor in accordance with national electrical safety authorities.
Future-Proof EV Chargers Meeting the Standards
Several market-leading EV chargers are already available that fully satisfy the new regulatory standards:
- Zaptec Go 2: The successor to Norway's most popular home charger. Zaptec Go 2 features an integrated MID-certified energy meter, native hardware support for ISO 15118 with Plug & Charge, and lifetime 4G LTE-M connectivity at no subscription fee. Explore details on our dedicated Zaptec Go 2 page.
- Easee Charge Max: A robust charging station delivering up to 22 kW, equipped with integrated MID metering, built-in electrical safety protection, and an advanced hardware architecture built for dynamic power balancing and future grid integration. See the full specs for Easee Charge Max.
- Charge Amps Aura 2: A Swedish dual-socket charging station crafted from recycled aluminum, providing two independent 22 kW charging sockets. Aura 2 incorporates dual MID-certified meters, ISO 15118 capability, and full OCPP compatibility, making it an outstanding choice for two-car households and residential associations. Check specifications for Charge Amps Aura 2.
Investing in these compliant units ensures seamless vehicle interoperability, certified energy metering, and enduring equipment value.
Frequently Asked Questions About AFIR & EU 2027 Requirements
Can existing EV chargers remain in use after 2027?
Yes, AFIR contains no retroactive prohibition. Chargers installed prior to January 1, 2027, will continue to operate normally throughout their service life. You do not need to replace functioning equipment.
What do AFIR and the ISO 15118 standard require for new installations?
For all new installations and major renovations commencing January 1, 2027, charging equipment must support EN ISO 15118-20:2022. This standard delivers encrypted digital communication and Plug & Charge authentication. Contractors are legally barred from installing non-compliant hardware.
Which EV chargers comply with the new EU requirements and are future-proof?
EV chargers featuring integrated hardware readiness for ISO 15118 and MID-certified metering comply. Prominent options include Zaptec Go 2, Easee Charge Max, and Charge Amps Aura 2.
Summary and Professional Advice from Smista Elinstallation
The EU AFIR directive establishes a modern, secure foundation for the future of electric mobility. By requiring compliance with EN ISO 15118-20:2022 starting January 1, 2027, the regulation guarantees a smarter, more integrated charging ecosystem with automated Plug & Charge functionality.
While existing chargers continue to operate without restriction, selecting compliant next-generation hardware is the smartest choice for any new project today.
At Smista Elinstallation, our certified electricians assist homeowners, housing cooperatives, and businesses across the Greater Stockholm area with turnkey installations of future-proof EV charging stations, complete with the 50% Green Technology tax deduction applied directly on your invoice. Explore our full range of solutions on our EV charger installation page, or request a free quote directly for your property. You are also welcome to call our certified electricians at +46 8 91 00 17 for expert guidance.