EU Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR)Is Updated

Two core mandatory implementation schedules are clearly stipulated as follows: From Jan 8, 2026: Every newly installed public DC/AC charging station must be equipped with intelligent charging guns supporting ISO 15118-2 Plug & Charge auto-authentication. This intelligent protocol allows electric vehicles to complete automatic identity verification, automatic billing and automatic charging activation immediately after the charging gun is plugged in, removing the need for mobile APP scanning, card swiping or manual payment operations. It greatly simplifies the whole charging process and solves the long-standing pain point of cumbersome authentication steps at European public charging stations. From Jan 1, 2027: All newly manufactured or fully renovated public charging guns across the European Union shall fully comply with ISO 15118-20 latest industry specification. The upgraded protocol supports stable bidirectional V2G power transfer, which enables parked electric vehicles to feed redundant electricity back to the public power grid during peak electricity consumption. It helps ease grid load pressure, stabilize regional power fluctuation and promote the development of renewable energy power matching in Europe. In line with the unified EU intelligent charging upgrade trend, major European charging network operator Ionity officially rolled out Europe's first batch of 1000kW megawatt ultra-fast charging stations in France in February 2026. Adopting cutting-edge Alpitronic HYC1000 charging hardware, each standard CCS charging gun can support a peak charging power up to 600kW for mainstream passenger electric vehicles. More importantly, the built-in intelligent power distribution system supports real-time dynamic power sharing among multiple connected vehicles. The charging pile can automatically allocate reasonable power output according to each car's remaining battery level and maximum charging capability, avoiding power waste and improving the overall operation efficiency of public ultra-fast charging stations along European highways. Industry analysts point out that the unified AFIR mandatory standards will completely unify the intelligent charging logic within the European market, reduce the R&D and adaptation costs for charging gun manufacturers, and lay a solid foundation for the full popularity of smart charging and V2G services in the next three years.