Mandatory by 2027! The Critical Tech Overhaul and Survival in the EV Charging Industry Under New AFIR Rules

With the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) now fully in effect, alongside the latest delegated acts and implementing rules passed in Spring 2025, the EV charging industry is facing a rapid and mandatory transformation. These are no longer abstract goals for 2030; the first compliance deadlines arrive in just 19 months, and they will alter the technical architecture of every new and refurbished charging station in the EU.

Here is what is changing, what it means for charger manufacturers, and how to respond.

Background Check: What is AFIR?

AFIR (Regulation EU 2023/1804) sets a binding framework for deploying not just public electric vehicle charging, but alternative fuel infrastructure across the EU. Its goals are crystal clear:

• Ensure interoperability and accessibility of charging stations.
• Standardize payment methods and price transparency.
• Enable smart charging and bi-directional grid integration.
• Create a seamless, pan-European network for EV drivers.

Currently, the regulation applies to all stations open to the public, and under specific conditions, semi-public and fleet-related deployments. The new kicker: starting January 2027, private Type 3 and Type 4 chargers also fall under regulation.

The Spring 2025 AFIR update came in the form of new delegated acts and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/655, specifying technical details. The real work starts now.

The New Timeline: 19 Months to Re-architect

The key dates you need to internalize are:

🗓️ From October 2025:

All new or refurbished publicly accessible chargers must support ISO 15118-1 to -5.

If the charger offers Plug & Charge functionality, it must support both:

• ISO 15118-2:2016 AND ISO 15118-20:2022.

Furthermore, smart charging (and the capability for bi-directional charging) is no longer optional—at least on the communication side. Every charger installed or renovated after Jan 1, 2027, must be ready for smart communication and system integration.

What This Really Means: A Massive Shift in Hardware & Software

Let’s break down the consequences into five dimensions:

1. Communication Protocols: ISO 15118-20 Takes the Lead

ISO 15118-20 isn't just "another version." It brings major architectural changes:

• Bi-directional charging (V2G) support.
• Enhanced security (Certificate handling, TLS 1.3).
• More flexible Plug & Charge mechanisms.
• New use cases like Smart Energy Management.

2. Hardware Requirements: From Microcontrollers to Real Computers

To be AFIR compliant, future chargers must feature:

• PLC Modems for high-level communication (ISO 15118).
• Analog safety AFE circuits compliant with IEC 61851-1.
• Microcontrollers (MCU) for real-time, safety-critical logic.
• Processors (Linux-based) for application logic and secure communication.
• Displays on public chargers for transparency and accessibility.

3. Screens & Transparency: What Counts as "Public"?

AFIR makes a clear distinction:

• ✅ Display Required (or equivalent visual interface): If the charger is open to the public and allows for ad-hoc payments (payment without a contract or App, applicable to chargers > 50 kW), prices and payment options must be displayed on-site.
• ❌ Display May Not Be Required: If access is restricted (e.g., fleet depots, private company parking), or if payment is always handled via App/Contract and real-time pricing/status is available via other "barrier-free" means.

📌 Crucial Note: If general access to supermarket chargers or semi-public sites is not restricted, they are considered public facilities under AFIR and will likely require visual interfaces for compliance.

4. Cybersecurity & Compliance: No Longer Just Charging

AFIR now aligns tightly with other regulatory frameworks like the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), NIS2, and GDPR. This means:

• Encrypted firmware updates are mandatory.
• System access must be protected via certified Secure Elements.
• Secure Boot and TPM for cryptographic operations and firmware integrity.
• Roaming, cloud services, and payment interfaces must not leak personal data.

This is the first time EU-wide cybersecurity standards directly impact EVSE firmware, bootloaders, and remote maintenance logic.

5. Ready to Ship: Testing & Certification for ISO 15118-20

With hundreds of new EV models expected by 2027, ad-hoc testing can no longer guarantee compatibility. The future lies in:

• Automated testing tools.
• Formal certification paths for ISO 15118 and OCPP.
• Cloud-based CI pipelines for EVSE firmware.

The Triple Squeeze: Cost, Time, and Complexity

The industry is facing a perfect storm:

• Shorter development cycles (only 19 months to the hard deadline).
• Rising R&D and testing costs.
• Margin pressure in a competitive hardware market.

Even experienced charger manufacturers are struggling to maintain speed without sacrificing quality or compliance.

The Solution: Charge Bridge Hardware Module

Charge Stack Studio created Charge Bridge specifically for this moment.

As a highly integrated core module, Charge Bridge perfectly addresses the technical challenges of AFIR:

• Fully Compliant: Flawless support for ISO 15118-2 and -20 (Plug & Charge Ready), plus full versions of OCPP 1.6/2.0.1/2.1.
• High Interoperability: Pre-integrated with global mainstream backend protocols and vehicle communication protocols, eliminating compatibility anxiety.
• Security First: Built-in Secure Boot, TLS 1.3 encrypted communication, and continuous vulnerability management processes, meeting CRA requirements.
• Rapid Integration: Provides a standardized Linux + MCU dual-core architecture and docking SDK, enabling integration with GB/T (Chinese Standard) chargers in just 2-4 weeks.

The Charge Bridge Hardware Module goes further as an enterprise-grade solution:

• Ruggedized for commercial deployment, designed for harsh environments.
• Ready to integrate displays, TPM modules, and payment terminals to meet AFIR display requirements for public chargers.
• Meets emerging cybersecurity requirements from CRA and NIS2.
• Is being used by global OEMs and certification labs for real-world interoperability testing.
• Quality Auto-Build: Automated testing and pre-certification allow you to deliver compliant products smoothly without starting R&D from scratch.

By using Charge Bridge, you de-risk your technology stack, reduce Time-to-Market, and align with where AFIR—and the industry—expects you to be in 2027 and beyond.

Conclusion: The Future of Charging is Regulated, Secure, and Interoperable

Whether you are a charger OEM, a CPO, or a software provider, AFIR is no longer a future concern—it is today's engineering blueprint.

Early adapters will gain market share. Those who wait may find themselves locked out of the next wave of EV infrastructure funding, tenders, and partnerships.

There is still time, but not much.

By embracing these standards now, we aren't just meeting a requirement; we are building the foundation for what comes next: more standards, tighter regulation of critical infrastructure, and smart, secure, truly interoperable electric mobility.

Ready to be AFIR-compliant and future-proof your charging platform?

Contact Charge Stack Studio to discuss standards, software stacks, and how to use the Charge Bridge module to deliver AFIR-compliant chargers faster.