On 31 July 2026, E.DSO submitted its feedback to the European Commission’s review of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), focusing on how AFIR should evolve to ensure and support grid-friendly E-mobility. The feedback identifies key challenges arising from the interaction between charging infrastructure deployment and grid readiness, providing recommendations to address these issues and ensure that AFIR targets can be delivered effectively in practice.
Until now, AFIR has played a key role in creating a clear framework for the deployment of EV charging points across the EU, providing predictability and supporting the electrification of transport. As electrification advances, the review of AFIR will be important to build on this progress and ensure that its targets remain effective in practice, taking into account both evolving demand and the readiness and capacity of the electricity grid.
As the entities responsible for connecting charging infrastructure to the grid DSOs play a key role in making this happen. E.DSO therefore calls for a stronger link between infrastructure deployment and electricity network planning, including:
- target-setting mechanisms that reflect market realities and actual demand uptake.
- stronger coordination between AFIR targets and electricity network development plans.
- greater consideration of local grid hosting capacity when planning charging locations.
- Stronger information exchange between relevant stakeholders.
- wider use of flexibility and smart charging solutions.
- support for DSO digitalisation to improve network planning and operation; and
- appropriate targets and supporting measures for shipping and vessels.
Want to know more about how AFIR can support grid-friendly e-mobility and how the electricity grid can help deliver its ambitions? Read the full E.DSO feedback:
