A new era for electric vehicle charging stations: Extra fees banned, transparency in payments takes center stage

The Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) has introduced significant changes for electric vehicle owners through a new regulation published in the Official Gazette. While the powers and obligations of operators providing charging services have been expanded, clarity has also been provided regarding the transfer processes of stations and the principles of service pricing.

Responding to the demand for more standards and transparency in charging infrastructure alongside the ever-increasing use of electric vehicles, the regulation includes updates on many issues ranging from charging network operators to user rights.

Charging network operators are now required to notify the authority within 30 days of every newly established station or any station they take over. Furthermore, a free access platform will be established and operated to facilitate user access to different charging points.

Under the new regulations, transactions related to green charging stations will be announced transparently and published monthly by the Energy Markets Operation Corporation (EPİAŞ). Additionally, applications for new points to be added to the charging station network will be made digitally, and applications will be concluded within 10 business days at the latest.

One of the most notable innovations regarding pricing is that charging service fees will be charged solely based on the amount of electricity consumed. It will no longer be possible to demand extra fees for items such as connection, transaction initiation, or equipment usage. Operators will be obligated to announce current prices instantly on both their digital platforms and at the stations.

Regarding loyalty programs, it has been prohibited to reflect an amount higher than 25 percent of the lowest price to the user. Additionally, when the battery level of the charged vehicle reaches 85 percent, the charging process may be terminated if the user has been informed in advance.

From now on, it is mandatory for new charging stations established in areas under the responsibility of the General Directorate of Highways, especially on highways, to have a contactless or card payment system in at least one fast DC unit. No additional fees will be charged to the customer for such payments.

With the latest regulations, a notification obligation to the authority has also been introduced for businesses that want to open mobile charging stations.

The regulation also stipulates that all measurement systems used in charging stations must comply with the Electricity Market Measurement Systems Regulation.

With these changes, electric vehicle users are entering a more advantageous period in terms of both price transparency and payment convenience. Operators, on the other hand, will have to take on more responsibilities in return for expanding their operations.

News Source: 12punto