Zaptec Pro is compliant with the AFIR requirements that apply in 2026. Both Zaptec Pro and Zaptec Go 2 are built to meet the requirements that take effect on 1 January 2027. The hardware is already capable, and compliance will be delivered through a firmware update. No charger needs to be replaced because of AFIR.
The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) came into force on 13 April 2024. It is an EU regulation that sets common rules for publicly accessible charging across Europe. It covers how chargers and vehicles communicate, how drivers can pay, and how clearly prices are shown. In practice it applies to charging that is open to the public, like car parks, retail sites, workplaces with public access and similar shared locations.
AFIR did not initially change anything for AC recharging hardware or for private home charging. All obligations were with the charge point operator. However, one of the clear objectives of the AFIR regulations is to ensure seamless interoperability. Our role is to make sure the hardware, firmware and backend behind Zaptec recharging points supports this objective.
From 8 January 2026, newly installed or renovated publicly accessible AC recharging points must have a Type 2 plug or socket that complies with EN IEC 62196-2:2017, and meet the requirement parts of EN ISO 15118-1 to -5 for vehicle communication. This is the digital communication standard between charger and vehicle that underpins smart charging and Plug & Charge.
Zaptec Pro meets the requirements that apply in 2026 to publicly accessible AC recharging points. It supports EN ISO 15118-2 communication, it is digitally connected, and it delivers the operational and session data operators need to meet their reporting and price transparency obligations.
This applies to Zaptec Pro as it ships today. No action is needed from customers to be covered by the 2026 requirements, other than ensuring that the firmware is up to date.
The 2027 requirements are broader, and they apply to all newly installed or renovated AC recharging points, whether publicly accessible or private:
Both Zaptec Pro and Zaptec Go 2 will meet the requirements that come into effect from 1 January 2027.
Customers do not need to replace their Zaptec Pro and Zaptec Go 2 recharging points to meet AFIR requirements. The hardware is already capable of meeting the 2027 requirements, and compliance will be delivered to installed chargers through a firmware update.
We will keep updating this article as firmware, backend and partner solutions are released, and as national implementations of AFIR are confirmed in individual markets. If you have questions about a specific site or installation, contact your local Zaptec sales contact.
Yes. Zaptec Pro meets the AFIR requirements for publicly accessible recharging points that came into effect in 2026. For the requirements that take effect on 1 January 2027, the hardware is already capable, and compliance will be delivered through a firmware update.
AFIR currently applies to publicly accessible recharging points and will apply to all newly installed or renovated recharging points from 2027. If your existing recharging point is private - a home, or a site that is not open to the public - the regulation does not apply to it.
Newly installed or renovated recharging points must comply with at least with EN IEC 61851:2019 and EN ISO 15118-20:2022, in addition to any requirements that were already in applicable.
No. The hardware already supports what the 2027 requirements need. Compliance is delivered through a firmware update, not new hardware.
The 2026 requirements apply to publicly accessible charging points, so they do not apply to Zaptec Go 2 as a home charger. From 2027, Zaptec Go 2 hardware is capable of meeting the requirements, delivered through a firmware update.
No, the updates won’t cost anything.
What matters on day one is that the charge point can meet the requirements — and Zaptec Pro and Zaptec Go 2 are. We will confirm firmware release timing as it is finalised.
Nothing specific to be covered by the 2026 requirements with Zaptec Pro. Ahead of 2027, make sure your chargers are connected and running current firmware, and check how ad hoc payment and price display are handled for your sites. We will publish practical guidance in good time.
AFIR applies across the EU, and EEA markets implement it nationally. Some markets have additional national rules. Your local Zaptec contact can advise on what applies where you operate.
Enabling AFIR-compliant charging with Zaptec by 1 January 2027
Zaptec’s & Paua join forces offering easy payment, reimbursement and fleet charging.