From July 1, 2021, charging operators are obliged to share real-time information about all publicly accessible charging points in the Netherlands, State Secretary Stientje van Veldhoven announced. In this way it should be made easier for EV drivers to compare prices and find available charging points.
Currently, searching for a free charging station is not always easy. In many cases, a free charging station can be found via various apps, but it can be more clearly arranged. The government thought so too. From 1 July 2021, charging operators are obliged by virtue of the ‘Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Decree and Regulation’ to share information about their charging stations, such as the price per kWh and the occupancy status. This information sharing does not only take place via own apps, but external app builders are also allowed to use the data. In this way, navigation apps will soon be able to show, for example, where you can charge at what rate on your route. “We are now making it easier to find the lowest price,” says State Secretary Van Veldhoven. “Just like with the petrol pump, you will soon see at a glance what charging costs. And before you drive there you will know that a charging point is free. That gives security and confidence.”
The National Charging Survey 2020 by ElaadNL and the Electric Riders Association formed the basis for this decision. That research showed that people who drive electrically need better information about, among other things, the occupancy, price and charging speed of a charging point. According to Koos Burgman, chairman of the Electric Riders Association, this decision by the government should lead to a lowering of the threshold for driving electrically. “The seasoned electric driver now often knows how to find his way through various apps,” he says. “But for people who have just switched, it is often a real search. Now that so many new electric drivers are joining, this is really a step that cannot be taken quickly enough in our opinion.”
The government hopes with this scheme to speed up the transition to electric driving. The precise elaboration of these new laws and regulations has yet to follow. As of today, those involved can use a internet consultation thinking about its implementation.