Public charging
A charging point is publicly accessible if it is located at a site or in premises accessible to the general public. This also applies on private land and regardless of access restrictions or terms of use.
Publicly accessible charging points operated with reev can be used in different ways:
eRoaming: Charging through a contract with an eMobility Provider (EMP), for example with a charging card or app.
Ad hoc charging: Charging without a prior contract, for example by paying directly at the charging point.
If you offer your charging points for public use, keep the location details, charging point settings and opening hours complete and up to date. Additional reporting, notification and operating obligations may apply to publicly accessible charging points. More information is provided in this article and in the articles about activating the respective user groups.
eRoaming
This user group allows drivers with an account with an eMobility Provider (EMP) to charge at your charging infrastructure.
The charging point network of individual operators is regionally limited. With eRoaming, drivers can use charging points operated by different participating operators through their EMP’s charging card or app. They do not need a separate contract or charging card for every operator.
The EMP bills the charging session directly to the driver. As the charging point operator, you receive the agreed payout price.
Drivers registered with one of the EMPs listed can charge at your reev-operated charging stations, provided that the eRoaming user group is activated. Access is provided through the app or charging card of the respective provider.
To offer eRoaming, configure the public charging points and the eRoaming user group in the reev Platform. For more information, see: eRoaming | Activation & Configuration
Ad hoc charging
This user group is intended for short-term users of your charging stations whom you want to bill automatically, without issuing a charging card.
Ad hoc charging allows drivers to start a charging session without prior registration with the charging point operator and without an eRoaming contract. Unlike eRoaming, drivers do not need a charging card or app from an eMobility Provider (EMP).
For publicly accessible charging points installed from 13 April 2024 onwards, ad hoc charging without a prior contract must be possible. At least one widely used electronic payment method must be accepted. Transitional or special rules may apply to older charging points and certain locations.
How drivers start an ad hoc charging session
How drivers start an ad hoc charging session
Drivers start an ad hoc charging session as follows:
Scan the QR code attached to the charging point.
Accept the displayed tariff and enter a payment method. Drivers can use a credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Confirm the payment and start the charging session.
A pre-authorisation of €60 is placed on the selected payment method at the beginning of the session. After the charging session ends, only the actual amount is charged. The unused amount is released or refunded.
To offer ad hoc charging, set up a billing account, assign the charging points to the ad hoc user group and define the tariff. For more information, see: Ad hoc| Activation & Configuration
eRoaming and ad hoc charging compared
The following table shows the main differences between the two access options:
| eRoaming | Ad hoc charging |
Access | Through a supported EMP, using an app or charging card | By scanning a QR code |
Driver contract | Contract with an EMP | No existing contract is required |
Billing | Billed through the roaming partner | Direct and automatic billing |
Operator configuration | Assign the public charging points to the eRoaming user group. The tariff is predefined. Add the required roaming settings. | Set up a billing account to receive payments, assign the charging points to the ad hoc user group and define the tariff yourself. |
Legal requirements
If you make charging points publicly accessible, you must comply with legal requirements in addition to completing the technical setup. The key regulations include the German Charging Infrastructure Regulation (Ladesäulenverordnung (LSV)) and the European Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR).
When is a charging point publicly accessible?
Under Section 2 no. 5 of the German Charging Infrastructure Regulation (LSV), a charging point is publicly accessible if it is located at a site or in premises accessible to the general public. This applies regardless of whether the charging point is located on public or private land, whether access to the site or premises is subject to restrictions or conditions, and regardless of the terms of use that apply to the charging point.
A barrier, limited opening hours, registration or another access requirement therefore does not automatically mean that a charging point is not publicly accessible. The decisive factor is whether the site is generally open to the public. A charging point is generally not publicly accessible if access is reserved exclusively for an individually specified or clearly defined group, such as a company’s employees or previously invited guests.
When do I have to report a charging point?
Publicly accessible charging points generally have to be reported to the Bundesnetzagentur. This can also apply to existing charging points that become publicly accessible at a later date.
For eRoaming, the corresponding report is always required. The operator number must be entered in the reev Platform.
The technical setup of ad hoc charging in the reev Platform is also possible without a report to the Bundesnetzagentur. An operator number does not need to be entered. However, this technical option does not exempt you from an existing legal reporting obligation. Conversely, setting up an ad hoc user group alone does not create a reporting obligation if the charging point is not publicly accessible.
Example: Reporting obligation for ad hoc charging
Example: Reporting obligation for ad hoc charging
Ad hoc charging is activated for guests on a company site with access control. If access is restricted to employees, previously invited or otherwise defined guests, the charging point is generally not publicly accessible. A reporting obligation under the LSV generally does not apply in this case.
If a company parking area is separated by a barrier that remains permanently open and anyone can enter the site and use the charging points, the charging point may be considered publicly accessible and therefore reportable. This applies regardless of which user group or groups you enter in the reev Platform.
Important: This section provides general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Check the requirements that apply to your charging points against the current versions of the German Charging Infrastructure Regulation (LSV), the AFIR and any other relevant regulations.
As the charging point operator, you are responsible for the legal classification of your charging points and for complying with the applicable obligations. reev is not liable for a different legal assessment or for any consequences resulting from obligations that are not fulfilled or are fulfilled incorrectly.
Country-specific requirements
The reporting requirements described above apply to Germany. They are based on the German Charging Infrastructure Regulation (Ladesäulenverordnung, LSV) and reporting to the Bundesnetzagentur.
If your charging points are located in another country, different national or regional regulations, authorities, deadlines and publication requirements may apply. Before making a charging point publicly accessible, check the requirements that apply in the country where the charging point is installed. This may include requirements for registration or reporting, the publication of location and technical data, payment methods, pricing, interoperability, operation and maintenance.
The technical setup of public charging, eRoaming or ad hoc charging in the reev Platform does not replace any reporting, registration or publication obligations required by local law.