BAKGRUNN (fra Kommisjonens pressemelding 29.11.2024)

Commission proposes common rules for electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refilling stations to further support clean mobility in the EU

Today, the Commission proposed an amendment to the Measuring Instruments Directive to harmonise the measuring requirements for electric vehicle charging stations and hydrogen refilling stations across the EU. This initiative will help consumers benefit from accurate and reliable consumption measurements, therefore enhancing consumers' protection and facilitating standardising billing processes. In addition, manufacturers will benefit from harmonised requirements, leading to cost savings and faster infrastructure deployment.

This amendment supports the roll-out of clean mobility by facilitating the deployment of electric vehicles and their chargers, and compressed gas dispensers. It also modernises metering requirements, promoting the use of smart electricity and gas meters for efficient energy management and reliable measurement of new gases like hydrogen and biogases.

The amendment also includes heat meters for cooling applications, which previously required separate certification. This change eliminates double certification, reducing costs and simplifying compliance for manufacturers.

The amendment marks a significant step in the evolution of the EU's metrology legislation and supports the green transition and climate and energy targets, aligning to new legislation in place, such as the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation, cars and vans CO₂ standards and Renewable Energy Directive. It reflects the changing landscape of energy consumption, with growing renewable energy use and technological advancements, while enhancing energy resilience and promoting resource efficiency.

EU metrology legislation, first established in the 1970s, helps ensure that consumers pay only for what they consume. Accurate measurements and common units of measurement are essential for market integrity and a functioning single market. The scope of metrology covers various measuring instruments that impact daily life, including utility meters (gas, electricity, thermal energy or water), petrol pumps, supermarket scales, wine bottles, weighing bridges, and automatic packaging lines for food and cosmetics.