The European Union’s Alternative Fuels and Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) represents a key step towards achieving zero-emission mobility and energy transformation in Europe, including Slovakia. This legislative framework aims to support the development of a large and efficient alternative fuels infrastructure, which is essential for the development of electro-mobility and the reduction ofCO2 emissions. Slovakia will have to invest heavily in the development of public charging infrastructure as part of the implementation of the AFIR, especially in the vicinity of expressways and motorways included in the European TEN-T network.
AFIR’s key objectives:
Ensuring the availability of charging services: Building a network of public charging stations is key to ensuring a smooth transition to electro-mobility. This objective includes not only having enough charging stations, but also ensuring their availability and interoperability across the EU.
Emission standards and targets: Strict parameters are set to reduce transport emissions, which includes a gradual reduction of emissions from heavy-duty vehicles and stimulating the production and sale of low- and zero-emission vehicles.
Encouraging innovation: The legislation encourages the introduction of innovations and the improvement of the competitiveness of road truck and bus manufacturers towards zero-emission transport. This includes not only the technological development of vehicles but also the infrastructure needed to charge them.
The implementation of AFIR in Slovakia will require a coordinated approach between government, local authorities, industry and interest groups. Challenges such as financing, urban planning and regulation will need to be resolved to ensure that the AFIR objectives are achieved in an efficient and timely manner. This legislative framework provides an opportunity not only to improve air quality and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but also to enhance the region’s innovation potential and economic growth.
In the Slovak context, the AFIR is a crucial step towards achieving these objectives. The challenge remains to bridge the gap between the status quo and the requirements of this regulation, which will require significant investment in charging infrastructure and enabling technologies, as well as the deployment of human and professional resources across the energy industry.