Aug 5, 2025
Portugal eliminates the requirement for EV charging contracts.
Portugal has established a new legal framework for electric mobility (Regime Jurídico da Mobilidade Elétrica – RJME), officially approved by the Council of Ministers as part of the State Reform initiative. The aim is to make public charging simpler by eliminating the requirement for contracts with energy providers, allowing for spontaneous charging sessions, and enabling direct payments via bank cards or QR codes. This draft bill was first presented in February.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing states that this modification will minimize intermediaries and associated costs in the charging process. “Creating a more efficient model with fewer intermediaries and reduced fees is a key feature of this regime. The government aims to enhance sector transparency, ensuring users receive clear and comprehensible invoices for vehicle charging,” said Minister Miguel Pinto Luz.
The revised legislation also facilitates the development of new charging infrastructure. Charging points with a capacity of 50 kW or more must provide bank card payment options, while lower-powered chargers need to support alternative electronic payment methods like QR code access. Additionally, clear pricing information will be required at all public charging sites, similar to fossil fuel pricing at gas stations.
“The new electric mobility regime encourages the liberalization of the sector, expected to increase the number of charging stations. More competition will likely lead to lower costs and enhanced price transparency, particularly on highways,” said Minister for Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho.
Charge point operators will gain increased independence under the RJME. They are no longer required to connect to a centralized national system like Mobi.E and can now innovate with independent business models, including the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power. When the draft bill was first announced, Tesla indicated that it could begin constructing Superchargers in the country. “After 4.5 years, significant progress has been made in facilitating charging investments and promoting EV adoption in Portugal,” the automaker shared on social media at that time.
To ensure a seamless transition and protect previous investments, the government has implemented a transitional period lasting until 31 December 2026. This reform also aligns with EU regulation AFIR, which mandates open access to EV charging without obligatory contracts.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing states that this modification will minimize intermediaries and associated costs in the charging process. “Creating a more efficient model with fewer intermediaries and reduced fees is a key feature of this regime. The government aims to enhance sector transparency, ensuring users receive clear and comprehensible invoices for vehicle charging,” said Minister Miguel Pinto Luz.
The revised legislation also facilitates the development of new charging infrastructure. Charging points with a capacity of 50 kW or more must provide bank card payment options, while lower-powered chargers need to support alternative electronic payment methods like QR code access. Additionally, clear pricing information will be required at all public charging sites, similar to fossil fuel pricing at gas stations.
“The new electric mobility regime encourages the liberalization of the sector, expected to increase the number of charging stations. More competition will likely lead to lower costs and enhanced price transparency, particularly on highways,” said Minister for Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho.
Charge point operators will gain increased independence under the RJME. They are no longer required to connect to a centralized national system like Mobi.E and can now innovate with independent business models, including the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power. When the draft bill was first announced, Tesla indicated that it could begin constructing Superchargers in the country. “After 4.5 years, significant progress has been made in facilitating charging investments and promoting EV adoption in Portugal,” the automaker shared on social media at that time.
To ensure a seamless transition and protect previous investments, the government has implemented a transitional period lasting until 31 December 2026. This reform also aligns with EU regulation AFIR, which mandates open access to EV charging without obligatory contracts.