For many operators, the grid connection is a pivotal step in setting up a new charging site. We have found no official European figure for connection times specific to charging, so this article does not quote one. It sets out what the texts say about connection, and what an operator can control while waiting for the network.
What the law says about connecting charge points
The Electricity Market Directive (2019/944) addresses charging directly in its article 33. Member States must facilitate the connection of public and private charge points, and distribution system operators (DSOs) must cooperate with charge point operators on a non-discriminatory basis. DSOs may not own or operate charge points, except under a framed exception granted through a tender.
The directive sets no connection deadline for charging. The facilitation duty is general, and the details are left to national rules.
Smart charging as part of the file
AFIR requires smart charging capability for public points built after 13 April 2024 or renovated after 14 October 2024. It defines smart recharging as adjusting current in real time from information received electronically. Recital 30 links smart charging to integration in the power system through aggregation and demand response.
In practice, a site that can limit and shift its load can describe a managed profile to the network operator, instead of a worst-case peak. The texts do not promise that this shortens a connection process, so treat it as a lever to raise in the discussion with your DSO, not as a guarantee.
For buildings, the EPBD goes the same way: pre-cabling must allow simultaneous use, and non-residential buildings are expected to have a load management system where feasible.
Data and flexibility
RED III adds a data obligation on network operators. Transmission and distribution operators must make available the renewable share and greenhouse gas content of electricity per bidding zone, in steps of one hour at most, readable by charge points among others. It also requires national frameworks to let small systems, home batteries and electric vehicles take part in markets for congestion management, flexibility and balancing, including through aggregation.
On the supply side, article 11 of the Electricity Market Directive entitles customers with a smart meter to ask for a dynamic price contract from at least one supplier, and from any supplier above 200 000 customers.
Permitting
RED III also touches authorisation procedures: the permitting provisions of the 2018 renewable energy directive (articles 15e and 16 to 16f) had an earlier transposition date, 1 July 2024, than the general deadline of 21 May 2025. How each country has transposed them is not covered here and should be verified with your local authority before you plan a timeline.
Grids are being reinforced
As reported by pv magazine from an ACER report, investment by distribution network operators rose by 51 % between 2021 and 2024, and is projected to reach a higher level by 2027. Reinforcement is under way, but it moves at the pace of each network.
What to do this week
GFO Omni is a CSMS (OCPP 1.6 / 2.0.1 / 2.1) that supervises charge points and their power settings.