New Decree-Law Overhauls Electric Mobility in Portugal, Mandates Ad-Hoc Payments and Decentralizes Network
The Portuguese government has officially published a new decree-law that will fundamentally restructure the country's electric mobility framework, with the new rules set to be implemented by January 2027. The legislation, which appeared in this Thursday's Diário da República, is designed to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by simplifying access to charging points, promoting competition among operators, and ensuring a more effective distribution of infrastructure nationwide.
A central pillar of the new law is the mandate for all publicly accessible charging points to offer an 'ad-hoc' payment option. This reform addresses a long-standing point of friction for EV users, as it will allow for one-time charging sessions without requiring a pre-existing contract with a specific service provider. Payments will be possible through universally accessible methods, such as QR codes or standard bank cards, a system intended to benefit both residents and international visitors. The government's stated objective is to guarantee universal access and streamline the user experience across the entire charging network.
The decree-law also introduces significant changes to the market structure, most notably the elimination of the 'Comercializador de Eletricidade para a Mobilidade Elétrica' (CEME), a specialized electricity retailer. From 2027, charging point operators will procure energy directly from the electricity market. This change is expected to increase competition and allows for direct integration with self-consumption renewable energy sources, creating new opportunities for properties with solar installations to power their charging stations. The legislation also provides for the creation of certificates to quantify and reward the use of renewable energy, benefiting operators who invest in green power.
In a statement on the matter, a representative from the Ministry of Environment and Energy explained the rationale behind the changes. "Our goal is to remove the existing complexities in the system. By allowing direct market access for energy procurement and decentralizing the network, we are fostering a more dynamic and competitive environment. This will not only lead to better services and potentially lower prices for consumers but also encourages innovation among service providers."
Another critical aspect of the reform is the end of the centralized management model currently overseen by Mobi.E, the public entity managing the network. The new law will permit private operators to establish and run their own independent networks of charging points, no longer requiring a mandatory connection to a single common system. This is anticipated to spur a faster rollout of infrastructure as companies will have more autonomy to invest and expand based on market demand. The law also ensures that these networks can interconnect with international systems through electronic roaming, facilitating cross-border travel for EV drivers.
The transition period until January 2027 provides time for current operators and stakeholders to adapt to the new regulatory environment. The changes are seen as a critical step in Portugal's efforts to meet its decarbonization targets and align its EV infrastructure with the more mature markets in Europe. The long-term vision is a fully interoperable, user-friendly, and competitive charging ecosystem that supports the growing number of electric vehicles on Portuguese roads.
Navigate Portuguese property regulations with expert guidance at realestate-lisbon.com.
