Court Blocked Higher EV Charging Fees for Roaming
A new ruling mandates fair pricing for electric vehicle drivers who charge through third-party service providers.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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The Munich I Regional Court has prohibited charging operator EWE Go from charging mobility service providers higher rates than its own direct customers. This non-final ruling enforces anti-discrimination rules under the European Union’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation.
Why it matters
The decision prevents operators from imposing unjustified price surcharges on roaming networks, which often lead to higher costs for drivers using third-party apps. This ensures that EV owners have more consistent, predictable electricity costs when using public charging stations.
EWE Go was ordered to align its roaming rates with its €0.52/kWh app-customer price, down from the previously demanded €0.837/kWh. The court also invalidated a exclusive €0.10/minute blocking fee.
The players
EWE Go
An electric vehicle charging infrastructure operator that manages a network of public charging stations.
Digital Charging Solutions
A mobility service provider that facilitates charging access for electric vehicle drivers across various networks.
Munich I Regional Court
A German judicial body responsible for adjudicating civil and commercial disputes within its jurisdiction.
The details
The court assessed pricing disparities by comparing the wholesale rates demanded from roaming partners against the retail costs for direct app users. Under Article 5 of the EU's AFIR regulation, operators must provide price parity unless they can offer a valid objective justification for surcharges. Because the court found EWE Go's specific surcharges to be unsubstantiated, it ordered damages for losses incurred since April 2024.
Timeline
April 13, 2024: The AFIR regulation came into force across the European Union.
October 6, 2026: The Munich I Regional Court delivered its verdict.
The Home Front
This decision clarifies the enforcement of the European Union's Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation regarding public charging access. It marks a significant shift in how regional charging operators must structure their wholesale pricing models to prevent consumer cost-disparities.
If you frequently use third-party charging apps, track your charging statements for price adjustments that may reflect this ruling. Consider using the manufacturer-specific app of the charger operator if you notice consistent price premiums on your current roaming service.
The takeaway
This ruling highlights the growing regulatory oversight aimed at standardizing public charging costs for all drivers. Keep an eye on your monthly charging expenses to see if operators adjust their roaming fees in compliance with these new court-ordered transparency standards.
Further reading
For more information on the latest market shifts for owners, visit our Electric Vehicles hub.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Electrive.
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