ACM’s recent call leads to increased transparency for consumers regarding charging sessions for electric cars

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has checked whether, on their websites, charging-card providers are transparent in advance about the prices they charge for charging electric vehicles at charging stations. In that context, ACM had previously warned that it would take enforcement action if the sector would not inform consumers better in advance about the prices for charging sessions.

The sector-wide scan revealed that a noticeable improvement has taken place since ACM’s call last fall, urging the sector to be transparent about charging rates. Some of the charging-card providers have moved their price information from their websites to apps. That is why ACM has also checked these apps. In the apps, too, the price information prior to charging sessions has become clearer for consumers. From July 1, 2021, ACM will have enforcement powers with regard to price information regarding charging without charging cards.

From purchasing a charging card to the invoice of the charging session: all costs must be clear to users. Providers of charging stations and charging cards were often not transparent about prices, even though they are required to be so under consumer protection regulations. That is why ACM last fall called on providers to implement the necessary improvements, and also announced that, from December 1, 2020, it would start checking whether providers complied with the rules.

The recently completed scan has revealed that a large share of charging-card providers currently complies with the rules. ACM has established that a limited number of app-providers do not comply with the regulations yet. For example, it is not always clear whether or not the price includes a certain surcharge or transaction fees. ACM has ordered these app-providers to fix this by the end of June 2021. If they fail to do so, ACM can impose sanctions such as a fine or an order subject to periodic penalty payments. In addition, ACM has found that consumers are often not yet able to charge their cars without charging cards, whereas that option should be available according to the regulations.

ACM will continue to keep a close watch on this sector over the next few months, and is calling on consumers to file reports with ACM’s consumer information portal ACM ConsuWijzer (in Dutch) if, before charging their cars, they are not properly informed about the prices they are about to pay.